Glacier Bay National Park
Early this morning, we arrived dockside at Bartlett Cove in Glacier Bay National Park. National Park Service ranger Lynda Lancaster boarded our vessel to provide interpretation during our day of adventure within the more than three million acre park and preserve. Due to the strict limits on the number of vessels permitted to enter Glacier Bay on any given day, we would see very few other ships on our journey. These regulations help to maintain the sense of expansiveness and wilderness within the park and also serve to protect wildlife.
The mountains and islands were draped in fog this morning, lending a mystical feeling to the landscape. As we carefully navigated through the bay, the fog began to lift, and we were able to see a dozen mountain goats, including a nanny and her kid precariously making their way up the slanted rock face. The Tlingit people used the wool of these nimble animals to weave intricate Chilkat blankets because it is very durable yet fine and soft.
Throughout the afternoon, we pushed against the strong tides stopping to visit four of the glaciers found in the upper bay. The sheer enormity of these natural wonders was enough to impress any viewer. Margerie Glacier rewarded us for braving the elements by calving large bergs into the water several times as we watched expectantly in the rain.
Later in the day, we approached South Marble Island. When the chorus of sea lions could be heard from the bow of the Sea Bird, we knew we were close. Throngs of Steller sea lions swam around the island while others argued loudly for space on rocks. Birds perched, paddled and soared around the island, including everyone’s favorite, the tufted puffin.
A few miles to the south near Boulder Island, we spotted a large raft of sea otters engaged in eating, preening and playful banter. Sea Otters were uncommon in Glacier Bay until recently, having been excluded from the bay by lack of appropriate habitat related to the presence of glacial ice.
White fog, white goats and white ice all were part of the humbling beauty of Glacier Bay National Park.
Early this morning, we arrived dockside at Bartlett Cove in Glacier Bay National Park. National Park Service ranger Lynda Lancaster boarded our vessel to provide interpretation during our day of adventure within the more than three million acre park and preserve. Due to the strict limits on the number of vessels permitted to enter Glacier Bay on any given day, we would see very few other ships on our journey. These regulations help to maintain the sense of expansiveness and wilderness within the park and also serve to protect wildlife.
The mountains and islands were draped in fog this morning, lending a mystical feeling to the landscape. As we carefully navigated through the bay, the fog began to lift, and we were able to see a dozen mountain goats, including a nanny and her kid precariously making their way up the slanted rock face. The Tlingit people used the wool of these nimble animals to weave intricate Chilkat blankets because it is very durable yet fine and soft.
Throughout the afternoon, we pushed against the strong tides stopping to visit four of the glaciers found in the upper bay. The sheer enormity of these natural wonders was enough to impress any viewer. Margerie Glacier rewarded us for braving the elements by calving large bergs into the water several times as we watched expectantly in the rain.
Later in the day, we approached South Marble Island. When the chorus of sea lions could be heard from the bow of the Sea Bird, we knew we were close. Throngs of Steller sea lions swam around the island while others argued loudly for space on rocks. Birds perched, paddled and soared around the island, including everyone’s favorite, the tufted puffin.
A few miles to the south near Boulder Island, we spotted a large raft of sea otters engaged in eating, preening and playful banter. Sea Otters were uncommon in Glacier Bay until recently, having been excluded from the bay by lack of appropriate habitat related to the presence of glacial ice.
White fog, white goats and white ice all were part of the humbling beauty of Glacier Bay National Park.
