Glacier Bay National Park
Misty clouds and intermittent sun accompanied our entrance to Glacier Bay National Park as we ambled in early this morning, greeted by many gems along the way in this monumental place of beauty. Ranger Adrianna Cahill hopped on board the Sea Lion and enlightened us with many facts on the uniqueness of this place --one being the fastest moving glacier on earth, retreating sixty-five miles in two hundred and fifty years and continuing on today as we witnessed.
Though I was actively engaged in the “tonic of wellness,” with many connoisseurs of massage appointments, I was able to view most of the highlights along the way. Steller sea lions were in full force on South Marble Island, making their usual groans and poses for the ready cameras and lookers on board. Birders were happy to see a good variety, like tufted puffins, black-legged kittiwakes and a juvenile Bald Eagle, to name a few.
Just before lunch we were given a close up of some handsome goats that inhabit this area, with kids in tow making their way to the water. Skillfully maneuvering with ease, we watched them slowly descend, pristine long haired white coats contrasting sharply with the rugged limestone cliffs. Not to be outdone, brown bears came into view as we were piling up our favorite toppings on ice-cream sundaes following lunch. No one had to move far, as the viewing from the dining room and lounge were perfect to see five bears total, including three cubs right on the shoreline!
As we made our way to our destination point of Margerie Glacier, snow-capped mountains from a record snow-fall this year, the most since the 1940’s, offered up stunning views and chilly crisp air. Bundled up and eyes peeled, along with an adult eagle, we witnessed an impressive calving as we edged towards Margerie, close to the U.S. and Canadian border. While heading out, the Sea Lion gave a peek at Lamplugh Glacier near Johns Hopkins Inlet, followed by a talk from historian Junius Rochester on the purchase of Alaska from Russia, and the influence of Russia even today as evidenced by the Russian Orthodox church and many natives with Russian names.
Happy faces filled the aft deck chairs as the sun, not to be outdone by the clouds, made a strong appearance late afternoon. Basking in her warmth, we have the memories of this day now forever, and hold this wild place of beauty to remain so-- forever, as well!
Misty clouds and intermittent sun accompanied our entrance to Glacier Bay National Park as we ambled in early this morning, greeted by many gems along the way in this monumental place of beauty. Ranger Adrianna Cahill hopped on board the Sea Lion and enlightened us with many facts on the uniqueness of this place --one being the fastest moving glacier on earth, retreating sixty-five miles in two hundred and fifty years and continuing on today as we witnessed.
Though I was actively engaged in the “tonic of wellness,” with many connoisseurs of massage appointments, I was able to view most of the highlights along the way. Steller sea lions were in full force on South Marble Island, making their usual groans and poses for the ready cameras and lookers on board. Birders were happy to see a good variety, like tufted puffins, black-legged kittiwakes and a juvenile Bald Eagle, to name a few.
Just before lunch we were given a close up of some handsome goats that inhabit this area, with kids in tow making their way to the water. Skillfully maneuvering with ease, we watched them slowly descend, pristine long haired white coats contrasting sharply with the rugged limestone cliffs. Not to be outdone, brown bears came into view as we were piling up our favorite toppings on ice-cream sundaes following lunch. No one had to move far, as the viewing from the dining room and lounge were perfect to see five bears total, including three cubs right on the shoreline!
As we made our way to our destination point of Margerie Glacier, snow-capped mountains from a record snow-fall this year, the most since the 1940’s, offered up stunning views and chilly crisp air. Bundled up and eyes peeled, along with an adult eagle, we witnessed an impressive calving as we edged towards Margerie, close to the U.S. and Canadian border. While heading out, the Sea Lion gave a peek at Lamplugh Glacier near Johns Hopkins Inlet, followed by a talk from historian Junius Rochester on the purchase of Alaska from Russia, and the influence of Russia even today as evidenced by the Russian Orthodox church and many natives with Russian names.
Happy faces filled the aft deck chairs as the sun, not to be outdone by the clouds, made a strong appearance late afternoon. Basking in her warmth, we have the memories of this day now forever, and hold this wild place of beauty to remain so-- forever, as well!
