It was a cloudless day over the protected marine waters and snowy land of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. This was unusual weather for Southeast Alaska, but it was enjoyable. Our first stop was South Marble Island where we saw Steller’s sea lions, tufted puffins, common murres, and floating sea otters. Farther up the eastern side, we slipped into the still, reflective waters of Tidal Inlet. Looking down on us were no less than a dozen mountain goats, scattered and perched on the cliffs. Gloomy Knob gave us more views of sea lions and goats as we cruised up to Margerie Glacier. This is one of the last tidewater glaciers, or a river of ice that flows and calves into the sea. The floating ice is critical for harbor seals who use it for protection from predators. We ended the day with a hike at Bartlett Cove, park headquarters.
4/24/2024
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Old Massett, Haida Gwaii
Back to Daajing Giids! After an incredible day in SGang Gwaay visiting an ancestral village with still-standing historic totem poles, our Haida hosts thought it appropriate to bring us to Old Massett – and what a joy it was! This remarkable township is home to two master carvers responsible for sharing their culture far and wide. Jim Hart showed us his home studio where we got to meet his mother and his son. Together, Jim and his son shared the stories of the three totem poles outside of their home, each with a unique story regarding close family members. Another master carver some 5 minutes down the road, Christian White, beckoned us into his carving shed where he and his apprentices were actively shaping a canoe out of red cedar. Christian and Jim honor their ancestors’ legacies by training young Haida as carvers, each having several apprentices. In both workshops, the smell of newly carved cedar brought a sense of purpose and hard work; wood shavings danced in the air like the Haida dancers would just after lunch today. It was another wonderful day of sharing, dancing, singing, and laughing.