The guests aboard National Geographic Sea Bird awoke with excitement on the morning of Thursday, June 19th. The wildlife did not ease off for the last day of this trip – a pod of Orca whales were just off the bow! The family followed us and wished us a good morning, and then we broke off to make our way to Endicott Arm. Upon closer examination of the dorsal fins of these individuals, the expedition staff found that one animal was an older male, at least 55 years of age.
After a morning chock-full of wildlife adventures, the ship repositioned to Endicott Arm for a close up and personal look at Dawe’s Glacier. This piece of historical ice is retreating, resulting in massive and dramatic calving. Expedition landing crafts full of anxious guests meticulously navigated through the ice, being careful to not disturb harbor seals napping on their haul-outs. With time and patience, they reached the glacier’s face. The expedition staff told tales of ice breaking off and carefully watched the face of the ice, and then it happened. The glacier slowly dribbled a few chunks of ice off the left side and suddenly released a massive chunk, crashing down into the waiting sea and exuding a fantastic sound, loud and fresh.
For the afternoon operations National Geographic Sea Bird motored around the corner to Fords Terror, a national treasure which John Muir dubbed “Yosemite Bay.” This exquisite and steep walled fjord was nothing but striking, showing off walls which mimicked Yosemite and offering waterfalls with beauty unmatched. The children on the expedition went out with 2nd Mate Gus for an expedition landing craft training trip, which resulted in laughter filling the sky.
As afternoon drew to a close the ship loaded back up and the guests prepared for the inevitable: departure from the beautiful time they had in Alaska, leaving this wilderness paradise they’ve all grown to love. The week on the Alaskan waters, surrounded by wildlife and natural solitude will not be forgotten by any.
