Page 12 - Explore Magazine Summer 2018

10 And when I got up at 6am waterfall with water cascading just in front of Glacier Bay is the main attraction in this area
and our expectations were high. It’s fair to say
us. Seals congregate close to the glacier for
and looked out the window protection from killer whales and the female that the experience exceeded them. There are
I was rewarded with the seals climb onto an iceberg to give birth and eight tidewater glaciers (glaciers that flow all
keep their pups safe. Lots of Arctic terns nest
the way down to the ocean) in the bay and we
sight of a humpback whale on the gigantic cliffs and harbour seals duck were transported ashore to trek to the base of
breaching out of the water. and dive. Although it was May (spring) we still Reid Glacier. On the way we saw bear tracks
followed by several wolf tracks. A National
needed layers of clothing and wet weather gear
but the further we got away from the glacier the Park Ranger and a cultural heritage guide met
Our next stop was Petersburg, a town founded warmer we became. us when we entered the bay and both regaled
by Norwegian fisherman in the 19th century us with stories about the bay and how it was
and some of the boats here have to be seen The following day we cruised through Stephens formed. Once again, being in a small ship meant
to be believed. They are deep-hulled, strong Passage towards Juneau and saw a large cruise we could go really close to the glacier before
solid boats capable of forging through heavy ship in the distance, the first we had seen. taking the inflatables to shore. Everywhere we
seas. Here we were able to take a hike through We came to a stop to watch five humpback looked there are mountains covered in snow, ice
muskeg land (bog in other words) and forest whales swim by, some diving and showing floes floating past, birds fishing and sea otters
until we came to a tidal river. Sadly for us there off their flukes. Dinner was ashore at Alaska wallowing on their backs. If we thought that
were no bears to be seen but Sitka deer were Dream’s own island lodge and what a dinner! was amazing it was surpassed the next day by
in the town area. The next day we saw the first Barbecued coho (silver salmon) was served our visit to the Margerie Glacier in Tarr Bay right
of the glaciers. A long cruise up Tracy Arm fiord along with the real reason for dining here – on the U.S.-Canadian border. Eating breakfast
70km north of Petersburg brought us first to the king crab. Delicious. An outside campfire with while stopped in front of this magnificent blue
twin North and South Sawyer Glaciers. Words views of snow-covered mountains finished off a glacier was a surreal experience, especially as it
don’t do justice to the sight of a glacier calving wonderful day. calved huge chunks of ice every few minutes.
right in front of you. Blocks of bluer-than-blue
ice broken off the front of the glacier floated by Words don’t do justice As we cruised back to Juneau and the end of our
as we manoeuvred our way forward. Next we to the sight of a glacier cruise we slowed to pass an island covered in
got into rubber inflatables to get even closer. sea birds including tufted puffins, and dozens of
calving chunks of ice right sea lions waiting to give birth to this year’s pups.
En route back from the glaciers the captain Up close and personal? You bet!
nosed the ship right up to and into a large in front of you.

HELLOWORLD : EXPLORE : SUMMER EDITION