Tracy Arm, Ford’s Terror Wilderness
This morning there was a new reward for those early risers – a group of dall’s porpoises was seen in the distance. Before breakfast, we crossed the bar that marks the terminal moraine of the ice-age Sawyer Glacier. Slowly making our way up into one of the most beautiful fjords in America, “Tracy Arm.” The Sea Lion maneuvered through numerous icebergs that come from the faces of the Sawyer and South Sawyer Glaciers. Glacial horns, cirques, U shaped valleys, and hanging valleys surround us and provide evidence of the erosive power and strength of moving ice. Its incredible beauty had us all in awe, the sun in moments lighted up the icebergs, glaciers and reflected on the well polished rocks.
Through the thick ice, we were able to make it very close to the face of Sawyer glacier, to admire the sapphire blue ice towers over 200 feet above the ship. “White thunder” was heard, but not too much calving. Scanning along the steep walls and waterfalls, someone spotted a mountain goat, very well camouflaged around the rocks and snow patches. Between the icebergs, curious, playful rounded faces poked out of the water, looking like bowling balls, cute harbor seals. Several arctic terns were seen flying and feeding on small fish within the fjord. These amazing birds travel thousands of miles from pole to pole, and feast on the bounty provided by the extraordinarily rich waters of southeast Alaska.
After lunch many of us enjoyed a chilly but scenic Zodiac cruise of the fjord or opted for a kayak paddle amid the blue ice and vertical walls of Tracy Arm. Some others chose to relax and enjoy the afternoon on the Sea Lion, but for sure we all soaked up the beauty and serenity of this truly magical place.
This morning there was a new reward for those early risers – a group of dall’s porpoises was seen in the distance. Before breakfast, we crossed the bar that marks the terminal moraine of the ice-age Sawyer Glacier. Slowly making our way up into one of the most beautiful fjords in America, “Tracy Arm.” The Sea Lion maneuvered through numerous icebergs that come from the faces of the Sawyer and South Sawyer Glaciers. Glacial horns, cirques, U shaped valleys, and hanging valleys surround us and provide evidence of the erosive power and strength of moving ice. Its incredible beauty had us all in awe, the sun in moments lighted up the icebergs, glaciers and reflected on the well polished rocks.
Through the thick ice, we were able to make it very close to the face of Sawyer glacier, to admire the sapphire blue ice towers over 200 feet above the ship. “White thunder” was heard, but not too much calving. Scanning along the steep walls and waterfalls, someone spotted a mountain goat, very well camouflaged around the rocks and snow patches. Between the icebergs, curious, playful rounded faces poked out of the water, looking like bowling balls, cute harbor seals. Several arctic terns were seen flying and feeding on small fish within the fjord. These amazing birds travel thousands of miles from pole to pole, and feast on the bounty provided by the extraordinarily rich waters of southeast Alaska.
After lunch many of us enjoyed a chilly but scenic Zodiac cruise of the fjord or opted for a kayak paddle amid the blue ice and vertical walls of Tracy Arm. Some others chose to relax and enjoy the afternoon on the Sea Lion, but for sure we all soaked up the beauty and serenity of this truly magical place.
