Thursday we headed for Glacier Bay Nat’l Park during breakfast and arrived at 9:00 a.m in Bartlett Cove. We had 3 hours to hike, wander, check out the seashore or lodge before our park ranger would come on board for the rest of our cruise. Don and I opted for a leisurely 1-mile guided hike which was fabulous. We learned a lot about native “lore” and plants and birds and the scenery was stunning. The overhead light really highlighted the plants and trees in this massive temperate rainforest. Tobin and his 12 year old son, who were at the front of their 4 mile bush whack, group saw a black bear with her 2 cubs from about 250 feet. Can’t wait to see those pictures. Tobin said he was so nervous he was afraid he didn't hold the camera very still.
After lunch we headed north again deep into Glacier Bay towards Margine Glacier very close to the Canadian Border. Unbelievably warm weather (about 75 by 3 p.m.) encouraged passengers to slip into shorts and t-shirts for the 68 mile ride. Prior to reaching South Marble Island where many birds, including those darling Puffins and massive Stellar Seal Lions hung out, our personal park ranger gave us a quick bird identification presentation. Of course we saw many sea otters and more whales today. I think all the animals are also out enjoying this beautiful clear weather. The crew won't even say the word rain as they have never seen so many days without a drop of rain. YIPPEE
Most ships are only allowed to be in Glacier Bay for 6 hours...zipping up to the glaciers and then back out. We get to stay 3 days...so you’ll hear more this stunning place in the next 2 days. We Stayed at Russell Island after we took a look at Margiene Glacier. We also saw lots of sheep and whales, birds sea otters, etc. Mt Fairweather 15,300 67 miles away is the highest point in Glacier Bay. What a DAY!!!
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| The green "boat" on the map is where we are located. At any time we could check the closed circuit TV in our room to see where we were and where we were going. Loved it...you know me, the map girl!!! |
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| A small sport fishing passes us by. |
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| Today we marked another NP off of our bucket list. |
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| A beautiful temperate rainforest hike. |
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| Everything is lush and green. One of the most unique hike's I've taken. |
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| Devils Club about 12 feet high, reaching for the sun. |
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| Things grow on other things all over the place. |
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| Our Guide - Ellie did a fabulous job. |
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| How's this for beautiful sunlight. |
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| A small pond |
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| embellished with water lilies. |
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| A green mossy carpet covered everything. |
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| Golden Eye (a pair) also enjoyed the sunny day. |
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| These moss covered branches are referred to as "bear clubs". |
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| A tree blaze carved by a contemporary Tlingit artist. |
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| Love that light play... |
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| Inside the dining room I found these "totem" paintings. |
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| Mount Fairweather 15,300' |
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| I only saw 2 of these beautiful chocolate lilies... |
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| But 4' lupine were very common. |
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| Just loved the lines and shades of blue as we headed for Margine Glacier |
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| More Stellar sea lions...all males reside on an "outcast" island after they can no longer mate. |
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| Every evening we sign up for the next days activities & they post a reminder list for us the next morning... |
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| The terrain changes and we are in Mountain Goat territory. |
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| Mom |
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| Mom takes a rest while kid checks out the "trail" ahead. |
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| Just to beautiful not to take a photo. |
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| Margine Glacier |
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| Don and Nancy pose.. |
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| Today's route. |
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