After a stunning performance of the Aurora Borealis in the middle of the night, everyone started the day a bit more sleepily than normal—it was worth it! We awoke to beautiful scenery inside of Tracy Arm, a 30-mile-long fjord adjacent to Stephen’s passage. We saw the icebergs getting more abundant and knew that we must be getting closer to South Sawyer Glacier. The icebergs filled the fjord, so we lowered and loaded the expedition landing craft so we could more easily navigate around the ice.
Some of the icebergs were very large and dwarfed National Geographic Sea Bird. The sky was overcast, which made the blue hues of the ice more prominent-a perfect photo opportunity. The rain held, and the calm, crisp air created a pleasant environment for morning cruises amongst the ice. Out in the distance, the guests spotted an expedition landing craft headed towards them—the cocoa boat! Who wouldn’t want to spend the morning drinking hot cocoa with whipped cream in front of a beautiful 250ft high glacier? Harbor porpoises, harbor seals, and mountain goats were spotted, adding to the majesty of the fjord. Everyone boarded the ship a little chilly, but buzzing with excitement!
After a warm and delicious lunch, we adventured on to William’s Cove. Today was the first opportunity of the expedition to kayak. The glassy sea and a pouring waterfall made the afternoon on the water peaceful and enjoyable. For those wanting to stay on land, hikes were offered in the temperate rain forest. The National Geographic photographers led a photography walk and gave helpful tips about macro photography.
Before having an early night, we all enjoyed some unique aerial footage from the day. What new adventures will tomorrow hold?
