The flow at the entrance of Tracy Arm was so strong that it pulled the channel entrance buoy underwater at the spot where the submerged terminal moraine blocks most of the entrance from navigation. Foggy mist lifted a bit at a time to reveal a sunny day. Massive vertical walls line the narrow fjord. U-shaped valleys and other features are testament to past glaciation. Crystal-filled cracks created spider web patterns in the metamorphosed bedrock near the tidewater glaciers at the head of the tortuous arm. The local geology shows an extremely wide diversity of rocks. The range of rock composition and landforms never seems to stop. Of course, the plants of the area are affected dramatically by the soil types. The plant species dictate the types of wildlife using the area. The linkage between rocks and soils, plants and animals is inseparable. The crystal clear blue ice on the South Sawyer and Sawyer Glaciers received lots of oooooos and aaaahhhhhhhs. Cameras clicked at every close look at harbor seals and their pups. A few people even attempted to take pictures of Arctic terns in flight.
In the afternoon the Sea Lion guests had opportunities in Williams Cove for hiking, kayaking and a Zodiac tour. Kayakers got close looks at seals, harlequin ducks, white-winged scoters, goldeneyes, a waterfall and icebergs. Hikers discovered wolf and bear scat along the trail in the forest. Early wildflowers were in their prime, adding splashes of red, white, yellow and chocolate-color to the meadows. It was a good time to reflect on the experiences of our voyage through Southeast Alaska during the past week.
