It is right that we are here in this time, on the 100 year anniversary of the National Park’s inaugural season. The day could not have been better. With slight clouds overhead, we were treated to perfect light conditions for photography and glacial viewing. Our first destination brought us to South Marble Island, a small bit of rock touted for its density of birds. Even as we approached, binoculars were held high in anticipation of promised puffins. In our approach, we spotted the expected tufted puffin in great densities, but it was the rarer horned puffin, interspersed, that was the treat of the morning. Adding to the melee were a horde of Steller sea lions hauled out upon the rocks with the Fairweather mountain range framing their bulk in the background.
Our next stop was Gloomy Knob, aptly named for its heft of dark rock upon which mountain goats did perch, protected by the sheer cliffs, which only they are fit to stand upon. Though it was clear that did not dissuade the brown bears from attempting to make a meal out of the unsuspecting. High upon the cliff, we encountered an anomaly, a sow with three cubs. This is a bit unheard of, as brown bear normally struggle to support even two cubs, but it seemed that luck was with them as all three of the young were spry and of similar size.
Reaching our most northerly destination after lunch, we came upon the Margerie Glacier. As far north as you can reach in the park, a well-traveled 60 miles from the entrance, the blue ice struck out for our eyes to see. One of the few glaciers left in Alaska that is still pronouncing forward, we witnessed its grandeur from as close as a maritime vessel dares to get. As the mountains peeked out from the cloud cover, we waited with great anticipation for the ice to fall, and as per usual, it did not disappoint. Perhaps the most special moment was when our expedition leader called for ten minutes of silence, allowing an enduring moment to open our ears and experience every crack and crevice to the fullest of our sensory ability. The evening held a sunset walk at Bartlett Cove, dropping off the Park Ranger and the Tlinget interpreter who taught us so much throughout the day.
