Tracy Arm, Williams Cove, 5/10/2022, National Geographic Venture
Aboard the
National Geographic Venture
Alaska
Before breakfast this morning, National Geographic Venture crossed "the bar," the shallow terminal moraine at the entrance of Tracy Arm. Farther up the fjord, bergy bits and growlers became much more numerous. When the ice became too thick for our ship to navigate safely, we boarded Zodiacs to cruise among the myriad of beautiful pieces of floating ice. In the afternoon, we stretched our legs in the forest at Williams Cove.
Berit grew up on the rocky shores of Marblehead, Massachusetts, where she explored the marine environment through changing tides and seasons, nurturing a love of natural history and marine biology.
We began the day cruising into the breathtaking Tracy Arm Fjord surrounded by towering cliffs of rock and beautiful waterfalls. After breakfast, guests set out on two thrilling rounds of Zodiac tours, zipping through a maze of icebergs in all shapes and shades of blue—some small and delicate, others massive and glowing deep blue. After a warming lunch, the bravest among us took the plunge—literally— into the icy fjord waters. Laughter, cheers, and wide-eyed shouts echoed across the deck as guests leapt in and emerged exhilarated. In the afternoon, we made our way back out of Tracy Arm, and just when we thought the day couldn't get better, humpback whales appeared. We were treated to an incredible display of fluking dives and dramatic pectoral slaps, a powerful and graceful end to an unforgettable day in Alaska.
After exploring the remote reaches and quiet majesty of Misty Fjords National Monument yesterday, today offered a shift in rhythm with a full day of adventure in the charming fishing town of Petersburg. Located on Mitkof Island and known for its strong Norwegian heritage, Petersburg is framed by forested mountains and intricate tidal sloughs that teem with wildlife. Guests had a variety of ways to experience the island’s vibrant mix of culture and nature. Some opted for a scenic guided bike tour through quiet backroads and coastal paths, stopping for sweeping views of Frederick Sound and learning about the community’s fishing traditions. Others chose from several beautiful hikes, including a boardwalk trail through muskeg wetlands and a deeper trek into the lush Tongass National Forest. Those craving a slower pace enjoyed unstructured time to stroll through the harborside town, visiting local shops, a bookstore, and museums, or simply soaking up the friendly, lived-in feel of this working waterfront. Bald eagles soared overhead, harbor seals bobbed just offshore, and Sitka black-tailed deer made a few surprise appearances. Back aboard National Geographic Venture , we capped the day with a crab feast and an engaging talk by Naturalist Liz Czok on glaciers.
While tucking away from a coastal storm in the shelter of Short Bay, guests onboard National Geographic Venture enjoyed a day of bushwhacking and cruising the fjords by Zodiac. An intrepid group of hikers even crossed a thigh deep river to continue hiking the beautiful forests surrounding Misty Fjords. We were delighted to see all the flowers beginning to bloom and multiple signs that bears were in the area, including scratch marks on trees and fur left on scratching posts.
