National Geographic Sea Bird crosses the terminal moraine in Holkham Bay amidst Arctic terns early this morning. Sculpted glacial ice of various sizes, shapes, and hues thicken as we enter and proceed up Endicott Arm. We explore the last part of the arm by Zodiac to gain spectacular views of the Dawes Glacier, one of the few remaining tidewater glaciers in Southeast Alaska. We kayak away the afternoon in Seven Mile Cove, absorbing the grandeur of the surrounding landscape. It is the final feather in our caps as our trip and time together come to a close.
5/12/2025
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Haines, Alaska
The fastidious crew of National Geographic Sea Lion tied off their dock lines in beautiful Haines, Alaska, at 0700. Surrounded by snowcapped peaks, Haines offered a postcard-perfect welcome. Guests had their pick of daily adventures, from scenic bike tours to immersive hikes into the surrounding wilderness. Eager to make the most of the day, we fueled up with breakfast and set off for Mount Riley by 0800. The 5.6-mile out-and-back trail challenged us with a 1,500-foot elevation gain, but each step brought greater reward. Along the way, we spotted Devil’s Matchstick lichen—an iconic burst of black atop slender stalks, resembling burnt match sticks. As we climbed higher, breathtaking views of the Chilkat Mountains and Lynn Canal revealed themselves. At the summit, we paused to take in the sweeping vistas, humbled by the scale and silence of Alaska’s wild spaces. It was a moment of shared awe and camaraderie, the kind that forges lasting connections. Afterward, returning to the charming town of Haines felt like re-entering a quiet storybook. This blend of rugged adventure and small-town warmth made the day truly extraordinary.
