Beginning with a shore visit at the classic launching point, Bartlett Cove, National Geographic Venture spent today exploring the epic scenery of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. The epic fjord system was carved by a rapidly advancing glacier in the traditional home of the Hoona Tlingit people. When the first European explorers reached the area, the glacier was at its maximum, extending all the way into Icy Strait. Two hundred years later, the ice has retreated over sixty miles and left in its place an immense body of water, home to a massive diversity and abundance of animal and plant life.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 24 Jul 2023
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, 7/24/2023, National Geographic Venture
- Aboard the National Geographic Venture
- Alaska
James Hyde, Undersea Specialist
Pacific Northwest born James Hyde grew up immersed in the Salish Sea, on Vashon Island with Seattle as his backdrop. A passionate traveler from a young age, James explored four continents before finishing his degree at Western Washington University's...
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We spent the morning cruising through Glacier Bay’s west arm on a drizzly day, approaching Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers. The tall sides of the U-shaped valley tell the history of ice movement through the park. The rain and low hanging wisps of fog gave an ethereal mood to the morning. We watched for harbor seals, sea birds, and otters swimming in the water as we saw ice calving off the face of Margerie. We saw mountain goat nanny and kid pairs on Gloomy Knob, followed by puffins and Steller sea lions at South Marble Island. We ended the evening with walks at Bartlett Cove. It was another gorgeous day in Southeast Alaska.
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