Our cruise was full of early mornings. We tried very hard to stay on our East Coast schedule so we wouldn't miss any of the sites. Today we would get to sail through Tracy Arm which ends at Sawyer Glacier. We were also very fortunate to have a special invitation to go out on the helipad at 6:30 am for the best possible view.
Southeast of Juneau lies a narrow 30-mile waterway that delivers epic views of the twin Sawyer glaciers. Named after a naval crewman who paddled into the narrow fjord in 1899, the waterway is surrounded by a wilderness of the same name, Tracy Arm-Fjord Terror Wilderness. Its a 30-mile long sheer-walled waterway that combines glaciers, waterfalls, mountains, icebergs, and plenty of wonderful Alaskan wildlife in one unbelievable site.
We were up early and were marveling at the breathtaking scenery outside our balcony before 6:00 am. This morning would be the only time during the trip that we would be cold. We threw on hats and gloves and hurried down to the heliport.
We saw ice almost immediately and I was giddy! Later we would later learn these large chunks of ice, some as big as a small house, aren't ice burgs-they are Brash Ice, Growlers, and Bergy Bits.
The bluer the ice the more dense it is. Glacial ice can be 4 times as dense as the ice we make at home.
The scenery was stunning in every direction. Although the early morning haze dulled the colors a bit. At this point the sun was still behind the mountains.
We were given headphones to listen to a naturalist narrate the journey. She seemed to share more inspiration quotes than knowledge though.
Everyone was bundled up. Blankets were passed around and hot chocolate and coffee were served.
Are you sick of ice picks yet? Notice the seagulls perched on this chunk for perspective.
Next we see the glacier...
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