The “crown jewel of the Park Service” is a fitting title for Glacier Bay National Park. With blue skies above and Marjorie Glacier in front of us, we started our day of exploration. Brown bears roamed the shorelines, mountain goats did convincing imitations of laundry piles. A group of Steller sea lions seemed to take exception to our attentions towards the goats on Gloomy Knob and photo-bombed them. Onward to Geike Inlet where a sleepy brown bear reclined in a snowbank, and five wolves traipsed up a snow slope, and a moose reclined down the inlet in the same style as our prior bear. Onward to South Marble Island with the boisterous and odiferous Steller sea lions draped about the shoreline rocks. Staccato squawks of kittiwakes and other gulls filled the air as a pair of bald eagles sporadically took flight, upsetting the avian residents of the island. A stroll around the park headquarters at Bartlett Cove amongst bird song and golden light put the finishing touch on our day in a gem of a national park.
9/18/2024
Read
National Geographic Sea Lion
Queen Charlotte City, Haida Gwaii
Yesterday was a delightful day spent exploring the rich culture and natural beauty of Haida Gwaii! We began our adventure at the Heritage Center in Queen Charlotte City, where we immersed ourselves in the fascinating history and artistry of the Haida people. The vibrant exhibits and stories brought the local culture to life, setting a perfect tone for our day. Afterward, we hiked the stunning Spirit Lake Trail with our knowledgeable guide, Linda. Her enthusiasm was infectious as she shared captivating tales about the local flora and fauna. We learned how the Haida utilize various plants for traditional medicine, including the licorice root for soothing sore throats. The lush temperate rainforest enveloped us, with towering red cedars and vibrant ferns creating a serene backdrop for our hike. As we reached Spirit Lake, the tranquility of the water mirrored the peacefulness of the surroundings, making it a perfect spot for reflection. The day concluded with laughter and camaraderie as we enjoyed a hearty meal together. With Linda's stories echoing in our minds, we left feeling enriched by both knowledge and experience, eager for our next adventure!