Glacier Bay NP, Alaska
Icy Straits, Day 2
Our expectations were set pretty high after the first day of our trip started out with quite a big bang - sighting the sperm whale and viewing the gorgeous landscape in every direction. On Day 2, we were not disappointed! As we traveled through the Icy Straits, the sights, sounds, and smells of the inspiring landscape continued to impress. Nature certainly put on a show for us. We hardly saw another person or boat during our entire trip. But, I’m getting ahead of myself.
Amazing Landscapes in Every Direction
Those of you who know me, know that I am most definitely a morning person. So, early rising on the David B was a pleasure. Christine (our co-captain, chef, and source of great knowledge) was the only other person up before me, getting muffins, coffee, and breakfast started. Upon rising, I grabbed my camera, my cup of coffee and headed to the upper deck to enjoy the morning as it unfolded. Just me, my coffee, camera, and the most beautiful, scenic landscape imaginable all to myself. There were usually a few birds hunting and communicating with each other, and occasionally another boat in sight that had anchored for the night as well.
Day 2 - Shortly after sunrise, 5:15 am
Sunrise Views
Early morning views from the upper deck
Every morning around 6:30 am, Christine served freshly baked muffins as a little snack to go with our coffee or tea. Breakfast (always amazing!) was served around 8:30. Jeffrey, our captain, got us moving to our next location while we all enjoyed whatever was served, and kept watch for nature’s treasures - animals and beautiful landscape opportunities to photograph. Birds, sea otters, and whales were a daily occurrence.
Jeffrey and Christine were vigilant about complying with the guidelines of keeping a safe, comfortable distance from the wildlife so as not to disturb their natural behaviors. This is something I really appreciated. Nature first. Leave no trace.
Humpback Whale Pod
On this morning we were treated to a most amazing sight! A pod of humpback whales swimming along the shore of the cove. And, not just swimming. They were hunting and feeding. In fact, they were bubble-net feeding. I’m not sure how many were in the pod. The best count I got was seven, but I believe there were probably more. Flukes and spouts seemed to appear and disappear continuously. It was incredible to observe them working together to capture their food as they moved systematically just off shore in the cove.
What an amazing sight to begin our morning!
We met more wildlife and gorgeous scenery as we made our way to Marble Island. Sea otters and gulls kept our attention until there were other spectacles of nature, wildlife, and landscapes to be seen.
Seals, more gulls, and puffins all seem to take up residence on Marble Island. I was told that the seals on the island were all males. Young ones too young to mate and old ones too old for the same reason. They seemed incredibly mellow.
Puffins!
Puffin Hangout
Puffins just floating about
Puffin Take-Off
After such an amazing day, we anchored at South Sandy Cove for the night, took the skiff across the cove to photograph the beautiful landscape and peaceful cove. that’s the David B in the distance.
David B anchored at South Sandy Cove
Long Exposure of South Sandy Cove
After a beautiful photo shoot, it was time to head back to the David B for a most delicious supper freshly made by Christine. Did I mention that she made fresh sour dough bread twice a day every day of our trip? Lunch and dinner. She did, and it was amazing!
Landscape Photographer’s Dream
What an unbelievable day! I took over 500 photos of landscapes and wildlife on this second day, and around 2600 for the trip. So you are seeing just a few of the highlights. There is so much more of the story to tell, so I hope you’ll look for and read my next blog post about my Glacier Bay NP, Alaska trip. Don’t miss another blog by signing up to be notified through the link below: Subscribe to Blog.
To learn about Day 1 of my Glacier Bay trip, go to Glacier Bay, Alaska, Landscapes and Wildlife
The David B keeps on movin’ right along.
Here’s a little glimpse of what it was like to stand at the stern of the upper deck as we traveled. That old 1929 diesel engine never missed a beat.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Use the Search option below.
* * * * * * *
As a published, featured northern California fine art photographer living in the greater Sacramento area, I specialize in fine art landscape and still life photography. My style is authentic, fresh and personality-driven. I offer several educational opportunities. You can learn about them by going to SERVICES. While currently living in rural northern California with my husband and a couple thousand walnut trees, I post regularly to Instagram.
Please CONTACT ME with any questions or to schedule your learning session.
Serving Yuba City/Marysville, East Nicolaus, Wheatland, Lincoln, Woodland, Davis, Roseville, Rocklin, and the greater Sacramento area.
(530) 633-7575
