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This popular sea
kayaking adventure combines two hallmarks of Southeast Alaska's Inside
Passage: the whale feeding grounds of Pt. Adolphus on the verdant coast of
the Tongass National Forest, and dramatic, scenic tidewater glaciers of
Glacier Bay National Park.
Point Adolphus, on forested Chichagof
Island, is famous for its coastal marine life. Ocean currents meet the
jutting shoreline and an underwater glacial moraine left centuries ago by
the receding glaciers of Glacier Bay, creating an upwelling current that
brings settled nutrients up from the ocean floor. This is the basis for a
productive food web which includes fish, sea birds, and a variety of
marine mammals. We expect to view harbor seals, sea lions, otters and
humpback whales as we paddle quietly along the shoreline. Occasionally
orca swim through the area. Nights are spent in tents on the verdant
forest floor where we are often awoken by the sound of whales off shore.
After a comfy night in our Gustavus inn,
we head to spectacular Glacier Bay National Park and travel back in
geologic time to an age when ice fields and glaciers covered much of North
America. We will witness the rebirth of a new land as retreating ice and
calving glaciers make way for new plant and animal life. Glacier Bay is
best seen from a quiet non-obtrusive sea kayak. Our paddling will be mixed
with short hikes on shore. The views are unbelievable and we also hope to
see a variety of wildlife. The itinerary is relaxed enough to allow ample
time for viewing the wildlife and scenery, hiking, relaxing, and beach
combing. Begins and ends in Gustavus.
Day 1 - We will pick you up from
the Gustavus airport or ferry dock and go to our cozy, quiet inn. Borrow a
bike, go for a walk, or just relax in this rural setting. We will gather
for a delicious Alaskan dinner and attend the pre-trip meeting held at the
inn.
Day 2 - After a hearty breakfast,
we go to the Gustavus dock, where we board a chartered cabin cruiser for
the ride across Icy Strait. Start watching for whales! We'll unload off
the stunning coastline of Chichagof Island, in the heart of the Tongass
National Forest where we begin kayaking.
Day 3 - We spend a full day in
wilderness, paddling our stable two-person sea kayaks along the shores of
Chichagof Island watching for whales, sea lions, porpoise, orca, and sea
birds. We will cover a few miles but we always stop for wildlife viewing,
stretching our legs, and eating lunch.
Day 4 - We will wake to a warm
breakfast. Watch for whales and other critters along the shoreline as you
enjoy your meal. After a morning paddle, a charter boat will take us on a
scenic cruise into the heart of Glacier Bay. We will be dropped off to
begin paddling the spectacular Tarr Inlet and start our four days of sea
kayaking and camping in the world's most spectacular marine park.
Days 5-6 - We will paddle among
icebergs, sea birds, and seals as we see and experience the unique geology
and fantastic scenery of Glacier Bay. Observe up close the magnificent
tidewater glaciers. Learn the history and the dynamic nature of this
world-renowned ecosystem.
Day 7 - We end the adventure with a
relaxing boat ride to park headquarters.
Electronic mail
request:
whalesandice@glacierbaytravel.com
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