Glacier Bay - Bartlett Cove

Day 39 June 29, 2008

Near Point Adolphus, across from Glacier Bay entrance, Omega and Code Blue, were greeted with approx 20 Humpback Whales and a few Sea Lions.. We watched them for about 45 minutes and then headed on our way to meet up with Saoirse in Glacier Bay. Breaches, tail flapping, waving their fins and a lot of feeding. Humpback whales are the most acrobatic of whales, heaving their massive bodies by leaps and turns out of the water. A site that has to been seen to believe.

Glacier Bay, saying that, I remember our entry in 1998 on our Alaskan Cruise vacation and how beautiful the snow capped mountains were, flanking each side of us, as we entered.

The sun is out, the sky is the so blue, the snow capped mountains are gorgeous, ranging from 500 - 15,300 feet, water is calm. Spectacular!! Snowcapped mountains are everywhere, many averaging 6000 ft height and the Fairweather Range 10,000 – 15,300 ft.

Bartlett Cove in Glacier Bay is the headquarters of Glacier Bay National Park. Cruising boats are required to check in here and receive their orientation; however, any boat entering the area north of Point Gustavus must have its permit or it is subject to a fine. We called when entering, the above noted point, to announce our arrival. Upon entering Bartlett Cove, we tied to the docks, checked in, and walked to the Glacier Bay Lodge, to the second floor Nation Park Service Visitor Center. Beautiful lodge, with very interesting exhibits that explore the wonders of Glacier Bay.

After exploring for awhile, we returned to our boat and headed out to anchor in the Cove, since you are only allowed to stay on the dock for 3 hours. Our permit allows us to stay in Glacier Bay for 7 days and we are looking forward to each day.

We had a clamp slip off our bathroom sink hot water hose last night, and dumped all our fresh water overboard. Luckily, we had fresh water in Hoonah and John was able to find the problem and fill the tanks before we left. While anchored in Bartlett Cove, Don & John worked on replacing the hose and getting the galley hot water until we get the proper part in Juneau to fix the hot water in the bathroom.

Middle afternoon, we had our first clear sight of Fairweather Range.
Mt Fairweather at 15,300 ft. Oh my Goodness…. Beautiful sunset……