Monday, November 10, 2008

Spring is in the (Alaskan) air!

April, 2008To take a boat from Seattle, Washington to Juneau, Alaska along the inside passage is always a treat. To be among the very first expedition ships of the season is absolutely wonderful! The National Geographic Sea Lion left Seattle on April 29 to run north to Alaska.

The advantages of early season are numerous, but among the best is to see winter's grip slowly being released on the landscape.
Early season brings unexpected discoveries like these herring roe on kelp leaves.
Snow and ice retreat from glacier-carved valleys in Glacier Bay National Park.
Views of Grand Pacific glacier from the National Geographic Sea Lion in Glacier Bay National Park, Southeast Alaska, USA.
What a treat...having U.S. Customs come to us! Here our agents arrive at the ship via float plane in Kynoch Inlet.
CT gets a little kayaking session in.
Reflected light in perfect conditions!
At journey's end beautiful Mendenhall Glacier awaits us!