Discovering Glacier Bay & Ketchikan : Princess Cruises with Married Man's trail hike

Departing from the historic port of Skagway, the journey continues with passengers being treated with panoramic views of Alaska's rugged coastline. The route meanders through narrow fjords and past towering cliffs adorned with cascading waterfalls, showcasing the raw beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.
As the ship gracefully glides through the icy waters, we catch fleeting glimpses of majestic whales breaching the surface. The ship's naturalists are on hand, offering insights into the behavior of these gentle giants, their powerful tails propelling them effortlessly through the frigid waters. As the whales gracefully disappear beneath the waves, leaving only ripples in their wake, we are left with a deep sense of gratitude for having witnessed such a spectacle in this pristine corner of the world.
The highlight of the journey is the approach to Glacier National Park, where the ship leisurely navigates through icy waters towards the spectacular Margerie Glacier. This natural wonder, part of the larger Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, captivates with its towering ice walls and shimmering blue hues.
Margerie Glacier is a tidewater glacier, meaning it flows directly into the sea. This type of glacier is particularly dynamic, as its movement and calving are influenced by the ebb and flow of the tides. Rising dramatically from the waters of Glacier Bay, Margerie Glacier is a massive river of ice that spans approximately 35 kilometers in length and extends up to 75 meters above sea level at its terminus. What makes Margerie Glacier particularly striking is its vivid blue color, caused by the dense ice absorbing all colors of the spectrum except blue, which is reflected back to the human eye. The glacier is characterized by towering ice cliffs that appear to glow in the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing contrast against the deep blue waters of the bay. As the glacier calves, or releases icebergs into the bay, the thunderous sound echoes across the landscape, adding to the dramatic spectacle of the scene.
Margerie Glacier also serves as a critical habitat for wildlife. Harbor seals can often be seen resting on ice floes near the glacier's edge, while seabirds such as kittiwakes and gulls soar above.
The slow, scenic cruise past Margerie Glacier allows ample time to marvel at the glacier's sheer size and the intricate patterns of its crevasses. The onboard naturalists provide insightful commentary, detailing the glacier's formation and the unique ecosystem it supports. Wildlife enthusiasts keep a keen eye out for seals lounging on ice floes or the occasional glimpse of a bald eagle soaring overhead.
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Day six. May 12th : We arrived Ketchikan at 10:30 a.m.
Tours conducted by 'Cable Car Trolley' typically starts near the cruise ship docks, where passengers can board the trolley and embark on a 90-minute narrated journey through the town.
One of the highlights of Talbot's Curios Gifts and Souvenirs is its emphasis on locally made products. Artisanal crafts, such as pottery adorned with indigenous designs or woven baskets provide a glimpse into Alaska's rich cultural heritage.
Visitors can enjoy the convenience of a free shuttle service that provides easy access to downtown attractions and shopping areas. With its frequent schedule of every 20 minutes, tourists can explore at their leisure, knowing they have a reliable means of returning to their starting point. The shuttle route covers a scenic route through Ketchikan's waterfront, passing by several notable shops and points of interest along the way. Along the route, visitors have the opportunity to hop off at various stops to explore local shops and attractions. Numerous galleries showcasing local artwork can be found, as well as jewelry shops specializing in handcrafted pieces inspired by Alaska's natural beauty.
Creek Street is a historic boardwalk perched on stilts above Ketchikan Creek. During the early 20th century, this area was known for its saloons, brothels, and gambling dens.
A steeply-inclined rail system on Creek Street, called the "Cape Fox Hill Funicular", is an elevator that transports visitors from Creek Street up to the Cape Fox Lodge.
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Music Attribution / Credit
'Machinery of the Stars' by Scott Buckley (032)
www.scottbuckley.com.au
'The Magic Of Christmas' by GRÉGOIRE LOURME - released under CC-BY 4.0. (129)
'Goliath' by Scott Buckley (020) - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au (020)
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Camera - Insta360 Go 2 – The World's Smallest Action Camera
Video Editing Software - Adobe Premiere Pro 2022
© AardvarkAdventures - Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this work is illegal.
AardvarkAdventures does not own or claim to own any of the music contained in this work.
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