American Constellation in Alaska: Tracy Arm

By GERRY BARKER
North Palm Beach Life

Famed nauturalist John Muir once described Tracy Arm Fjord as a "a wild, unfinished Yosemite" ... "shut in by sublime cliffs, nobly sculptured,." Words hardly do the sheer beauty of the 25-mile cruise into Tracy Arm Fjord justice.  This is our last full day of cruising before the cruise ends where we began 11 days ago --  Juneau.

As we move slowly through the calm waters, ice floes pass on both sides. Waterfalls cascade down granite cliffs and we are surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Navigating the Inside Passage on a small ship like American Constellation is truly magical. Capt. Bryan maneuvers us so everyone gets a great view.

We make our way to Sawyer Glacier, and on the way back, get a glimpse of South Sawyer Glacier, where the ice floes are so heavy it's not safe to go there. Everyone's cameras are in constant use, but photos, like words, don't capture the spirit of what we're experiencing.

By nightfall we are at journey's end. Soon we will reliving the memories of 12 unforgettable days when we were able to share what Muir saw for himself almost 150 years ago. Alaska is truly like no other.

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Tracy Arm Slideshow
Photos: Gerry Barker

Tracy Arm Video
Credit: Gerry Barker