I was jarred awake by the sound of my 5:30 alarm. What? I am on vacation! Oh yes, I remember. We have to be ready for our Zodiac excursion at 7:30, groan.
Bigger isn’t always better. Larger cruise ships in Alaska typically offer Tongass National Forest excursions as extra-cost. They would go out from Ketchikan, travel two hours each way by small boat just to spend a couple of hours exploring. Lucky our experience will be markedly different. Our Captain’s bridge team deftly navigates the Behm Canal and sails us into Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness in great comfort. This beautiful area brings amazing views of the forest, mountains and the geology of this amazing area.
Misty Fiords takes its name from the precipitation of the area. It’s soaring granite cliffs date back 50 to 70 million years ago. Yes, million. Ancient glaciers scrubbed deep troughs through this wilderness leaving behind a scenic, geologic wonder.
As we glided across the calm waters, we witnessed glistening waterfalls tumbling quietly beneath glacier-sculpted granite walls that rise 3,000 feet from the ocean floor. We saw stands of Red Cedar and Hemlock draped with Grandfather’s Beard, a type of moss. We saw all manner of water birds. In one spot, we discovered wild blueberries that still had fruit on its branches. Our Zodiac captain pulled right up to the bush and reached up and pulled out a hand full to pass out. Wow! What a sweet, blueberry!
She told us a great deal about how the rocks were formed and how the glacier dug its way through the rock to create this deep fiord. We did not see whales or other mammals we had become accustomed to see. This is odd given that the waters are rich with fish and the deep water would be great for these giants. No matter, even the steady rain could not put a damper on our enjoyment.
Back aboard, hot coffee and a hot shower was welcomed. The balance of the day was at our leisure. Time to relax and play some cards with one of our companions. Tomorrow we would be in Ketchikan but for now, lazy relaxation is the name of the game.
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