LUX July 2017

LUX - July 2017 25 The Best Getaway Destinations on Earth the shoreline of South Marble Island and linger to find the many species of birds that call this area home, scanning the water and the island for brightly coloured puffins. Enjoy virtual isolation inside Glacier Bay National Park at anchor in a hidden cove after larger vessels have exited the bay. Hike or kayak or tour via shore boat if conditions permit. After searching for wildlife along the shores, stop at the Park Service’s Headquarters at Bartlett Cove just inside the park boundaries for a hike through the rainforest. Anchor for the evening outside Glacier Bay.” Not wanting to stop, Cynthia is eager to tell us about days three to five of this remarkable adventure. “On day three, you can enjoy the Icy Strait Whale Watching and Waterfalls Set. Join the captain on the bridge or Natural Habitat Adventures Expedition leaders and the ship’s naturalists out on deck in search of marine mammals. The more adventurous may choose to ride in skiffs for a closer inspection of the remote coastline, known for its many eye- grabbing waterfalls. Watch the shoreline for bear sightings. Anchor for the evening in a remote shelter, and lower the kayaks and skiffs, keeping eyes open for sea otters and bears nearby. Enjoy another delectable dinner on board. Afterwards, relax on deck or in the hot tub before calling it a day. “The feeding grounds of Frederick Sound offer an excellent chance to view humpback whales and other marine wildlife can be enjoyed on day four. Linger with whales as they appear on the horizon or nearby – possibly within a hundred yards or so as the captain cuts the engines. Later, you can tour the quaint town of Petersburg, which is bathed in Norwegian history. Take a stroll through the streets to reveal Scandinavian influences on just about every corner. Enjoy a performance by the Leikarring Dancers to highlight this detour to Little Norway. Optional tours (at additional cost) include floatplane flights over dramatic ice-choked LeConte Bay and over the top of the glacier itself or charter fishing out of Petersberg. “Day five involves Thomas Bay & Scenery Cove. Thomas Bay offers some of the finest hiking and small boat exploration in Southeast Alaska. Take a walk or longer hike along the stunning Cascade Creek Trail. Enjoy a unique opportunity to walk on the spongy surface below Baird Glacier and then right onto the lower outstretches of its glacial arms. Choose to kayak through the calm and beckoning waters of Scenery Cove or try stand-up paddle boarding. Those desiring an exclusive venture into the remote wilderness may hike to Patterson Lake then climb into kayaks and paddle to the face of Patterson Glacier.” Cynthia’s enthusiasm continues as she remarks on the delights of days six and seven, plus some of the unforgettable experiences you can enjoy, such as dogsledding. “Day six consists of the Endicott Arm, Dawes Glacier & Ford’s Terror. Alaska has more designated wilderness areas than any state in the nation. Ford’s Terror Wilderness Area, a pristine tidal inlet and fjord buffered by the 5,000-foot coastal mountains just to the east, is one of them. Cruise slowly more than 30 miles through the rugged ice-covered mountain range and into the ice-filled inlet of Endicott Arm and Ford’s Terror to view a glacier that actively calves icebergs into the fjord.” “On day seven, you will return to Juneau, where there is a choice of helicopter adventure experiences, as you cruise the final leg of the journey while enjoying a delicious breakfast before returning to historic Juneau. The day brings a choice of thrilling adventures including the Alaska Heli Mush Dogsledding Adventure. Families of all ages will enjoy this heli dogsledding adventure. The only way into the remote camp is by helicopter. Be greeted by friendly ‘mushers’ and by 200 sled dogs barking in anticipation of going down the trail. Enjoy embarking on the dogsledding adventure of a lifetime on the glacier, before returning to Juneau on a scenic helicopter flight.” Cynthia concludes by commenting on Heli Fly- Fishing, in which you can enjoy approximately 30 – 45 minutes of flight time in an A-Star helicopter, on the way to this remote fly-fishing site. You can take part in some of the world’s best fly-fishing, with the stunning scenery of Alaska as the backdrop. She also tells us exactly what day eight involves. “After a full day of adventure in and around Juneau, return to the Safari Explorer to toast the voyage with a festive farewell dinner and a slideshow of the adventure. Disembark at Juneau for a final breakfast, before disembarkation at the dock. A transfer is provided to your hotel or to the Juneau airport for return flights home. For more information about the many adventures on offer, please visit the firm’s website at: quintess.com/adventures to discover more.”