From Seward to Bear Glacier

August 28, 1992

As we left Seward and the Resurrection Bay, we stayed close to a steep mountain range that rose from the sear. Actually we were told that, geologically speaking, these steep rocky hillsides were the peaks of a mountain range that is sinking into the sea. There was lush forest on the steep slopes and numerous waterfalls from the glaciers above.

This is eagle country, and even a cheechako can spot a bald eagle - their white heads shine. Then, since eagles mate for life, you can then look around and spot the mate sitting in a tree nearby.

We saw an eagle dive for the water and expected an exultant catch, but the eagle apparently missed the fish and hit the water hard. He unceremoniously waded to shore and shook himself, looking disgusted and wet. So much for our idealization of bald eagles.

We rounded a rocky point and got a view of our first glacier, the Bear Glacier. It is actually two rivers of ice which run together just before they reach the shoreline. Note the dark band down its center where the glaciers come toghether. This dark collection of rocky material is called a medial morrain in contrast to the terminal morrains of dark rubble at the ends of most glaciers.

This gives a more headon view of Bear Glacier with its medial morrain extending up the slope.

This is the view opposite Bear Glacier to the east side of Resurrection Bay. The mountains were steep and rugged and had small glaciers and snowfields on them.

To Cheval Island and the Aialik Cape
Index

1992
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