Photo of the Week

When naturalist John Muir explored Glacier Bay more than 100 years ago, this glacier was much larger.

Photo: Mary Cook

As the evening approached, the ship steamed to the northernmost end of the East Arm where Muir Glacier was waiting to greet us. Muir Glacier is named for Naturalist John Muir who explored in Glacier Bay during the late 1800’s. Muir Glacier was once a tidewater glacier at the water’s edge but in the last ten years has melted and receded back up into the valley. The sky was clear and the snow-capped mountains and waterfalls were beautifully reflected in the still waters of the Bay. A gibbous moon rose over the mountain peaks just as the Sun was setting.