Charles and Margo Wood - Charlie\'s Charts North to Alaska

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An alternate anchorage on the other side has been mentioned in other publica-
tions but it was observed that the movement of ice tended to be greater in that
loeation when it was visited in 1985.

As the ice in the inlet is usually not heavy, one can take a vessel to
within 1/2 to l mile of the glacier. But it is easy to land on the shores of
the inlet near the entrance anchorage and hike aver an easy trail to the face
of the glacier. The rumbling, creaking sounds give evidence of the movement of
the glaeier, thus eaution should be exercised near the g~acier's face as
immense slabs of ice may break away (calve) with little or no warning.

NORTH SANDY COVE

This anchorage provides a base for exploring Muir Inlet, and lies about 20
miles from Bartiett Cove. It is a favorite anchorage far yachts as well as the
commerciaI fishermen who work Park waters.

The cove ean be approached from the northwest via either channel past the

sides of Puffin Island. The best anchorages are along the southern shores.

No-see-ums are prevalent here, and they ean be annoying if one is anchored

elose to the shore.

It is about 24 miles up Muir Iniet to Muir Glacier. There is no other

anchorage as suitable as this eove on this side of the Park. Adams Inlet has

strong tidal currents at the entrance whieh is strewn with rocks. The Park

maintains a Ranger Station with a boat at Goose Cove, but there is no pIace to

anchor.

Though there are fewer glaeiers along Muir Inlet it i5 an exceptionally

interesting and revealing journey. The rapid retreat of Muir Glacier over the

last few decades has exposed the whole speetrum of development of glaciated

land. Near North Sandy Cave the steep mountainsides are covered with timber

and other vegetation. But as one proceeds closer to the glaciers the terrain

beeomes steeper and more barren. Proceeding on from Riggs and McBride Glaciers

(which can be easily reached), the land is raw and stark. Glacial streams and

moraines mark the sides. Icebergs become prevalent far Muir Glacier is active

and calves frequently.

The upper reaches of

the pups are to be born.

resting on the iee floes

them elosely as they are

peaeefully at this stage

Muir Inlet are a favorite drea for seals at the time

In early July many new-born pups are to be seen

while their mothers protect them. Do not approach

easily disturbed -- the young pups need to rest

to ensure their survival.

An additional attraction of this area is that the eruise ships do not come

up this narrow, often ice-clogged inlet. The ice pack will determine whether or

not the face of Muir Glacier is accessible. This area is favored by campers

and kayakers who often camp on the flat area near McBride Glacier.