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We can finally see land as we continue our approach to Glacier Bay. The day promises to be full of awesomeness and has made an excellent start. We decided to have a walk around the deck. it is cold but bright and sunny. We watch the little murrelet birds skimming over the surface of the water then diving down for what seemed like an age before popping up to the surface again. Steve spots the dorsal fin of a whale and it isn't long before we see many more. It's the fine spray of blow water you see first and if you are really lucky, you will be given a fine display of tail. We were really lucky several times.
Just 250 years ago, Glacier Bay was all glacier and no bay. A massive river of ice, roughly 100 miles long and thousands of feet deep, occupied the entire bay. Today, that glacier is gone, having retreated north.
1.00pm. We have been cruising through Glacier Bay for few hours now passing through mountains worn smooth by glacial movement. We have seen some huge glaciers and even 2 bald eagles perched on an iceberg. There is currently smoke obscuring the tops of the mountains blowing over from forest fires in Canada. Eating ice-cream in Glacier Bay seems appropriate. The water is bright turquoise in the sunlight although there is a definite change in temperature as we go past the glaciers.
Our first stop is beside the Reid glacier, then we carry on right up to the top of the bay to the enormous Margerie Glacier where we stay for an hour. The first calving was very small but really exciting. All our cameras were poised as we waited patiently listening for the tell-tale cracking sound for another event. The thunderous crack heralded the impending calving which was much bigger. My video camera battery ran out just before the final and most dramatic calving but I suppose it was better to be actually looking at it and not through a lens. A massive chunk of ice crashed into the water, the sound echoing off the surrounding mountains.
It is the custom on the Zaandam to have Dutch pea soup at the glacier and also for guests to take a plunge in the outdoor pool. We partook of the first but not the second!
We've been really lucky with the weather, seeing things that very few people get to see because they are usually hidden by cloud or mist. This was also the case with the John Hopkins Glacier which was looming, pure white in the distance. It was very hard to drag ourselves away from the stunning scenery but cameras had to be charged.
We have decided to make an effort this evening and to dine in style in the Rotterdam restaurant with Jen and Young Al. Once more we venture into the Piano Bar to catch the last part of George's set and far too much of the now tedious Jamm the Piano Man.
Tonight's towel is a crab!
Ship's Log
07.51 Embarked Alaska pilots
09.25 Entered Glacier Bay National Park
09.50 Embarked 4 Park Rangers
Weather Sunny/light clouds, north westerly moderate breeze 13c
19.39. Disembarked Park Rangers
20.14. Departed Glacier Bay National Park
Just 250 years ago, Glacier Bay was all glacier and no bay. A massive river of ice, roughly 100 miles long and thousands of feet deep, occupied the entire bay. Today, that glacier is gone, having retreated north.
1.00pm. We have been cruising through Glacier Bay for few hours now passing through mountains worn smooth by glacial movement. We have seen some huge glaciers and even 2 bald eagles perched on an iceberg. There is currently smoke obscuring the tops of the mountains blowing over from forest fires in Canada. Eating ice-cream in Glacier Bay seems appropriate. The water is bright turquoise in the sunlight although there is a definite change in temperature as we go past the glaciers.
Our first stop is beside the Reid glacier, then we carry on right up to the top of the bay to the enormous Margerie Glacier where we stay for an hour. The first calving was very small but really exciting. All our cameras were poised as we waited patiently listening for the tell-tale cracking sound for another event. The thunderous crack heralded the impending calving which was much bigger. My video camera battery ran out just before the final and most dramatic calving but I suppose it was better to be actually looking at it and not through a lens. A massive chunk of ice crashed into the water, the sound echoing off the surrounding mountains.
It is the custom on the Zaandam to have Dutch pea soup at the glacier and also for guests to take a plunge in the outdoor pool. We partook of the first but not the second!
We've been really lucky with the weather, seeing things that very few people get to see because they are usually hidden by cloud or mist. This was also the case with the John Hopkins Glacier which was looming, pure white in the distance. It was very hard to drag ourselves away from the stunning scenery but cameras had to be charged.
We have decided to make an effort this evening and to dine in style in the Rotterdam restaurant with Jen and Young Al. Once more we venture into the Piano Bar to catch the last part of George's set and far too much of the now tedious Jamm the Piano Man.
Tonight's towel is a crab!
Ship's Log
07.51 Embarked Alaska pilots
09.25 Entered Glacier Bay National Park
09.50 Embarked 4 Park Rangers
Weather Sunny/light clouds, north westerly moderate breeze 13c
19.39. Disembarked Park Rangers
20.14. Departed Glacier Bay National Park
- comments
Chris Hickey Ship board entertainment can become very samey cant it? What fantastic scenery and how exciting to watch bits of ice fall off glaciers. Much better to see it live than have to look at the photos afterwards to remember what you have seen. I keep threatening to hide Chris' camera.
Chris Hickey No thermal vest? R