Alaska: June 4

Glacier Bay Scenic Cruising

WOW what a day today was! To be honest, the first hour or so we were a little disappointed as the John Hopkins glacier was not nearly as colorful as glaciers we've seen in the past. But then we sailed to Margerie Glacier and that was SPECTACULAR. We have NEVER been so close as we were to this glacier today and we sat just about 400-to-500 yards off of her for over an hour trying to catch some "calving" - that's when the glacier breaks off and crashes into the water. When this happens, and you don't realize these "chunks" are the size of skyscrapers, the BOOM is like very loud thunder or gunshots. We saw four or five minor ones which drew Ooooohs and Aaahhhs. But then after nearly 45 minutes of waiting the entire one corner came crashing down - the ranger later said that was very unusual and we were most fortunate to see that! Just so amazing - no matter how many times we've come here, the glaciers are so spectacular and keep us coming back (and yes, we WILL be returning again for "Alaska 6.0" in the next few years). Just an FYI.....I captured 109 images today and whittled it down to just fifteen - you just HAVE to be here to see it to appreciate the grandeur fully.

Just a quick word about yesterday, June 3......it was a much needed day at sea where little really happened. After spending three of the previous four days traveling for more than eight hours each of those days we were ready for a break. The highlight came when the four of us met for dinner at the on-board "specialty restaurant," The Pinnacle Grill. Our travel agent, the best travel agent in the world let me tell you, Nancy Nelson had purchased us dinner and so Gary and Claudia joined us. The food was amazingly tasty! Thank you so much Nancy :)