Thursday
So this morning started VERY early. Knowing we were going to be spending the day cruising to Glacier Bay, I had hoped to wake up early to get up to the observation lounge to get some good viewing seats. I woke up around 4:30 and it was fully light out, sunrise having been at before 4:00 am. I ended up getting to the lounge around 5am. All of the seats up front were taken, for which I was prepared. But a LOT of the sofas along both sides were taken. I was able to find a couch and chairs for our group. Marge joined me after a bit and then Bob and Jamie followed a bit later.
Thankfully, the ship had coffee, juices, pastries and cereals out really early. And someone was walking around giving out hot chocolate. So they were ready for the crush of people. But what I wasn’t prepared for was the number of people who obviously slept in the chairs, wanting to claim their spot. There was one lady who had pushed two lounge chairs together and was asleep with the comforter from her bed. Sheesh. That’s some commitment right there.
So we spent the morning watching the absolutely stunning scenery go by. We were able to spot a couple of otters in the water and then there were some whales blowing, but not breaching. Those were too far away to get pictures, but we were able to view them through our binoculars.
Park Rangers from the Glacier Bay National Park joined the ship sometime around 8am and we were able to get commentary for most of the day. They also set up a shop in the observation lounge where they were selling books, t-shirts and pins. They were also stamping your National Park Passport book if you had it or they’d sell you one if you didn’t. Jamie got a stamp on a blank piece of paper to add to her book later. So that was nice. They also gave out the park booklet that had the park information on it.
We reached the end of the road about 11ish and the ship stopped and then started turning slowly round and round to give everyone on both sides the opportunity to see the glaciers. I think the glaciers are something you just actually have to experience. The pictures are very pretty, but they just do not capture the beautiful blue and white of the glaciers or the deep browns and grays of the rocks. But as Jamie said, the pictures will be a great reminder, even if they don’t do it justice.
When we reached Glacier Bay, we decided to head back to our cabin so that we could take pictures without having to shoot through the window. When we went outside, surprisingly the sun was out and it was quite warm. Well, maybe not quite warm, but it was not cold. We were able to sit out without our coats and just a blanket on our knees. I am so glad I asked the room steward when we boarded to give us each a blanket.
While sitting out, we were able to see a big chunk of ice floating by with a bald eagle sitting on top. Having had a resident bald eagle at the Smith lake house in Wisconsin, Jamie was less impressed than I was. I don’t think I’ve seen an eagle in its natural setting since the last time I was in Alaska 10 or so years ago. So *I* at least was thrilled.
After we left Glacier Bay, we passed a Princess ship on their way into the Bay. The park ranger said that only 2 ships are allowed in the Bay per day, to limit the amount of pollution and negative environmental impact. So that is a good thing. And we continued on to see several other glaciers as we make our way to Ketchikan.
For lunch, since I had a specialty dining credit, Lizzie, Jamie and I went to the Asian restaurant, where they brought out appetizers, ramen and sushi. It was delicious. Afterward, I went back to the observation lounge where I met back up with Bob and Marge and we continued to watch the world go by. I kept trying to read my book to find out who actually killed that restaurant owner and framed his fiancé, but I just couldn’t seem to focus my attention while the scenery is so spectacular.
This afternoon, we saw several pods of whales. Most only blew air out their blowholes and showed a bit of their backs, but we did see a tail or two. And we saw tons and tons of seals, but none were close enough to get a good picture. We were looking through the binoculars trying to find mountain goats, but there didn’t seem to be any out and about.
After everyone went back to their cabins for much needed naps, we all met up for an early dinner at the Tappenyaki on the ship. The show was probably one of the best I’ve been to in a long time and of course the food was too much, but really good. Afterward, we all parted ways, intending to get to bed a bit early since we dock in Ketchikan at 7:00 am and are only there for 1/2 day.
Ketchikan is our last Alaskan port before we head toward Canada and home. We’ve lucked out a a bit on the weather so hopefully tomorrow the trend will continue.
