Day 5 - Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

We had a great day at sea today, arriving at Hubbard Glacier at approximately 12 noon. It truly was spectacular, and I am not sure I can find the words to describe it’s beauty. This tide water glacier is 7 miles wide, 350 feet above water and 250 below the water. We were lucky that for one we are on a smaller ship , the Rotterdam, and secondly they refer to our captain as Captain Courageous. It manouvered our ship to about 2 kms from the glacier face where it feels like you can reach out and touch it. You actually lose all perspective when you are near this giant wall of ice. And the calving was incredible, it sounds similar to thunder on the prairies. There would be an explosive sound and then you would see a chunck of ice break off the glaciers face and crach into the water creating a huge wave. We were there with a park ranger and native elder on board to tell us all about the area and it’s traditions.

As we headed back out from the glacier the skies cleared and it was the most beautiful evening. Chris and I hosted the Ensemble Cocktail party which was a lot of fun. Then 14 of us had dinner again at the main dining area. And again the meal was delicisous. I just can’t get over how incredible the food and service is on the ship. We met the captain and the hotel manager both of whom were down to earth and pleasure to speak with.

We spent the rest of the evening dancing in the Ocean Bar where they had a delightful jazz band playing.

Tomorrow of to Sitka for our Ensemble hosted shore excursion!