Wednesday in Glacier Bay

GLIDING SLOWLY THROUGH GLACIER BAY



APPROACHING THE MARJORIE GLACIER WITH A
TOP NOTCH VIEW FROM THE BOW OF THE SHIP!



DRESSED WARM WITH CAMERA AND BINOCULARS WAITING!



MARJORIE GLACIER ABOUT 1/4 MILE AWAY.
TOWERS OF ICE TWO HUNDRED FEET TALL!
WATCHING THE GLACIER "CALVE".



WATCHING ICE BERGS DRIFT BY GOING TO SEA!

We had another exciting day aboard the Statendam! Throughout the night the ship slowly approached Glacier Bay and we were able to get a prime viewing spot on the bow of the ship after breakfast. Once we were in position to watch the Marjorie Glacier the engines were cut right back and it was peaceful and quiet. When the glacier broke off pieces and showered ice and snow down into the water a thunderous noise followed. We were able to witness one large episode of ice tumbling into the sea. A naturalist on the navigational deck announced over a sound system that we were "fortunate" to see a calving of this size. More like we were blessed to be there when it happened. Blessed with perfect weather - overcast to turn the ice many shades of blue, but not raining or snowing to block out viewing the towers of ice and crevasses across the face of the glacier! No wind to cause extreme discomfort for those of us dressed warm, but not for winter conditions. In fact while we were stopped the air was still and very comfortable for most on board. There was lots of opportunity to watch the ice chunks drift past the ship and watch them tumble in the water and join to become larger but non threatening ice bergs. No re-living the Titanic here! One ice floe was a perfect perch for a number of Bald Eagles waiting for a meal stirred up by the disturbed water.

Leaving Marjorie Glacier behind we made our way back out to the bay. We passed another inlet with a glacier also at the end tumbling into the sea (Frederick Glacier) but were not allowed into the area on account of seals giving birth at the base of the glacier and using the ice floes to protect their newborns from the Whales also looking for a meal! The further out into the open sea we went the less ice floating on the water. But we did see some dolphins jumping and splashing for our benefit. Peter and I also saw some Puffins paddling away from the ship drifting by. They are cute in a funny sort of way! Pictures don't do justice to these mammal/bird sightings even if we were able to be quick enough about getting the camera focused on them. To really appreciate it you just have to take the cruise!



RON AND BEV WITH HANS AND YUDI



PETER AND MYSELF WITH OUR STEWARDS
IN THE ROTTERDAM DINING ROOM

For supper we had our second formal dinner. Once again it was delicious beyond what any picture could envision for you! And the service continued to be without comparison to what we experience back home. At least not in our little town or even Red Deer! Again, take the cruise with Holland America and you will experience what a treat it is! You give of yourself to the staff and are pleasant to them and show them respect and they return it threefold with smiles and respect for you.

OUR DUTCH DESSERT EXTRAVAGANZA!

ICE SCULPTURES

CHOCOLATE SCULPTURES

At 10:30 in the evening after the late stage show we had our Dessert Extravaganza on the Lido Deck by the pool. There was more treats than you could begin to sample! And when you aren't used to eating so late at night you limit your choice even more. But we all did sample some of the goodies and appreciate all the hard work the chef's went to in preparing the food and setting it up so beautifully for us! There are some very talented men working in the kitchen! After a quick peek outside it was off to bed. The next day would be our last day in a port and we wanted to be reasonably rested for the tail end of the cruise! Sad - but true - all good things do come to an end at sometime!