Eagles, otters, sea lions, and ....Calves! 8/17/2019

In front of the Columbia Glacier

Today we took a cruise on Prince William sound out of Valdez heading for Columbia glacier. It is one of the most rapidly changing glaciers in the world. Thankfully, it was a crystal clear, if very windy day. That wind was crazy at times, gusting to 55 mph on the water. At times, it was difficult to stand on one side or end of the boat or another. Fortunately, we could retreat to one side or end, or go inside when the wind was really whipping. That said, it was a wonderful experience.

Our captain was engaging, with lots of interesting info about the area and what we were seeing.We saw colonies of sea lions as the captain brought the boat close enough to hear them barking. We saw bald eagles soaring overhead, and many otters playing in the sea. When we arrived at the glacier, 240 feet tall where it meets the sea, the captain idled the boat for quite a while, so people could take pictures, and we could watch to see if the glacier would break off pieces (calve). Large chunks did fall several times, and with a loud crack and splash. We were surprised at how blue the glacier ice is.

Coming away from the glacier: you can see the line at which the water is mixed with glacial silt comes up against unsilted ocean water. It is the thin light blue line towards the shoreline.

The captain allowed passengers to come up to the wheelhouse to talk to him and ask questions, or just watch the scenery from that viewpoint. I did take advantage of this invitation. It was there that I met one of the crew who had grown up in the town 5 miles from where we now live. I spoke with a German young man who had been at Kennicott Lodge during our stay there, and was on this cruise as well. His grandmother lives in Lebanon, NH. It's really a very small world. And the captain told me in conversation, how he came to be on this boat. He had grown up in Alaska, and had the dream of captaining a boat in this tour operator's fleet. But, he was too young and inexperienced. So he went to Hawaii, got some experience there, and started to miss Alaska. He came back to Alaska, and finally achieved his goal. I asked him if the incredible views he saw every day ever get boring. "Never."

As we moved across the water through sea ice and near icebergs, in the sight of awesome mountain peaks and hanging glaciers, I felt very small, and privileged to be able to see this beauty with my own eyes.

Here are some pictures: https://photos.app.goo.gl/dRSzbn9YEFVY4ZiC9