Alaska Inner Passage Cruise, July 26 – August 2, 2023
Glacier Bay was our favorite part of the trip. We had bought wonderful binoculars specifically to bring on this trip, but we forgot them at home! If we had them we would have been able to see more wildlife. Even so, we saw plenty that was absolutely enchanting. As you may have noticed in the pictures up to now, the weather was wonderful if a little warm. That continued in Glacier Bay. It was cold in the morning, but as the day wore on we were able to loosen our coats. This is exceptional weather for Alaska.
Sunrise from the deck near our stateroom. Probably snapped in William’s jammies. We got up early because rangers from the National Park Service were coming aboard to point out wildlife and sights in Glacier Bay.
Map of Glacier Bay.
There were breath-taking views.
The view from right outside our stateroom, where we were watching the shoreline for wildlife.
Gulls on floating ice.
Entering Glacier Bay. The mist cleared as the day wore on.
The shoreline. People with binoculars were spotting bears.
A bald eagle landing on an iceberg.
Sea otters. We think the one near the left has a pup on its tummy.
More sea otters.
Lots of sea otters.
The water changed color as we progressed through Glacier Bay, indicating changes in runoff from the land.
Waterfall and ice floe.
The Margerie Glacier. Elaine saw a smallish piece of ice calve from the glacier.
The Margerie Glacier. This is a massive and active tidewater glacier which is approximately 21 miles long, 1 mile wide at the terminus and approximately 350 feet tall, including approximately 100 feet below water level.
More Margerie Glacier. Other people nearby said they saw ice calving at the half moon shaped area near the water’s surface on the right. The ranger told us that the glacier moves at about 4 feet per day, so this calving of icebergs is normal. The only problem is that the glacier is not being replenished with enough snow at the top to be indefinitely sustainable.
Situated on the Volendam’s bow, where we were observing Glacier Bay, is the ship’s bell.
The day was warming up. The coffee cup on the ledge was *not* ours. Security would be by momentarily to fuss at its owner
At 10:30 the crew served delicious hot Dutch split pea soup to warm our bellies. It was really tasty, and a welcome treat.
Bald eagles on some ice.
The Lamplugh Glacier can be seen on the left. Remnants of a massive 2015 rock slide form much of the glacier’s face.
The Lamplugh glacier.
We think this is the Johns Hopkins Glacier.
Farewell Glacier Bay.
Waterfalls on our way south.
One last sea otter!
Boat arrives to pick up the two Rangers. The boat and the ship just slowed down, and the rangers climbed down a rope ladder to their boat. This happened right below the promenade near our stateroom, so we couldn’t see the ladder descent.
The rangers wave goodbye.
A ship photographer took this portrait outside of our cabin, in Glacier Bay.
Another official photograph from the Volendam, this one in the bow
The voice you hear in the video below is Ranger Rachel telling us about what we are seeing.