Wednesday September 10
Model Leaders? Roger & John blending in
Today, it was on with our long undies and warm layers and rainproof jackets and woolly hats as we cruised along shorelines that, only 200 years ago, were completely covered (up to 4000 feet thick) with ice. We’d reached the northernmost point on our cruise, the World Heritage Park known famously as Glacier Bay. And I wish I could recall all the staggering facts we’ve heard these past few days.
Glacier meets the sea
For example, the monster rivers of ice we saw today began life some 4000 years ago, and were formed high in the Alaskan/Canadian mountains from compacted snow (just like the glaciers in NZ). When these giant, now rock-solid iceblocks get heavy enough, they begin inching (centimetring?) downhill, reshaping the landscape and gathering rocky chunks and rubble on the way. When their front-ends finally reach the ocean (the glaciers we photographed were a LOT further away than they look, and some were one-to-two miles across) they begin breaking up …
And that’s where it gets exciting!
It’s called “calving”. It happens when monumental slabs of ice split off from the towering face of a glacier and crash into the sea. And when it happens (especially if it’s a big chunk) it sounds like thunder and the impact shoots water hundreds of feet into the air. And here’s another useful stat: Glacier Bay has more actively calving tidewater glaciers than any other place else in the world. (You didn’t know that, did you?)
Ice sculptures
Anyway, we stood for hours on deck this morning trying to capture this explosive moment on our cameras – not caring that we got cold and wet and frostbitten. We waited, and hoped, and held our breath, and even prayed for a calving-to-beat-all-calvings. But the best we saw (well, me, anyway) was a few smaller ice-crunches that went off like a gunshot and hit the water in a cloud of spray. Not that it mattered. Because this was yet another gob-stopping, eye-popping Alaskan experience that we will never forget.
As you can probably guess, our mad midlife Kiwis continue to feel VERY happy and VERY upbeat. And there was no shortage of things to talk about around our dinner tables tonight as we compared notes, selected yet another four-course feast, and added a few more millimetres to our waistlines.
TOMORROW: We’re gonna go totem-poling and axe-throwing in Ketchikan. So stay tuned, folks …
Yours bloggedly – JOHN
P.S. If you want to leave a message for someone in our group, just click on ‘COMMENTS’ (or ‘NO COMMENTS’) under the title for the day’s blog, and type away! And don’t worry: we’ll make sure they get these messages. Also, if you want a better look at our route map and some of the photos here, just click on them and they’ll enlarge – magic!
Showtime!
John
We like Rogers hat better – reminds us of our poor deceased pussy cat – could be even better at the Lake!
Carry on enjoying yourselves, we’re slaving!!!
Luv the Maggles
Hi Mum and Dad,
We are enjoying the blog very much. Alaska sounds incredible.
I hope you went on the helicopter up to the Meade Glacier.
Do you remember when we did it at Franz Josef Glacier. When you got to the top and got out of the chopper it was like being in another world.
We are all well here at home, it is Friday and we are looking forward to the weekend.
Spoke with Jerm on Wed and Jacs had arranged a few days off for his birthday, unbeknown to Jerm and I think she has taken him to Waiheke Island for a break.
Carry on having fun and eating lots of yummy food. I am abit envious and we miss you all very much.
News of the day is that Helen Clark has announced election day for Nov 8th.
Lots of love,
Sally ,Hugh, Isabella and Maddy.
Hi Mum and Aunty Monica,
Sounds like your travels so far have been awesome. Great to read all about it and the amazing time you must be having. Hope you’re doing twenty laps of the ship to burn off those lovely meals!!! Mum, great news – Scott has a job and loving it. Had a interview on Monday and started Thurs.11, gets a company vehicle and at this stage based in Mt Eden. Trish and I went to Hamilton today and took Kate out for lunch for her birthday, also had a look at her alterations. Everything looks nice and just waiting for the finishing touches. Also we finally got tiles down and grouted, walls yet to be completed!! Sam and Nicole were ball kids at All Whites game at Albany on Wed. evening and both were on T.V. during coverage of game.
Lots of love Chris and Vince and Co.
From Pam & Colin Belcher – to Floyd Family:
Thanks for your messages – they are very welcome. Both well. Tours great. Extremely cold at times. Missing you all. Love Mum & Dad
From Pam Strong – too familyL:
Having a wonderful trip. Smooth sailing. Seeing magnificent scenery. Awesome opportunity providing lots of new experiences. Cool cloudy days. Love to all Pam
From Maureen & Kevin Covacich:
Hi everyone – having a fantastic time – whale watching, glacier helicopter ride were awesome. Glacier Bay spectacular. Love Maureen & Kevin
From Grace Hamilton:
Having fantastic time. All well hope you’re same and Ashley’s x-rays are ok. Love Mu
Have finally got here for my “beat yourself green with envy” read.
Don’t mind me … Can barely walk but that is nothing to do with beating myself senseless … What a magic time .. you deserve it.
Big hugz Pammmie & Ronnnie xx