Sep 16 - Glaciers and Juneau

Sep 16 Glaciers and Juneau

Celebrity changed our original itinerary and we are now doing scenic cruising in the AM, making our arrival in Juneau at 1:30 PM

A very early start today! We were up and dressed by 5 AM

ready to begin the journey up the Endicott Arm to a glacier neither of us had yet seen - Dawes Glacier.  It was still dark of course but people were already gathering, staking out their viewing spots on the upper decks. Mary went up to have a look, but we decided to stay in our cabin, warm and dry waiting on our balcony for the highly anticipated Dawes Glacier  We were not disappointed!

This experience is why people return to Alaska!  To me, it is a spiritual experience being with nature and being able to view this spectacular scenery, the serenity of it, and the sheer beauty.  The weather cleared as the morning went on giving us great views from our balcony.

The  captain turned the ship so each side got to see the glacier, and Brent Nixon, our naturalist gave a running commentary throughout the trip.  He told us that Dawes Glacier is rapidly receding, and that only a few ships are allowed to come up this fjord each year.  It was so worth getting up early to have a chance to see it.

I’m the afternoon we had our whale watch.  The bus was late arriving which meant we left 1/2 hr late.  Oh well!  

The boat was comfortable with all indoor seating which was ok but it meant that every time a whale sighting was announced, in their excitement, 15 or 20 people ran to those windows and stayed there, blocking the view for everyone else!  Mary finally got a window spot and simply stayed there, knowing that eventually the boat would turn towards the whales and she could take her photos.  This was probably the best strategy.  There were dozens of whales, humpbacks and orcas with young alongside.  It was a lovely sunny evening and the guide told us orcas are only seen about every 10 days, and we were there on one of them!

This was probably the least satisfying whale watch we’ve been on because of the set up for viewing, but it is still a great experience to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat!

Another great day!!

Love from the Two Nature Lovers