A Glacial Adventure

Did I mention that our hostess was cooking tea for us last night? Husband Bruce had caught halibut last week and Christie kindly offered to cook additional pieces for us. This was followed by salmon smoked in Bruce's bespoke smokehouse, being served on muffins with cream cheese for this morning's breakfast.

Another perfect day weather wise. This time we were sped to Petersberg,about 1 1/2 Hrs boat journey. This SW Alaskan town has Norwegian origins. Immigrants in the early 1900's moved from New York to find their home-away-from-home on this extreme westerly island with fjords and glaciers. Fishing has provided a lucrative income ever since. We stopped here for a brief walk and lunch.

We then headed to the Leconte Glacier, an hour or so away. Excitement when we saw small chunks of ice in the water. Much delight when we circled some larger icebergs. A little amazed when the fjord was becoming clogged with ice and icebergs. A huge buzz when we turned the bend and there it was...truly majestic. Our wonderful driver/boat pilot Mike kept edging us closer to the face. We would think that we could go no further and then a break would appear in the ice flow and he would edge closer. Finally the only thing that stopped him was the calving glacier...too close and any major calve could result in a wave too big for our little boat!!!!

Our return trip was affected by the ice packing too close together and therefore requiring a few gung-ho runs through the layer; and the tide needed to turn so that we could get back across one of the wide but shallow straits on our way back to Wrangell.

Although our return was late, about 7pm, we had an eventful day, topped off by a meal shared at the local hotel with the couple who shared the trip with us.

Tomorrow afternoon we fly to Seattle. Lorraine and I then make our separate way back to Oz.

Such a fun trip. For me, a regular thought now fulfilled. All stemming from Duane returning from Whitehorse, Canada, in the mid 90's and saying, "There are always the ferries Karyn. The Mail has to get through somehow!"

...and big thanks to Rutts who showed me how to set up this blog. It has been fun to do.

...and Big Hugs to Tony who has endured 20 plus days of frozen meals!!

Cheers To All Karyn. ( oh! And thanks to Lorri for letting me tag along on HER trip)

Petersberg holding on to its Scandanavian routes.

All supplies come in by boat or plane.

Waiting for the tide to turn!

Fairly impressive.

...but let 's get closer!

View while having our 8pm dinner. Wrangell.

 

Posted with Blogsy