Hubbard Glacier

Everyone on board was looking forward to getting up close and intimate with the Hubbard Glacier--the highlight of our Alaska leg of the trip. 

In spite of the rain, the bow was open for viewing.

The gym offered a panoramic view of the approach. A few bikes were still available for the energetic youth on board

Tom settled in the Crow's Nest for the most comfortable view.  An added treat was that some warm, thick, delicious Dutch pea soup  being served. 

As for me, I braved every open deck on the boat. First, the cold, wet, and windy bow:

Then, the top deck promenade:

Notice the Hubbard Glacier in the distance on these photos. 

From the walk-around Promenade on Deck three, I was able to capture the dividing line between the fresh water made by the Glacier and the salt water of the ocean. Ice melts slower in fresh water so small icebergs and even smaller  ice patties, or what they call "biddies" cover a huge expanse of the bay. 

And that was suddenly it. The boat stopped. 

Hey, Captain!  We're nowhere near the glacier! 

And then, to everyone's surprise, we started to turn around!  

Previous Amsterdam sailings, we heard, nosed right up to the glacier. But we missed out on that close encounter. We didn't see or hear the calving ice. And we didn't see the path of ice around the mountain bend like we would have if we were close. Those of us who knew what we should have seen were disappointed. 

On this cruise, all we can say is that we saw the Hubbard Glacier--almost.