Cruise day 5 - Tracy Arm Fjord

The alarm was set. We had changed our clocks twice in the short time we were on board. Once back and last night forward again. But silly me- I got it wrong and was up an hour earlier than necessary. This morning, however, it did not matter, there was a show in town – a glacial show.

We had been told by some friendly crew members that the best portion of our morning cruising would be between 5am and 9am.

I was up and ready with warm jacket, scarf and warm pants and socks for my popping in and out of the stateroom (well cabin technically) and on to our balcony. This was the very day for which we had decided to book balcony accommodation. So what is so special about today – Tracy Arm Fjord.

The water turned from dark blue to icy green. Our captain smoothly guided us into this fjord where the waterfalls rushed and tumbled down the mountain into the deep waters below. Ice floating around in the water making navigation a skill to be admired. None of Titanic proportions, but icebergs nonetheless.

The icebergs continued to float past as we slowly, carefully made our way up the fjord. Water from the snow on the mountain tops continued to cascade down the sides of the fjord which was becoming steadily narrower. Then, there it was, the South Sawyer Glacier. Looking at the map later we realised that another glacier glimpsed briefly while sailing up the fjord, was Sawyer Glacier.

Our neighbour Jim

This was such an impressive sight. The Cruise Director announced over the PA that this was the closest the captain had ever been able to sail to the glacier. We had about an hour as the ship was turned 360⁰ twice. As we had a balcony we were well away from the mass of passengers all jockeying for position on the upper decks – and standing fast – no generosity going on here!!

The ship was about a kilometre from the face of the glacier
  

Seals gathered in the ice flows

A crew tender was lowered as “an exercise”. They motored away from the ship and did something off the side and then motored back again. A good drill for the crew I suppose. They were all kitted out in thick waterproof life preserving clothing – no chances here!! If a chunk of ice decided to break away from the glacier (called calving) it could have been a serious situation with the resultant wave.

We found out later that the crew on the bridge had spotted something ‘unnatural’ in the water. The captain decided to investigate. He said they found a soda container which someone must have dropped over board. He was very emphatic about the need to ensure the environment stays in a pristine state. So when they saw something sparkling in the water it was necessary to look into it.

We did see calving happening while we were watching, but only small sections. There will be a lucky chance when the large piece at the face comes away, but that would cause some difficulties with the resultant wave created.

We finally had to leave. What an experience. 

An iceberg from a lower part of the glacier - lots of debris fused into the ice

So what to do for the rest of the day the morning was only just beginning! I for one had an appointment in the spa. Book reading also came into the equation. We are on holiday after all!!

Not so much ships in the night - the Oosterdam sails by