Hubbard Glacier

Day 11 – Monday, July 8, 2024 – Hubbard Glacier

Today was spent at sea, cruising south. We arrived at Yakutat Bay, home to Hubbard Glacier late afternoon. Knowing the cruise ship wasn't allowed near this Glacier, we booked an excursion where we got on a smaller boat and were allowed within about a half mile of the glacier. One of the few glaciers that is still advancing, Hubbard Glacier is 6 miles wide and 400’ high. Because of the size, it felt we were closer than we were. While we were there, the glacier was very active. We saw (and heard) several calvings, where ice falls from the glacier into the water.

Day 12 – Tuesday, July 9, 2024 – Glacier Bay

We spent much of the day in Glacier Bay. Although there are more glaciers here, they were not active like Hubbard was and we were farther away, so they weren't near as interesting. We did also see a few whales, but I never got a good luck at them.
For our time in Glacier Bay National Park, we were joined on the ship by park rangers, an Alaska Native Voices Cultural Ambassador, and Alaska Geographic representatives who brought books, maps and items to sell. The only thing I bought was a couple of postcards.