Le Conte Bay, Alaska
Everyone in our Zodiac agreed that the iceberg looked like a whale from our vantage point – but that was soon to change! We were out exploring Le Conte Bay which was bright with early morning sunshine and densely populated with ice from Le Conte Glacier nearly 10 miles away. There were bergs ranging in size from large to truly massive dotting the horizon. Their graceful shapes were highlighted by deep blue and purple hues amidst the white and gray. As we circled around the whale-shaped berg, we heard a thundering crash, the amazing sound of tons of ice hitting the water. We looked back and saw another Zodiac racing the wave generated when the “head” of the ice whale, weakened over time by weathering and melting, fell to the surface. What an exciting way to start the day!
Later we watched as an iceberg as big as a house slowly rolled over, exposing the delicate patterns sculpted by the action of the saltwater. It rocked back and forth, seeking its point of equilibrium, as we discussed the forces that explain the ever-changing appearance of glacial ice. We then crossed the bay to get a closer look at some of the many bird species found in the area. Harlequin ducks with their striking colors, black-legged kittiwakes with their distinctive calls and markings, a bald eagle and marbled murrelets were among those we identified. We talked about the steep avalanche scar on a nearby hillside as we steered past harbor seals and pigeon guillemots on our way back to the ship to get ready for our next set of adventures.
Everyone in our Zodiac agreed that the iceberg looked like a whale from our vantage point – but that was soon to change! We were out exploring Le Conte Bay which was bright with early morning sunshine and densely populated with ice from Le Conte Glacier nearly 10 miles away. There were bergs ranging in size from large to truly massive dotting the horizon. Their graceful shapes were highlighted by deep blue and purple hues amidst the white and gray. As we circled around the whale-shaped berg, we heard a thundering crash, the amazing sound of tons of ice hitting the water. We looked back and saw another Zodiac racing the wave generated when the “head” of the ice whale, weakened over time by weathering and melting, fell to the surface. What an exciting way to start the day!
Later we watched as an iceberg as big as a house slowly rolled over, exposing the delicate patterns sculpted by the action of the saltwater. It rocked back and forth, seeking its point of equilibrium, as we discussed the forces that explain the ever-changing appearance of glacial ice. We then crossed the bay to get a closer look at some of the many bird species found in the area. Harlequin ducks with their striking colors, black-legged kittiwakes with their distinctive calls and markings, a bald eagle and marbled murrelets were among those we identified. We talked about the steep avalanche scar on a nearby hillside as we steered past harbor seals and pigeon guillemots on our way back to the ship to get ready for our next set of adventures.
