Alaska - Day 8 - Hubbard Glacier

Today we are going to see a tidal glacier (actually two). A tidal glacier is one that is going directly into the ocean. As we approach, we can see the trail of icebergs leading to the glacier.



We also see one very dirty glacier in the background. The glacier is dirty from boulders it has picked up as it has traveled.




The Hubbard Glacier is much cleaner in comparison.



We get to see the glacier caving a lot as the sun warms up the ice. Caving is when a chunk of the ice breaks off. The ice is incredibly blue because of its density. Glacial ice is under a lot of pressure from the weight of the ice itself.

There is caving in the very beginning of this video.



I wish I could truly convey the majesty of the Hubbard Glacier through pictures and words, but nothing could substitute for the sheer awe of being in its presence, hearing it, feeling it. It is truly a living creature, constantly changing, moving, breathing, evolving.



As we leave the glacier, we spot some bears along side the coast. Grizzly bears and brown bears are actually the same species, the only difference being in the diet. These are brown bears, living along the coast and eating a lot more fish.



For the evening, we watch a cake demo (Schwarzwald I believe). We got to partake in samples as well.



After this an evening show -- Gazpachos!