Yesterday (1/25) and today we have been cruising through the
fjord and canals. However, yesterday it was low clouds and misty until the
evening when it did clear up. Today, (1/26), we started into Brujo Glacier at 7
AM. And, the weather was overcast, but not rainy and we had good visibility.
As we are going down the fjord we suddenly start seeing ice
bergs, which they say indicate we are getting closer to a glacier. They are
really very beautiful with their blue-green color.
Before we get to the glacier we do see some very beautiful
rock mountains and other snowcapped and glacier mountains.
Brujo Glacier is the second largest ice field in the world.
When you look at the mountains surrounding the fjord you notice that some are
rounded at the top and some are jagged. If they are rounded it means that they
have been covered by glacial ice at some time. It they are jagged, they have
not. You can also notice vertical scarring on the rocks, this is just from the geological
progression of nature. But, if you see horizontal scarring it is a sign of
glacier retreat. Much of the ice that you see here is blue ice, which means it
is very dense. If we would be close to it, we would hear it pop in the water.
Brujo extends all the way to the water, so is known as a
tidal glacier. If the glacier fills the valley, then it is a valley glacier.
The third type is the hanging glacier, which is either a top that has receded
back or it is hanging from the top of the mountain.
There is wildlife in the waters here also. We were able to
see Chilean dolphin and sea lions. They commentator said that it was rare to
see these dolphins, but there they were. They also lowered a lifeboat for the
photographers to take pictures of the ship with the glacier as the backdrop.
Since this nice weather this morning, it has been overcast and
rainy again. However, we are having a great time.
Tonight is Aussie Night, so our Aussie friends have reserved
a table at dinner. Was a lot of fun.
Breathtaking scenery.
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