Chris and I were enjoying another of those leisurely buffet breakfasts as we approached the entrance to Glacier Bay. That whole thing, by the way, is a National Park. In fact when we got a little further in we watched the Park Rangers climb onto the cruise ship via a pilot boat. But this breakfast proved to be like no other. I noticed a group of unusual eddies forming in the water, so i began what became a ship wide pastime ... staring. Suddenly, a spray of water shot hip from below the surface. It was a whale blowhole. We stared for a while, but he never surfaced more than that. And then we were sailing into ... the Twilight Zone.
Yes, the Twilight Zone would hav been proud of the fog bank we faced. It was eerie. AT times we could see nothing. At other times the fog looked like waves crashing onto the still bay waters. But on the other side ...
We were back in our room by this time. I was napping when Chris called out for me to come onto the balcony ... quick. I stumbled out as fast as I could, and was I ever glad I did. For the next thirty minutes or so we watched a humpback whale play. He blew out his blowhole. He rolled over and waved to us with his side fin. He slapped the water with his tail. He even jumped out of the water completely. I thought we were watching a Sea World exhibition of trained creatures. But these guys were just having some breakfast fun.
During a later walk on the deck we saw some horned puffins. That’s a bird. How do I know that’s what they were? We also saw an overly excited Ship Naturalist.
In the afternoon we saw a family of orcas. The park rangers were absolutely beside themselves. Apparently it is rare to see that here. We also saw a pair of bald eagles, sitting majestically on a high rock. Next came an entire little island full of dark brown sea lions. One really big light brown one sat in the center of the crowd like a proud King of the Island. We also saw some more whales and plenty of little otters flitting around.
Supper was in the dining room again. It was Italian food night, so all the waiters were dressed in either red and white or green and white stripes. Cary wondered if we were living in a Where’s Waldo Book. I suggested that we try to find the real Waldo - someone among the international staff who was actually from Italy. We didn’t have to wait long. The guy who was apparently in charge came to our table. He was wearing an apron that read, “Don’t ask me for the recipe. I’m Italian.” Sure enough, he was. The only one in the room NOT wearing a Wear’s Waldo shirt. Wouldn’t you know it? He introduced the evening entertainment. And I quote ... “A group of Philippinos singing an Italian song and playing as a Mexican mariachi band.” He was actually pretty good, too.
Non of us lasted long after supper. We got together and filled out some form that would enable us to go through customs in Canada a little easier than normal at the end of the cruise. Sheri taught us how important it is to watch your account status on the boat. You’ll have to get the details from her. Wayne and Cary both had some more dessert, of course, but we did head for bed. Very early day tomorrow ...
Deuteronomy 28:2 says, “And these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God.”
Father, you continue to outdo yourself in this nature experience we are having. Thanks for being such an awesome Creator. Amen.
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