Emily, the ranger from Glacier Bay National Park, joined us onboard for breakfast. She was to be our guest for the next couple days while we were in the park. The sky was partly cloudy, but we could still see many of the far off peaks that we were heading towards. We spent some time around the Marble Islands viewing the sea lions sunning themselves and all the birds that call these islands home, including some puffins! We were afraid it was too late in the season, but they stuck around for a little longer for us. This afternoon, we anchored in front of Lamplugh Glacier and split into groups. We had a few options today, so we chose to take the skiff out towards Johns Hopkins Glacier, which was incredibly huge! The ice chunks made its slow go, and we were still miles from the glacier, but it was worth seeing. Then we went for a hike along the side of Lumplaugh. This glacier had a river poring out from under it into the ocean, with amazing acoustics surrounding the mouth of the river. The hike was beautiful and a bit of a climb, but we welcomed the exercise. Then when we got back to the yacht, we threw on our swimsuits and jumped in among the icebergs for our glacier plunge! It was cold, refreshing, and a blast. We had nearly every person on our cruise do the plunge, including our first mate. We found out later that evening that we had the most plungers of any group the staff could remember! I was proud of our adventurous ship-mates for taking the plunge! As it was starting to get dark, we made our way towards Margerie Glacier. It was calving as we were approaching,and we sat there for a bit watching it in near-silence. Then, we saw the biggest, most magnificent calving I have ever seen. It matched what you see on the Discovery Channel! It was huge chunk of ice, that broke off from the entire face, and all plunged straight down into the ocean below, causing a big wave that reached us in seconds. We of course were at a safe distance. Vanessa even admitted that it was one of the biggest callings she had seen in all her years working up there. I couldn't believe our luck! This was truly an amazing day, filled with a little bit of everything.
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.