This morning we woke up even earlier at 7 AM to get a jump start on the day. After a hearty breakfast we broke off into our assigned groups (we had signed up for activities the day before). Jens and I were in the first kayaking group. We headed to the aft deck to get our gear and then board our tandem sea kayak. We sit in the kayaks on the aft deck, get our skirts in place and paddles in hand, and then they push us off into the water. It was a cinch to do. The weather this morning was gorgeous with blue skies and calm turquoise water from the glacial ice. We motored overnight close to the John Hopkins Glacier (which is advancing) and the Reid glacier which is retreating. We paddle about fifteen minutes to reach the opening of the Reid Glacier. It looks very close and as though we will reach it within ten minutes, but the longer we paddle, the longer it gets and still seems just as far away! The sound in the U shaped fjord carved out by his massive ice floe has tons of waterfalls flowing on its walls – making a background rushing water music that gets louder as you approach one side of the valley. The Reid Glacier is about ½ mile wide and you can see the blue ice face in parts where it has recently calved. As we paddle, we see lots of various birds, bitty bergs, floating around as well as a couple of harbor seals that seem to enjoy following us as we paddle along. What a gorgeous morning. Being in places like these that make me feel so small , as the scenery is so immensely enormous and yet is just one small fraction of a portion of the entire park size on the map. Which again, is just one small piece of land in reference to the entire world.
We return to the boat for a brief rest time before our next activity, the zip boat ride along the shore. We drive a ways while our guide keeps a look out for bears on shore, eagles, and other wildlife. Sadly, all the brown bears are sleeping as we scan the mountains and tidal beach areas, but we do get to see a bald eagle perched on a rock. As we approach closer, he spans his almost 6” span and flies off to avoid us. We return after an hour and then prepare for a nice Thai chicken early lunch. After lunch I head off to receive my complimentary massage. I am completely relaxed and peaceful as I get my sore shoulder muscles loosened. Now for an afternoon of relaxation We asked about possibly taking the paddle boards out and the park ranger is going to check on the permits for that. Jens is up top biking on the sun deck to get a workout in, and its still only Day 2! Love it!
We send the rest of the day reading, playing backgammon and chatting with others before a wonderful and creative presentation in the evening about the history of Glacier Bay Park, including seeing old photos comparing with new photos the changes the glaciers have made over that past decades.
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
2 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
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.