Different Yet Again (unedited)

Le Conte in late July, large iceberg on the left end ready to be born

We came to this place in May, early July, and again at the end of July. Each time the glacier showed us a different character. In May we could not even get around the corner to see the glacier face. The pack ice was so tightly packed we could not get the boat through. We were left to imagine what was producing all the pack ice and bergs. In July, we got to within about a mile of the face. We could see it well and the younger generation took the dinghy much closer. Still they could only get about a 1/4 mile of the face. Now in late July, icebergs are floating in Fredrick Sound 20 miles from the glacier itself. We easily navigated through the pack ice in the bay. We could have parked Iolair within a hundred yards of the one hundred foot vertical face of the glacier. Two small tour boats from Petersburg were much closer but that was outside of our comfort zone. Fast, small boats can get out of there quickly if needed.  Look closely in the middle of the picture and you can see one. We are about a 1/4 mile back in Iolair. The glacier moaned and cracked as it moved slowly down the valley. We watched the glacier calve 3 different times. As we were leaving, a large part of the wall on the left broke off and crashed into the water. It submerged and resurfaced several times. An amazing sight...from a distance. 

LeConte in early July

We've said goodbye to Scott and Jen, and since then left Petersburg on a southbound passage. As usual, our plans have changed. Might be better to say our plans have evolved. Kelly called Wrangell and canceled our winter slip and electric service. Instead, we are starting the journey south back to Blaine, Washington. We are not sure if we are completely done with Alaska, and I have feeling we are not. But we both agree that we are ready for the warmth and sun of the San Juan's. We'll break the trip into 3 legs. 

Week 1: Petersburg, AK to Prince Rupert, BC

Week 2: Prince Rupert, BC to Bella Bella, BC

Week 3: Bella Bella, BC to Blaine, WA