The second day of the cruise was reserved for glacial sightseeing. In the morning we hiked around Pia Glacier, which our guides referred to as “The Prom Queen” because it’s so good looking. Once again we boarded the zodiacs and zipped over to the shore for hiking and viewing. Here’s a shot from the lookout point.
A view of Pia Glacier from the lookout point.
If you look closely on the right of the glacier you might notice the snow looks cleaner and fresher. The glacier calved before we hiked up to the lookout. Calving is a term used to describe the large chunks of ice that break off of glaciers.
At the lookout point I was once again reminded that it was summer and snapped this pic of some primrose heath berries and a dog orchid.
A few bright berries and a hidden dog orchid stood out in contrast to the greens and grays surrounding them.
In the afternoon the boat cruised through the legendary Beagle Channel in what is called “Glacier Alley” because it offers so many close-up views of the glaciers. The boat glided under this rainbow as we approached.
The entryway to Glacier Alley in the famed Beagle Channel.
In Glacier Alley, each glacier is named after a different European country. Just to make it fun, the boat crew played music while serving snacks and drinks themed to each country as we passed by. Sadly, most of the glaciers no longer reach the channel, but this one still does. I don’t remember the names of all the glaciers we saw in the alley, but I’m pretty sure this one is the Italia Glacier.
The only glacier in the alley to still reach the water.
Next stop Cape Horn at the bottom of the world!
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