A Day in the Life of a Lindblad Kid at Sea ~ Alaska
It was early morning when we met our Park Ranger, Jessica Tipkemper, at the Barlett Cove dock just inside of Glacier Bay National Park. She was dressed in her Park Ranger uniform while we were still in our pajamas. There was soon a scramble to get dressed and go out on deck before breakfast as we were summoned by a breaching baby humpback whale. Lucy Stephenson (age 13) scored the breaching as an 8.5 on the excitement scale because it was, “entertaining and comical” to watch it just come out straight out of the water and just flop on its back... “It just kept doing it over and over and over.”
Following breakfast we slowed down to see the Steller Sea Lions, puffins, and gulls of the South Marble Islands. Ranger Tipkemper described how they all lived in their own community. After a close up view through binoculars, Claire Merriman (age 12) saw the yellow tufts of the island puffins and later commented, “I knew there were different types of puffins, but I didn’t know they lived in this part of the world.”
The remainder of the morning we cruised up John Hopkins Inlet, getting closer and closer to the glacier. We spent time finding answers to the daily expedition scavenger hunt. The toughest questions: What makes glaciers blue? What is the difference between an iceberg, growler, and a bergie-bit?
As we scouted the shore for mountain goats, giggled at breaching salmon, and listened for the sounds of the different gulls, we heard a simply fascinating sound that even the youngest child recognized instantly: “Lunch is being served, chili and grilled cheese sandwiches!” Alaska would have to wait, grilled cheese is always a priority.
Following lunch we arrived at the John Hopkins Glacier, one mile wide, 14 miles long, and 250 feet tall. That is over 50 stories high– bigger than a city skyscraper. As the sun came out it mirrored the glacier’s reflection in the water. With this stunning effect, the glacier seemed to grow to twice (its already) enormous size. This is certainly something we don’t see everyday back home.
The afternoon was a kaleidoscope of activities, starting with disco twister. Soon after our Boatswain, Randall Christian, and our Deckhand, Jeanne Fleming invited us to a knot tying class, so long as we promised not to tie a baby sitter up when we got home. Nautical chart making was also offered by the Second Mate, Tina Davis. There was another special event just before dinner. Ranger Timpkemper announced all the Jr. Rangers and gave out badges in front of the whole ship.
The day ended with a song led by Chris Lindberg & Larisa Deme, followed by an adventure walk at Bartlett Cove as we said goodbye to Ranger Tipkemper. She smiled as she glanced at all the Jr. Ranger Badges. When asked, Kelly Swanson (age 5) looked up to her mom and smiled about the day, “It was fun.” As we walked back to the M.V. Sea Bird, we said goodnight to the porcupine on the trail, and made our way to our pillows, pajamas, and parents for a kiss goodnight. What a full and fascinating day we have had. We will certainly sleep well tonight, and look forward to a brand new adventure tomorrow.
It was early morning when we met our Park Ranger, Jessica Tipkemper, at the Barlett Cove dock just inside of Glacier Bay National Park. She was dressed in her Park Ranger uniform while we were still in our pajamas. There was soon a scramble to get dressed and go out on deck before breakfast as we were summoned by a breaching baby humpback whale. Lucy Stephenson (age 13) scored the breaching as an 8.5 on the excitement scale because it was, “entertaining and comical” to watch it just come out straight out of the water and just flop on its back... “It just kept doing it over and over and over.”
Following breakfast we slowed down to see the Steller Sea Lions, puffins, and gulls of the South Marble Islands. Ranger Tipkemper described how they all lived in their own community. After a close up view through binoculars, Claire Merriman (age 12) saw the yellow tufts of the island puffins and later commented, “I knew there were different types of puffins, but I didn’t know they lived in this part of the world.”
The remainder of the morning we cruised up John Hopkins Inlet, getting closer and closer to the glacier. We spent time finding answers to the daily expedition scavenger hunt. The toughest questions: What makes glaciers blue? What is the difference between an iceberg, growler, and a bergie-bit?
As we scouted the shore for mountain goats, giggled at breaching salmon, and listened for the sounds of the different gulls, we heard a simply fascinating sound that even the youngest child recognized instantly: “Lunch is being served, chili and grilled cheese sandwiches!” Alaska would have to wait, grilled cheese is always a priority.
Following lunch we arrived at the John Hopkins Glacier, one mile wide, 14 miles long, and 250 feet tall. That is over 50 stories high– bigger than a city skyscraper. As the sun came out it mirrored the glacier’s reflection in the water. With this stunning effect, the glacier seemed to grow to twice (its already) enormous size. This is certainly something we don’t see everyday back home.
The afternoon was a kaleidoscope of activities, starting with disco twister. Soon after our Boatswain, Randall Christian, and our Deckhand, Jeanne Fleming invited us to a knot tying class, so long as we promised not to tie a baby sitter up when we got home. Nautical chart making was also offered by the Second Mate, Tina Davis. There was another special event just before dinner. Ranger Timpkemper announced all the Jr. Rangers and gave out badges in front of the whole ship.
The day ended with a song led by Chris Lindberg & Larisa Deme, followed by an adventure walk at Bartlett Cove as we said goodbye to Ranger Tipkemper. She smiled as she glanced at all the Jr. Ranger Badges. When asked, Kelly Swanson (age 5) looked up to her mom and smiled about the day, “It was fun.” As we walked back to the M.V. Sea Bird, we said goodnight to the porcupine on the trail, and made our way to our pillows, pajamas, and parents for a kiss goodnight. What a full and fascinating day we have had. We will certainly sleep well tonight, and look forward to a brand new adventure tomorrow.
