Day Fourteen - Garibaldi Fjord

From Cape Horn we traveled north for two days and entered the Garibaldi Fjord. One of the most important things to see in this fjord is the retreating Garibaldi glacier. Regarded as one of Chile’s most beautiful glaciers, this mammoth wall of sapphire and teal-colored ice doesn’t disappoint, as it towers over visitors.

A notable feature is its medial moraine. A moraine is a formation of unconsolidated rock and debris that’s carried along by a glacier, while a medial moraine is one that forms when two glaciers meet, meaning that the Garibaldi glacier is the coming together of two separate ice flows.

As our zodiac bumped through the  ice field, we disturbed two sea lions hunting for breakfast.  As you can see, the one on the left was not happy and barked loudly at us as we passed.

By mid-day, the sun came out.  The reflections of the snowcapped mountains in the fjord were quite picturesque.

Late in the day, Gene had his second opportunity to descend in the submarine.  After a 1/2 mile ride in a zodiac, he reached Paul.  Viking owns four subs, each of which are named after one of the Beatles: John, Paul,  George, and Ringo.

Descending to the bottom, 330', a school of sardines came into view.  They are a favorite food of the seals and penguins.

On the bottom were a crab and other sea life. ( I guess I should have paid better attention in my biology classes.)

Back on the surface, the sub's passengers were treated to a rainbow.  What a beautiful sight even if it meant returning to the Octantus in a light rain.