Day Nineteen - Glacier PIO XI

Early morning was dark as low hanging clouds drizzled rain throughout the fjord.  The Explorer Staff was out early in their zodiacs scouting the area for wildlife.  Their sightings enable us to have the best viewing opportunities when they take us out later in the morning.
 

The steep slopes have abundant vegetation and glittering waterfalls. The water is from melting glaciers higher in the mountain range.  Because of the difference in density, the fresh water "floats" on the surface of the otherwise salty ocean water.

It may be the first day of fall, but the greenery along the shoreline is loaded with yellow and red flowers.  Hundreds of humming birds feast on their nectar.  I was fortunate to photograph one (center of picture) enjoying its morning breakfast.

Our zodiac operator received a "call for assistance" from another boat.  When we arrived, several other zodiacs and special operations boats were already there.  The call was not an SOS but an invitation for everyone to gather around the "party boat" in the middle of the fjord for a glass of champaign and some macarons.  

Vanity photo.  

During the afternoon, Gene and Jan boarded the Special Operations Boat and came across five playful dolphins.  They hung around our boat for fifteen minutes, diving, leaping and racing us. 

It was a steady rain when the Octantus passed the PIO XI Glacier.  Named after Pope XI, its face is 1-1/2 miles wide and stands 200 feet above the ocean's surface. It is the largest glacier in the Southern Hemisphere!