In the aerial photo below, way in the distance, you can see one of Alaska's biggest attractions. That patch of show nestled between the mountains is, in fact, a massive glacier!
Juneau is in the Southeastern portion of the state of Alaska, in the Alexander archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. Juneau itself is not an island. It is part of the mainland. Still, the only way into or out of the city is by ship or plane. There is no leaving Juneau by car unless you put the car on a ship, where you would be taken to the lower 48-or farther North to other parts of Alaska that are connected to the highway system that winds through Canada and eventually gets you to the United States border.
A cruise ship departs Juneau from the Downtown docks, heading farther North to visit small fishing villages like Haines, Hoonah, Sitka and Angoon. Juneau averages around 1,000,000 tourists a year!
This is just about as close as most tourists ever get to the glacier, which has retreated 1.75 miles since 1929 when Mendenhall Lake was created.
If you're ready, we're ready to start our hike!
The glacier itself is hard to get to because of the lake that has been created by the melting ice, so We have to go around the lake through the woods.
There are lots of interesting creatures to find and admire a long the way, like caterpillars...
American Bald Eagles....
And bears! Oh My!
Eventually, you must leave the safety of the marked trail. Would you keep going?
One false move here could be your last!
Here's the view from the top looking at the goal.
And looking back from where we came!
Coming down the cliff on to the partially frozen Glacier Lake. In the Winter, the frozen lake makes it much easier to get to the glacier. We didn't chance it in the Spring.
So close! Almost to the ice caves!
Closer still! Looks cold, doesn't it?
Finally, our party arrives at the ice cave! Let's look inside!
Three weeks after I licked it, the entrance to the cave collapsed! Sorry I broke your glacier, Juneau!
The ceiling of the ice cave is a gorgeous blue color from the frozen salt water. Rocks and boulders are visible that have been frozen in ice for ages inside the ceiling.
These pictures really don't do it justice, but I'm glad I got them before the cave entrance collapsed.
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You almost expect to see the Yeti from the Disney roller coaster here, right?
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The glacier is retreating fast, so it won't be here for us to enjoy forever.
And now you've seen the glacier in a way most tourists never get to without taking an expensive helicopter ride!
Thanks for letting me show you just a few of the sights along the way as you take the adventurous journey to Juneau's beautiful Mendenhall Glacier. Alaska is a magical place. I don't know anyone who comes here that doesn't go home changed. Come see it!
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