SUNDAY,
JULY 14:
We’ve
been waiting for a day like this in Juneau!
A gorgeous sunny day, with temps in the 70’s. Perfect for kayaking the lake at the base of
Mendenhall Glacier.
Were in the water by 10:30, on the
opposite side of the lake from the Visitors Center. 
It was
exhilarating paddling through this glacier-fed lake. We could easily see the glacier silt on top
of the water. Looks like “clean” dirt
granules, which is the only way I know to describe it. From afar, it’s what gives the lake its
distinctive icy-blue hue.
About half-way to the glacier, we came in view of
the waterfall, and could hear its thundering crash.
Got to within a few hundred yards of the
glacier. We found a little beach where
we could pull up the kayaks and scramble up some rocks to get a better
view. This was a nesting area for some
type of seagull, and we were surrounded by seeing them in flight, as well as
hearing their cries. Was very cool; you
really felt part of the whole natural environment.
Stopped short of going all the way up to it
because the current was very swift the closer we got to the glacier’s face, as
was the wind from it. (Not to mention that the closer you got, the more you
could feel the cold air surrounding it.
But that didn’t bother us, because we were dressed for it. Just striking to feel the very perceptible
difference in air temperatures the closer
you got to the glacier.) Also, the water as a whole was less calm now
(we’d been out about 3 hours), The sensation and accomplishment of being
right up next to the glacier (and the temptation of that perfect photo) weren’t
worth the risk of possibly being knocked over by a cross-current or wave. And keeping in mind that our kayaks are river
kayaks, not the sea kayaks that most folks here have; ours are narrower,
especially Bill’s, and more susceptible to tipping. Drowning isn’t the concern here – it’s
hypothermia.
On the paddle back, we saw a couple of other
kayakers out, as well as a 16-person replica of a Tlingit canoe (run by an
Adventure Tour outfit). It was a little
challenging paddling back at first, but after a while, the current was going
with us, and helped push us along. It
was a wonderful kayaking experience – one that we’d like to repeat when
circumstances are right again.
After we
got back to shore and the kayaks loaded up, we drove over to the other side of
the lake, where the Visitors Center is and where we were the other day. Since it was a clear day today, with bright
blue sky, we wanted to see the glacier in that light, and take some pictures,
since our other experience had been with mists and clouds. So we re-walked some of the little trails
we’d done earlier a week or so ago.
Tired in that good way, when you’ve done really
stimulating, exhilarating physical activity, when we got home. But not too tired to grill a steak &
veggie kabobs for dinner.
Tomorrow
is our big bear-viewing day at Pack Creek!
Got stuff ready for that tonite.
P.S. I have now officially worn every piece of
clothing that I got for this trip –today was the last of it: my rubber rainboots, Neoprene gloves, and
even my little wool hat. I looked like
the Woman in Black today! Spent a lot
for all the clothes I bought, but have worn it all, and most of it many times
already. And some, like the Icebreaker
base layer, I’ve worn nearly every day. Have
been thoroughly comfortable nearly all the time. When I get back, I need to go into the Alpine
Shop and again tell them how very helpful they were, steering me to exactly
what I need.
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