A glacier (US /ˈɡleɪʃər/ or UK /ˈɡlæsiə/) is a persistent body of dense ice that is constantly moving under its own weight; it forms where the accumulation of snow exceeds its ablation (melting and sublimation) over many years, often centuries. Glaciers slowly deform and flow due to stresses induced by their weight, creating crevasses, seracs, and other distinguishing features. They also abrade rock and debris from their substrate to create landforms such as cirques and moraines.(Wikipedia)
The Matanuska Glacier is the largest glacier in Alaska that can be reached by vehicle. It is approximately 26 miles long and 4 miles wide at its terminus. It is classified as a valley glacier; a body of solid ice that flows like a river under its own weight through an existing valley. About 10,000 years ago it began its retreat to its present day location, and it has not seen any significant change in mass for almost two decades. Because the Matanuska Glacier is a weather hole, cold air from the glacier forces warm air upward towards the mountain peaks. This results in sunny skies and more favorable weather than its surrounding areas, making this a perfect destination for the Alaskan traveler. http://matanuska-glacier.com/
Yackitee smackitee - you say Glacier - I say Glay See Air. Either way, I'm gonna take my portrait with it...in a swimsuit...again. Giggle.
The Matanuska Glacier is the largest glacier in Alaska that can be reached by vehicle. It is approximately 26 miles long and 4 miles wide at its terminus. It is classified as a valley glacier; a body of solid ice that flows like a river under its own weight through an existing valley. About 10,000 years ago it began its retreat to its present day location, and it has not seen any significant change in mass for almost two decades. Because the Matanuska Glacier is a weather hole, cold air from the glacier forces warm air upward towards the mountain peaks. This results in sunny skies and more favorable weather than its surrounding areas, making this a perfect destination for the Alaskan traveler. http://matanuska-glacier.com/
Yackitee smackitee - you say Glacier - I say Glay See Air. Either way, I'm gonna take my portrait with it...in a swimsuit...again. Giggle.
7:20AM - Thank you Lord for letting my two hours sleep feel like a solid eight.
Upstairs for coffee after I put on my gear for the day - swimsuit under Camo pants and military green t-shirt, hiking shoes and my lucky lime green socks. In the bedroom chair, a Moose for my fanny covering, blue jean jacket, shades, camera bag WITH three trolls. Ready...let's go!
In the kitchen Bill is in the midst of packing hiking gear, water bottles, Robot and Ken - oh that's a segment in itself. Michelle is packing the cooler with sandwich fixings, apples, pickles - Baby Gerks and Big Sours (thank you very much). Bob and I ask if we could help - being such AWESOME hosts, we were acquiesced to linger on the back porch with our coffee and blueberry coffee cake from Costco, which was very lip smack-able indeed.
The neighbors across the street were having their driveway repaved. Trucks and equipment were in wait curbside. Looks like a family run company with the dog riding shotgun with Mom working the dump truck. The eldest son on the backhoe, Pop working the earth rammers and rollers, youngest son doing the grunt work picking up pieces of old slab and sweeping away debris.
Chatting with Bob about the glacier we're embarking upon today, the scenic journey to get there and if he's wearing his swim trunks. It's past our tentative time of 9:00AM to leave, the Hog Boys are just now stirring. Their minds and bodies are in summer mode, I think we'll be on the road by noon. While the four boys were getting it together, four adults sat on the porch contemplating the cost of the work going on across the street, who needed a fresh cup coffee, how the boys will need to cut the grass before we leave for the cabin, what we plan to do for the next couple of days. We're all discovering, it's safe to plan for two days at a time. Some of the boys have Dr. appointments, Bill has The Appleseed Project, Michelle and I gotta go to Value Village to hunt for trolls. But for today, we're going to walk on some serious ice.
Upstairs for coffee after I put on my gear for the day - swimsuit under Camo pants and military green t-shirt, hiking shoes and my lucky lime green socks. In the bedroom chair, a Moose for my fanny covering, blue jean jacket, shades, camera bag WITH three trolls. Ready...let's go!
In the kitchen Bill is in the midst of packing hiking gear, water bottles, Robot and Ken - oh that's a segment in itself. Michelle is packing the cooler with sandwich fixings, apples, pickles - Baby Gerks and Big Sours (thank you very much). Bob and I ask if we could help - being such AWESOME hosts, we were acquiesced to linger on the back porch with our coffee and blueberry coffee cake from Costco, which was very lip smack-able indeed.
The neighbors across the street were having their driveway repaved. Trucks and equipment were in wait curbside. Looks like a family run company with the dog riding shotgun with Mom working the dump truck. The eldest son on the backhoe, Pop working the earth rammers and rollers, youngest son doing the grunt work picking up pieces of old slab and sweeping away debris.
Chatting with Bob about the glacier we're embarking upon today, the scenic journey to get there and if he's wearing his swim trunks. It's past our tentative time of 9:00AM to leave, the Hog Boys are just now stirring. Their minds and bodies are in summer mode, I think we'll be on the road by noon. While the four boys were getting it together, four adults sat on the porch contemplating the cost of the work going on across the street, who needed a fresh cup coffee, how the boys will need to cut the grass before we leave for the cabin, what we plan to do for the next couple of days. We're all discovering, it's safe to plan for two days at a time. Some of the boys have Dr. appointments, Bill has The Appleseed Project, Michelle and I gotta go to Value Village to hunt for trolls. But for today, we're going to walk on some serious ice.
We're in the car - we're in the car!!!
Bill behind the wheel - "11:15, not that far behind schedule."
Catz @ Wing-man - "Let's get this party started!!"
Bob @ left middle window - "Huh?"
Danny @ right middle window- "Mom can I sit next to you?"
Shane @ middle - "I gotta go to the bathroom!"
Michelle @ far left back - "Nap time!"
Travis @ far back middle - "Anyone seen my ear buds?"
Joseph @ far back right window - "snooze"
Robot sitting in Joseph's lap - "ZORK!"
Ken in glove compartment - mm%iohb!
Ittik in cup holder - "Put it in gear - What's yer praaaa-blem?"
Izzy in my camera case- "Glay see air - glay see air - glay see air..."
Snowshoe Sam looking out my window - "Anybody sittin' on my ski poles?"
Bill behind the wheel - "11:15, not that far behind schedule."
Catz @ Wing-man - "Let's get this party started!!"
Bob @ left middle window - "Huh?"
Danny @ right middle window- "Mom can I sit next to you?"
Shane @ middle - "I gotta go to the bathroom!"
Michelle @ far left back - "Nap time!"
Travis @ far back middle - "Anyone seen my ear buds?"
Joseph @ far back right window - "snooze"
Robot sitting in Joseph's lap - "ZORK!"
Ken in glove compartment - mm%iohb!
Ittik in cup holder - "Put it in gear - What's yer praaaa-blem?"
Izzy in my camera case- "Glay see air - glay see air - glay see air..."
Snowshoe Sam looking out my window - "Anybody sittin' on my ski poles?"
We're three minutes from the house when cars begin to pull off the road - Momma Moose and her two Calves. Bill pulls over, I take a shot out the window - then Bill gives me the "okay but not too close" signal so I can take photos out of the truck. He knows me so well.
We settle in for the two hour, ninety seven mile journey. When you're in good company, beautiful scenery around you, interesting tidbits to discover about this state from our Guide Bill, the trip will be a breeze.
But first...Costco. Whuh?
Michelle and I hop out, the menfolk betting we will be an hour getting Ruffles, Danny's favorite bread (oh look, Onions are on sale) some more Chipotle and Jalapeno Cheeses and cherries. We know they are messing with us even as Bill says, "we'll keep circling..."
We'll fix them! We get our stuff in less than fifteen minutes (this is a giant store with so many things begging to be tossed in our basket) and have simultaneous brain farts - "ICE CREAM!" It's been a while since the Hog Boys have been treated to ice cream, they prefer fruits and Choco Pies. Michelle gets in line :"May I please have six ice cream cones, two Pistachio, two Chocolate/Vanilla Swirls and two Chocolate, then two chocolate fruit sundaes. Thank you, you're so sweet!" This would be smooth if we weren't pushing a shopping cart, each holding as best we could all this ice cream goodness. People are smiling, looking behind us to see if we had kids in tow. Nope, just a Blonde and a Redhead!
"...we'll keep circling.." Uh-huh. We come out, both of us laughing like schoolgirls, arms getting sticky with melting cones, looking for the truck. They had gotten gas and parked a ways down from the exit doors. A gentleman would have gotten out of the van to at least grab the ice cream. We know who we're dealing with. We get to the truck, windows rolled down and excitedly hear - "THEY BOUGHT ICE CREAM!! WHICH ONE IS MINE? I WANT THE SWIRL! DID SHE GET ME PISTACHIO? BLAH-BLAH-BLAH." Uh, can someone get the back door?
Bob assisted with getting the doors open and helping get the ice cream to its proper owners. We are off and running.
But first...Costco. Whuh?
Michelle and I hop out, the menfolk betting we will be an hour getting Ruffles, Danny's favorite bread (oh look, Onions are on sale) some more Chipotle and Jalapeno Cheeses and cherries. We know they are messing with us even as Bill says, "we'll keep circling..."
We'll fix them! We get our stuff in less than fifteen minutes (this is a giant store with so many things begging to be tossed in our basket) and have simultaneous brain farts - "ICE CREAM!" It's been a while since the Hog Boys have been treated to ice cream, they prefer fruits and Choco Pies. Michelle gets in line :"May I please have six ice cream cones, two Pistachio, two Chocolate/Vanilla Swirls and two Chocolate, then two chocolate fruit sundaes. Thank you, you're so sweet!" This would be smooth if we weren't pushing a shopping cart, each holding as best we could all this ice cream goodness. People are smiling, looking behind us to see if we had kids in tow. Nope, just a Blonde and a Redhead!
"...we'll keep circling.." Uh-huh. We come out, both of us laughing like schoolgirls, arms getting sticky with melting cones, looking for the truck. They had gotten gas and parked a ways down from the exit doors. A gentleman would have gotten out of the van to at least grab the ice cream. We know who we're dealing with. We get to the truck, windows rolled down and excitedly hear - "THEY BOUGHT ICE CREAM!! WHICH ONE IS MINE? I WANT THE SWIRL! DID SHE GET ME PISTACHIO? BLAH-BLAH-BLAH." Uh, can someone get the back door?
Bob assisted with getting the doors open and helping get the ice cream to its proper owners. We are off and running.
Bob and I were busy gazing out the window, Bill commentating when he detected piqued interest. The boys were playing their electronic thingies, Michelle and my trolls were napping. Robot was plotting what not so evil thing to do to Ken. May as well let you in on this. Robot has a pure loathing for Ken (Barbie's non-working, fashion savvy mooch of a boyfriend), yet keeps their friendship by always helping Ken survive a mishap....let me get permission from Bill to give the Blog about Robot and Ken. It is hilarious. So this trip is no different between those two.
About an hour in, the boys, "Dad - I gotta go peeeeeee? "Bill and I joked that they should pinch it, find a cup in the back, use the continence bags in side pockets, hang out the window or wait until a suitable turn off is found. They decided to wait. The Modesty Gene is something I didn't know teens and pre-teens carried.
Continuing down Glenn Highway we enter the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. The scenery along this road has bee awarded the title National Scenic Byway. We drove through an area with a grade so steep - without guardrails, that Bill asked for a little quiet so he could concentrate. Hey, listen to the man - the drop off is on my side.
About an hour in, the boys, "Dad - I gotta go peeeeeee? "Bill and I joked that they should pinch it, find a cup in the back, use the continence bags in side pockets, hang out the window or wait until a suitable turn off is found. They decided to wait. The Modesty Gene is something I didn't know teens and pre-teens carried.
Continuing down Glenn Highway we enter the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. The scenery along this road has bee awarded the title National Scenic Byway. We drove through an area with a grade so steep - without guardrails, that Bill asked for a little quiet so he could concentrate. Hey, listen to the man - the drop off is on my side.
Mile 91.7... there she is.....
The above photo, I took this same shot, same pose, same outfit and er'thang, three years ago. I loved this view then, I'm still in love with it now.
Notice Bob and the tree leaning in the same direction? Thought it was my vision at first.
We had a lovely picnic here on my first visit. Today we're only taking photos and plan on picnicking closer to the glacier. The day is fresh, temps in the high sixties.
We had a lovely picnic here on my first visit. Today we're only taking photos and plan on picnicking closer to the glacier. The day is fresh, temps in the high sixties.
Cleanest bathrooms ever here in Alaska. But you still check for animals hiding out when you open the doors - nothing like releasing your 'stuff' when you come upon a raccoon, snake or heaven forbid, another person inside!
Interesting photo of trash and ash.
Interesting photo of trash and ash.
It takes less than fifteen minutes to get to the entrance of the park. We wind down a steep hill, the views captivating unless you're the driver, no guardrails here. Cottonwood blossoms floating in the air, dust from the tires competing for air space. Everyone has perked up in anticipation. I'm willing my knees to behave as I search for my sunglasses which mysteriously disappeared in the truck. We're going to the Gift Shop first to register ourselves. The forms are to declare if we fall in a crevice, get injured in some fashion, the park is not responsible - they'll call 911 for you, that's about it. It's $20 for adults, the boys are $12. WORTH IT. The guys behind the counter laugh at Ittik of course, who is trying to sign her name to the registration form.
We encounter a dog outside, friendly we hoped, who was limping. Michelle thought it had something in its foot. Poor thing had nails missing probably from a recent fight or caught in a bush. It tried to get in the truck . Sorry dude, out of room. People next to us were taking photos of the dog which was right behind Bill's tires when we were pulling out. Barely dodged the humans who were crouching out of sight. Dangerous thing to do people. Common sense seems to disappear for some people on holiday.
We wait for the gate to lift, windows rolled down and begin our journey over a wooden bridge which happens to be Bill's favorite part of the park. As we cross the bridge, the trees form a beautiful frame with the glacier and mountains in the distance. The water below is full force, muddy brown and babbling rapidly. The air temp seems to be dropping a few degrees. The tent only camp sites available are empty. I'd rather be in an RV camping here if I had a choice. My treasured purplish Fire Weed wildflowers are not as prominent as before. I was hoping to re-create a photo Bill took of me here, standing knee high in the flowers, pine trees behind me - it was a great shot.
We encounter a dog outside, friendly we hoped, who was limping. Michelle thought it had something in its foot. Poor thing had nails missing probably from a recent fight or caught in a bush. It tried to get in the truck . Sorry dude, out of room. People next to us were taking photos of the dog which was right behind Bill's tires when we were pulling out. Barely dodged the humans who were crouching out of sight. Dangerous thing to do people. Common sense seems to disappear for some people on holiday.
We wait for the gate to lift, windows rolled down and begin our journey over a wooden bridge which happens to be Bill's favorite part of the park. As we cross the bridge, the trees form a beautiful frame with the glacier and mountains in the distance. The water below is full force, muddy brown and babbling rapidly. The air temp seems to be dropping a few degrees. The tent only camp sites available are empty. I'd rather be in an RV camping here if I had a choice. My treasured purplish Fire Weed wildflowers are not as prominent as before. I was hoping to re-create a photo Bill took of me here, standing knee high in the flowers, pine trees behind me - it was a great shot.
Over the river and through the woods, our destination awaits. Rugged parking spots coming up to our left. The boys call attention to the Black Ice to our right. I keep my head down as I want my first view to be of my lovely glacier - The Matanuska.