At a Glacial Pace
After a restful night, we all got ready and loaded up in the good old family truckster to explore Alaska. Emma was determined to have actual breakfast, so we went to the Lighthouse Cafe and Bakery. While there was quite a wait, it was worth it - the breakfast burritos were a particular hit. With the youngest traveler satisfied, we drove the short distance to the Exit Glacier.
As we drove through the glacial valley created by the now-retreating Exit Glacier, the landscape was breathtaking. The river formed by the glacial melt had a blue-grey-green color. The snow and trees on the surrounding mountains created a beautiful tapestry. When we took our inevitable photo stops, the only sound you could hear was the rushing river, the light breeze, and the light drizzle hitting the windscreen.
As we approached the park, the glacier was visible, flowing down between the 2 neighboring peaks. The coloration was really interesting - the deep blues, the bright whites, the dirty greys and browns. We parked and geared up for the hike. We took the longer route up - about 1.2 miles. There were quite a few picture spots with differing views of the glacier. They had signs on the road in, as well as on the hiking path, that showed where the glacier ended at different times in history. You could track the recession of the glacier in a physical sense. Our first camera stop was at 1951 - where the glacier ended the year Les was born. When we made it (after several catch-my-breath stops) to the viewing area, there was a sign showing where the glacier ended in just 2005. It is amazing how fast it is receding.
We made it to the final viewing area and took some great pictures. Then we began our decent. It was SOOO much easier on the return trip, as it was all downhill. There was a different path we could take on returning, so we got to see some new views of the glacial valley. There were nice facilities there, so everyone availed themselves, then returned to Seward.
We had a few hours until our next event, so we went back to our beautiful lodging and rested. It was a nice rainy afternoon, so Emma had a very nice nap. When it was time, we took the short drive to our sled-dog adventure. Mitch Seavey is a famous and record-breaking Iditarod musher. He has a great tour of his kennels and sled ride. As a major dog-person, I had a blast. We all really enjoyed it. You get to see the dogs in their tether-free kennels (apparently, the only tether-free in Alaska), then get on a sled and have a team take you on a short ride through their property. The dogs were hilarious. Dogs with jobs are so happy. There was one that did not have a partner when hooked up. Reggae was his name, and he had committed some offense previously. He had been a lead dog, and his punishment was being toward the back, and without a partner. You could tell he was very sad about not being in front, but he was happy when we were moving.
After the ride, we got to go pet the dogs. One on our team had been on Mitch’s record-setting run in 2017. His name was Kevlar. Once we were done petting the doogies (there you go, Cody), we went to see how they dress the dogs for the race. Since the Iditarod is through vast stretches of desolate landscapes and harsh conditions, there are lots of specialized gear to help and protect the dogs and the musher. The dog in our demonstration, Arrow, was super friendly, and made sure to visit everyone in the room.
After that, we got the best part of the tour - the PUPPIES! We got to go in the pen and hold and cuddle with the cutest puppies. The one Emma found was focused on eating her hair and the zipper on her coat. I picked up a wriggly one that gave kisses and tried to eat my beard. Les picked up one that went promptly to sleep. There is something amazing about holding puppies - it has to release some good brain chemicals.
When it was time to leave, we packed back up into the car (without a puppy, though I think Les was tempted). We drove back into town, and stopped at the Salmon Bake Restaurant. It took a while to be seated, but we had a really nice dinner. Emma and I had the halibut and chips, and Les and Carrie had seafood platters. Pat had the barnyard bugcatcher- a not-so-appetizing name for a chicken sandwich. We had blueberry cobbler with ice cream for dessert. Delicious!
Back at the house, we had some hot chocolate and relaxed. I fought through some technical and internet difficulties, but got the pictures off all the cameras and on to Carrie’s computer. Though, it was so late, she went to bed before it was all finished, so she will have to filter them tomorrow. I’m off to bed, too. Goodnight!
