Ever seen a Glacier? (photo heavy)

As you know, I just got home from Alaska. It is a magical place for me. We just don't see things like this around here. 

This is Exit Glacier.

You can hike up to it.

 

It's kind of amazing to see these holes and crevices throughout.

With the tons of ice moving down the mountain, it seems to defy logic to me.

It's cold and windy, but beautiful

 

 It's a receding glacier. In fact it's receded quite a bit.

But leaves way for new growth.

Then we went to see the "Big Boys" on a 26 Glacier cruise out of Whittier.

 

It was pouring rain and COLD, but that didn't keep us indoors!

 There were photos to be taken and animals to see.

 

The colors just amaze me.

 This last one used to go right to the water, but now that it doesn't it's referred to as a hanging glacier.

All the rock at the bottom has been pushed down the mountain as the glacier moves, creating new land.

 

The chunks of ice that float in the ocean by these glaciers are pure. Our crew fished one out and broke it up to serve in our drinks! There is so much oxygen in it, that it fizzes when it melts. You can hear it as you go thru them on the boat too. Reminds me of Rice Krispies in milk! :-)

 

There is one thing I can tell you for sure. Photos absolutely do not do it justice. The magnitude of these things are just something you can't capture on film. As a friend once put it, it was like being in a National Geographic Show. It was just to incredible to describe. She hit the nail on the head. It's overwhelmingly beautiful and makes you feel very small. The power that it has when it calves is like nothing I've ever experienced. Truly a wonder of nature!

 

Every good cruise deserves crazy photos!

 

A special treat on the way back was this incredible waterfall.

It has never had so much water in it before, but the rains this year, have created this spectacular sight. I can't even begin to tell you just how much water was coming down.

 

We got to enjoy some of the fall colors on our drive back.

Oh, I love this time of year up there.

 

Hiking is a big threat too. There is so much rain forest! It's delightful to walk on. Nice and cushy under your feet

 I am not much of a hiker at home. Too many snakes. (At least in my mind)

My favorite part of Alaska is the fact that there are NO snakes!

Yippee!

But you don't want to tangle with this guy. Its the stem of the plant in the photo above.

At least I can see this plant, and there are so surprises!

:-)

Don't you love these views from my friends deck.

I love the sights and the smell of the forrest!

It's official...I'm ready to go back!