Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier was our destination today.      This is the closest you can get to a glacier without going by boat or plane.  

Reports that this glacier is receding are true, but it started receding in the mid 1770's.     Yes, 1770.    There are several glaciers off this ice field, and some are growing while others recede.     They get about 100 feet of snow over the field in an average year.      

Mendenhall Glacier is one of 38 large glaciers that flow from the 1,500 square mile expanse of snow and ice knows as the Juneau Icefield.

 These people look like they are having a great time!

This waterfall is huge.    If you look closely, you can see a row of people near the falls.    Yes, we hiked down there.    

It must be happy hour - I've found my ice cube............

Some of the ice chunks made very interesting shapes.    

We are being blessed with incredible weather.      Beautiful blue skies and temps in the mid to high 70's.