Exit Glacier just north of Seward

A small explanation regarding the "workings" of the scouring and sediment of glaciers.

Exit Glacier has moved back more than 27 miles since the 1950's. At one time it was thought to have been all the way into Seward. Now Exit Glacier is perhaps 10 miles north of the northern edge of the town of Seward.

There are many streams to cross before you can see or touch the face of Exit Glacier.

Judy is inspecting one and you can see it does not look easy and the water is moving swiftly across those rocks which seem to be causing a small waterfall.

Judy does give it her best effort but already her right foot has gone into the very cold water. And it was not easy to step off that steep hill and secure a good foot hold for crossing.

So Jerry goes back across to take the other, longer route with Judy.

I went on alone and did finally get to the face of the glacier.

It was fascinating to watch the water drip off the edge of the crusted snow. So this is where all those steams we had to cross came from. There were at least 5 steams with stones crossing them. Not all were as difficult as the one you saw Judy trying.

On the far side of the glacier front is a continuous flowing small waterfall. We have never seen the waterfalls actually on the glaciers before.









Trying to show you a picture of the waterfall.

Always the brave one, or maybe it is foolish?

Opps, guess I wasn't suppose to get so close.

So now to avoid the streams again, cuz my foot is finally dry, I take the more strenuous route up over all the granite rock and rubble along side the glacier. I am sure it was once part of the ice field. You can see I have made some progress.

I'm getting farther up as I can see the top of the glacier front now; but the climbing ain't easy. No, I was not alone, I tagged along with three other people. And there is kind of a trail we tried to follow.

I really did gain on the upward hike.

This is a very dirty glacier.

Alas, I do see people and the path Judy and Jerry took on the higher slope.

Sure and Judy is resting and making new friends.

Knowing Jerry likes to lick glacial ice, I did carry this piece all the way up the not so easy glacial hill for him. I carried it on the rock you see and virtually climbed using only one hand. I was very happy to have a walking stick to help me. The ice was very refreshing and Judy sucked up the last of it.












So a quick trip along this top trail and I am very glad I stayed below to forge the streams to be able to touch the glacier. On the upper path you could only look--no touching or getting hunks of ice.

Eventually it was time to head back to the Visitor Center. In truth, however, Jerry very much wanted to go to the face of the glacier so I accompanied him back across the streams so he could fulfill a life long dream of his.










The beginnings of new life amongst the rubble left by the glacier.







Ever wonder what Moose scat looked like? Wonder no longer. Funks have seen these for sale in stores in Alaska, all cleaned and varnished and sometimes painted. Can you imagine?

This very lovely and very tranquil view was to the side and probably once part of Exit Glacier. There is a waterfall in the background and the water leads out to the flat plains to meet all the other streams heading towards the Pacific Ocean.











Even flowers spring forth from where glaciers once roamed.


BBFN, Karen and Don