Matanuska Glacier

We drove up to the Mat-Su Valley this morning.  It took us about 30 mins to get to Anchorage from Girdwood but no stopping on the way as the heavens had decided to open.  We picked up a few essentials ( GoPro charger and moisturiser - oh and snacks) and headed North East.  The rain eased off so that we could hop out for a short walk at the Palmer Hay Flats - a wildlife refuge ( but I think they were all undercover somewhere.)

When the wind blows the air is covered by flying cotton, shed from these shrubs - the cottonwood tree- good for the asthma

Lunch at a sushi place before heading off to Matanuska Glacier for our hike.  The distance was a bit deceptive and, combined with the roadworks holding us up, we made it just in time.  There were two other couples and 2 guides with us.  We equipped ourselves with crampons and helmets and set off on the short drive to the glacier.  The walk started on what felt like rock but soon turned out to be solid ice under a layer of gravel/silt.

We were certainly glad for our crampons helping us up the ice by Duckwalking and down by doing a John Wayne - it felt perfectly safe.  The rain had dissipated and the sun came out a few times revealing the wonderful colours in the ice - the blue is magical.

This is the distant view of the close up below - we hiked over to it and up the man made stairs at 7 o'clock in the above picture

There are many mounds of "dirt" scattered around.  They are deceptive as they are silt protecting mound of ice.  Whoa betide the larican who tries to knock it down with a swift kick.

Great spot for a picnic

A distant view of the glacier

After 4 hours of hiking we reluctantly made our way back to the car.

The drive back to Palmer was fantastic - the clouds had lifted and the mountains revealed themselves.  We were too hungry to stop and take photos - sorry.  A quick hamburger for dinner before checking in at Alaska's Harvest B and B.  This is a gorgeous home with commanding views of the mountains.  We have the whole lower level - The Gold Mine suite.

James has his own nook to sleep in

and there is a pool table and comfy couches in the living area.  There is a continental breakfast supplied in our kitchenette so that we can get up at anytime.

After a day of lots of driving and strenuous activity it is time for a well deserved sleep.