Glacier Bay
 |
Russell Island in Glacier Bay
|
 |
| Map of glacier Bay |
It’s nice to think about ice water, glaciers, and snowfields while
sweltering in Southern California heat.
So in this introductory posting, I’ll lead us back to July and Glacier Bay
in Alaska’s northern panhandle. We’re on
a vessel sailing where no ship could sail a mere 150 years ago. Back then, the water beyond Russell Island was the solid kind, piled up 200 feet above sea level. The
red line on the map is where a wall of ice faced John Muir in 1879 as he
camped near its base on the island. Today
we sail ten miles past the island to Margerie Glacier.
 |
| Margerie Glacier |
We arrive at a cliff of ice, colored in shades of blue, brown
and white, an ice wall, moving toward us at about six feet per
day. As it moves, pieces crack and break, falling into the sea, to rise again after a few seconds as icebergs, sending out
waves that could topple a smaller ship.
 |
| Margerie Glacier |
Margerie Glacier, one of the few that are still advancing, gathers
snow from high in the mountains and compresses it so hard and deep that
it scours out this fjord from solid rock.
It takes 100 years for this conveyor belt to carry its load twenty
miles to where we see it calving into the sea.
 |
| Margerie Glacier |
 |
| Margerie Glacier |
Notice the leaning column of ice (left picture), pressed down
and made dense by weight of ice above it.
See how it topples and falls into the sea (right picture). Hear its thunder. Then watch as waves from the impact move
toward our waiting ship.
 |
| Mt. Shasta July 20, 2016 |
 |
| Mt. Shasta, June 2, 2012 |
If that image does not give you chills in August heat, try this. Mt Shasta stood before
me with is glaciers and deep snow in June of 2012 when I attempted to reach its
summit. Though I didn’t make it all the
way, seeing the great mountain again this July from the window of Amtrak
brings urges to try again.
 |
| Flying Home |
 |
| Flying Home |
In this time of anticipation before going to Glacier National
Park, I'll send a few more introductory pieces to get us all in the mood.
See you soon,
Sharon
Please comment here. Write your thoughts in the box and then post it as “Anonymous.” Please identify yourself in some way within your comment, or you can post with your Google or other login if you have one.
ReplyDeleteSharon
Ready, set GO .... I'm in .... lovin' your expressions as always.
ReplyDeleteJunnie, It's nice that you and Zanderhof could join me on the venture, especially on his birthday. We will need our walking sticks by our sides on some of these upcoming hikes.
ReplyDeleteJust getting back here, Sharon, reviewing all your posts thus far in the relaxing moments of the eventide where crickets attempt to lull me to sleep and the night air teases me with its cool embrace. Zanderhof and I look forward to our vicarious voyage with you. HIKE ON!
ReplyDeleteAs I glance upward to your photos, I am captivated by the 'Flying Home' parallel ~ nice composition ~ poetry in pictures
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, Junnie. We'll do poetry together and pictures too, yours with pen, pencil, paint, and words; mine with camera and words. Maybe I'll name my walking stick "Husband" and maybe he'll befriend the bears.
DeleteSharon! Welcome back! And what a splendid presentation you made here. I couldn't help lol at your comment upon the fancy & elegant presentation dishes vs. the frozen packages!
ReplyDeleteAlex, Good to see you after so long. I tried your email without success. Please write to me.
Delete