Behind every picture, there is a story. This one is both about fear and intrigue.
Charlene and I were on our epic lifetime trip to Alaska in the summer of 2023. The main focus of what we would do in Alaska was a small boat cruise to see the glaciers. I was really looking forward to this, as was Charlene. Since we were seeing glaciers, we should walk on a glacier. I found a place we could do this just outside of Anchorage: Matanuska Glacier Tours.
Charlene and I are familiar with ice. If winter weather is sufficiently cold, we will go waterfalling. Seeing a frozen waterfall is a great experience; sometimes, it is the only time to go behind some falls. So, we have a lot of experience walking on ice.
Upon arrival, we were handed similar steel cleats for our hiking boots that we use in the winter. I was excited. Seeing the glacier in the distance and its unique hue of blue made me all the more eager to get on with this tour.
We were part of a sizeable group. Our guide explained how glaciers work and move and that the noises that we hear, which can sound as loud as a thunderstorm, are all natural and to be expected when near a glacier. Our guide continued to inform us that all the other guides walked the glacier daily to check out various spots and to see where to avoid hazards. Glaciers can be dangerous if one is not careful.
I don’t know when Charlene became totally terrified of being on a glacier. Seeing it off in the distance, it was very obvious that we should not venture towards the centre. But here on the edges, it was a delight – for me, at least.
I enjoyed following the guide, marvelling at the shades of blue and white. I loved jumping over small cracks and crevices and much appreciated drinking the meltwater on this unseasonably warm summer day.
The whole time, when I was having a blast exploring, my wife was barely holding it together and genuinely fearful that, at any moment, the ice would collapse and swallow us whole. The occasional rumble and cracking sound the glacier made did not appease her fear. We would stop and pose for a picture that our guide took. If you look closely, you will see her clutching my coat for dear life.
I have to admit that I was taken by surprise when she told me of her fear. She did not enjoy one second of that experience. I took her to another place that was intense for her but fun for me, and I was equally surprised that she didn’t enjoy it either.
The glacier tour was really expensive, but when else will we ever get a chance to do this again? I certainly hope that now that we are looking back on this experience, Charlene will think fondly and not remember the fear that she had.
- View All The Places We Have Been To Map to find this and other locations.
- To see many of my photos, visit my Google Photos Albums. Our Alaska journey lasted from the end of July to the beginning of August 2023.
- The tour was costly for admission, but the experience certainly made for it.
- This tour involves some risk, but the guides do all they can to ensure everyone is walking safely and the questionable areas are avoided.
