Glaciers, glaciers - Day 2 @ Alaska

We had an early start today.  Drove down to the bakery at downtown Seward at 7 AM and had a fairly heavy breakfast.  We then made our way to Exit Glacier Nature Center and started the hike on the Edge of Glacier (1.2 miles) trail.  Took a detour to Glacier View (0.4 miles).  No rains this morning.  And no people either.  Saw all of 4 people during our 90 minutes stretch at the trail.  Trail is fairly easy, especially after the bird ridge trail from yesterday.  Mosquito repellant spray will definitely help though.

Exit Glacier - Up close

It was our first sight of a glacier. An awesome sight to behold.  Did you know that glaciers are blue in color?  Has to do with thick ice not being able to absorb blue color.  But it was also sobering to see how fast it is receding each year.  Apparently, Exit Glacier has lost more ground in the last 10 years than it had in 50 years before that.  Global warming isnt a theoretical concept after all. 

Had to hurry back a bit to join our Kenai fjords tour group - courtesy Major Marine Tours - for a 9.30 AM start.  Were treated to multiple tidal water glaciers during the day.  Could get as close as 100 feet near them.  The sounds of ice cracking (local speak is calving) and that of multiple waterfalls within the glacier were enthralling.  The tour also gave a great view of the natural beauty of the islands and fjords.  Got to see a lot of wild and marine life as well.  We saw orcas, sea otters, sea lions, humpback whales, bears and coastal goats apart from numerous birds.  It was also fun to fish glacial ice and then have an "glacial iced" drink.  All in all, a great spend of 6 hours.

Holgate Glacier - View from the fjord

Barely managed to haul ourselves back into the room after the long trip.  Off to Homer tomorrow.