We had planned to be whale-watching and kayaking in Resurrection Bay but with high winds that was no longer an option.  Plans change and we drove to Glacier View in hope of finding a new adventure.  After seeing a sign for MICA Guides, we immediately pulled off.  Of the many activities they offered, Joy chose ice climbing.  She made a good choice.

We arrived back at MICA Guides the next day excited but unsure what the day would hold.  For our expedition, we were paired with another couple close to our age who were visiting from the British Virgin Islands.  After picking up boots and crampons, we took the short ride to Matanuska Glacier.   It wasn’t until we walked onto the surface of the glacier that I began to truly realize its magnitude.  The ice faces were enormous and extended for miles.  We were excited but our guide was (rightly) focused on saftey and making sure we were prepared for walking on the glacier.  After learning some basic ice climbing techniques, it was time to put our new skills to use.

Even the walk to our climbing site was amazing.

Photograph by Jeffrey Palmer

As we walked along the lagoon to the first climb, the immensity of the glacier became clear .  The 40ft face was a good challenge and it was immediately apparent that we had been paired with an equally ambitious couple.  After we had all completed the initial climb it was time for the next challenge.  Our guide realized our enthusiasm and found a moulin for us to climb out of.  The moulin was a vertical shaft where water flowed from the surface down deep into the glacier.  Being in the moulin, we were able to fully experience the movement of the glacier.  The glacier is constantly evolving, inching forward as the ice melts and flows beneath it.  This was by far my favorite climb.  As you descend into the moulin, the temperature drops and you are surrounded by intensely blue ice and the sound of water flowing through and under the glacier. 

The whole experience was well planned and allowed for flexibility depending on the individual group.  However, it was rather expensive as well and I initially hesitated to do it.  I’m so glad Joy talked me into it.  Standing on top of the glacier and looking at the foliage covered mountains in the distance was unforgetable.  Climbing the glacier allowed me to feel a part of the landscape in a way that simply viewing it can’t.  I was able to gain a greater sense of respect for the glaciers and the impact we have on them.  I’m always on a tight budget when I travel but some experiences are necessary to fully understand a place.  Whether it be a glacier walk or climb, I believe this kind of activity is well worth splurging on.