Matanuska Glacier, Anchorage (Part 4/4)

When I learned about hiking the Matanuska glacier, I was hooked. I wanted to try it out, because it was such a different experience. I have already skied, very poorly I may add, on the Matterhorn Glacier when I was 14. I also have fallen down on my behind on ice as a kid in Tehran when I tried to cross the street from my parent's home to the market, but I have never tried hiking on ice.

On our way to the glacier. Ben was driving, and told me to sit up front. Couldn't argue with that. I had a perfect view of everything. He was an efficient guide, talked about his native heritage, and tried to pace the ride so that we would get to the glaciers on time.

A scenic stop.

There was road construction going on, and one of the rangers stopped us for about 25 minutes, allowing the cars coming downhill to go through first. The "Pilot Car" led the way. Our van, and all the ones behind us, were not allowed to pass the pilot car, and had to follow it whereever it meandered. Its purpose was to keep everyone safe.

So, Ben was explaining that moose eats the vegetation because it's vegetarian, and I told him that that means I'm a moose 😀

To get to the Matanuska Glacier, You walk downhill for about 15 minutes before you get to a bridge. There are different groups of hikers, and each group has one guide.

In the above photo, our guide, Jason, is handing out ice cleats—a plastic gadget with spikes that go around your shoes, and provide traction. This makes your shoes like track shoes with cleats, so that when you walk on ice, you won't slip and fall. As for me, I had an injured right ankle before I went on this trip, and if it weren't for Jason, I would have never made it through. Besides being painful, an injured ankle, throws the balance off, making it difficult to stabilize yourself on the asphalt, let alone on ice.

So, why did I do this hike with an injury? I was pissed off at myself. It's always something, the back, the knee, the ankle, and so on. I refuse to give in, and let these setbacks stop me from doing what I want. I wasn't sure if I could make it through this hike, but I went ahead anyway. Jason said that if I reach a point where I can't continue, he would call it in, and put me on an easier hike. But that never happened, because I was stubborn, and determined to do this. Anyhow, Jason, if you happen to pass by my blog, many thanks for all your help.

A great great bunch. We were all from California. Also, our group was mostly Korean with the exception of myself, and a mom, and her son. Everyone was so wonderful, down-to-earth, and got along well. We had so much fun, and I felt like I was hanging out with family, and close friends.

Jason used an ax to chop chunks of ice for us. The 600-years-old ice was pure without all the pollution you find in our water today. And I have to say that, it was pretty darn good.

Despite Jason's warning, a few of the guys wanted to climb this slippery slope for the challenge, the fun of it, and a photo opportunity.

Frozen water has ice patterns with cracks, and abstract design caused by temperature fluctuations, and repeated freezing and thawing. Moving water shapes the ice surface, forming veins, ridges, or smooth patches. Our guide knew where these were hidden beneath the frosted overlays as he cleared them with his hands to reveal nature's artwork.

Glacial ice is different from regular ice. Where there is fresh snow, the color appears white because it allows all lights to travel through it. However, in areas where ice has been compacted for many years, and is dense, the structure of the ice is different. This ice absorbs all colors except the blue wavelength, causing the ice to appear blue or turquoise.

It wasn't easy to walk with spikes on water and rocks. The water makes it slippery, and you have to be careful when you walk on gravel, and rocks. You kind of need three different types of shoes.

 

Jason told us that it's easier to do this hike during winter because snow is easier to walk on. And I agree, as I have walked on thick snow. It's more doable than on ice. 

On the way back, you turn in your ice cleats, and hike uphill for about 20-25 minutes to get to where you started. I would say that anyone can do this hike if they are not injured, and if they have a good balance. 

Tips: 

• During summer, wear a long sleeve cotton turtleneck, a windbreaker or a puffer jacket, water proof pants with fleece lining, a pair of gloves, a baseball cap, and a good pair of tennis shoes.

• Wear a windbreaker with zippered pockets, put your wallet and anything important in your zippered pocket, and leave your backpack in the car. That's what I did. People in our group were complaining about the weight of their backpack. Remember that no matter how light your backpack is, it's a whole different experience when you're moving on ice. Just take a small water bottle with you. Your guides, who are used to hiking on ice, carry a 30 pound emergency backpack. So, make sure you tip them for all their hard work.   

 

• If you feel that this hike might be a bit challenging, ask them for a trekking pole. Also, do as I say, and not as I do, meaning, if you have an injury, wait for it to get better before you go. My ankle has still not recovered from all the abuse I put it through 😏