I stood at the observation point on the balcony at the Visitor Center overlooking the great Mendenhall Glacier at Juneau, Alaska. Before me was a beautiful scene. The glacier reflected in the large lake. Ooh, ahh. Both to the left and right were mountains. It was a beautiful clear day. I watched the people too, walking around taking photos, and looking at the scenery before us and at the displays in the center, just a few feet away.
A constant roar came from a tall and full waterfall to the right of the glacier. Once, the glacier covered the waterfall. No one was aware of its presence before the glacier receded. I looked closer at the base of the waterfall. There seemed to be a sandbar and people walking on it. With my binoculars I traced the path they must have taken below me. It crossed large sandbars separated by streams and covered with bushes. I found the general location of the beginning of the path. A ranger told me that there was a way to get out there, but it wasn't official, and that it was a little steep at one point. I decided that the best way to see such a beautiful place was up close, so I decided to try it. My mom and my husband were along with me. I told them I wanted to try the path, and asked if they wouldn't mind just hanging around waiting for me since they didn't want to join me.
Into the bushes I went. Immediately, I had to scramble along steep wet slate under the cover of brush. After following some wrong trails and trying again, I found myself in the large bush-covered sandy area heading towards the waterfall. I jumped little streams and plotted my course across to my goal. My last obstacles were climbing a large rock, and then traversing a 20 ft. wide stream dotted with well-placed stepping stones.
I walked right up to the roaring waterfall, and even climbed up along side it a ways on large rocks. Walking away from the waterfall I encountered a large cloud of mist that emanated from its base. I walked out along the sandbar towards the center of the lake and found a large rock to sit on. I had a snack, enjoying being present in this amazing location -- surrounded by the lake and flanked by a glacier, a grand waterfall and mountains. I met people too. Some kids were climbing up much higher than I had on the rocks. A gentleman from Germany took my photo, and I took a photo of two girls out on their own adventure.
After an hour of 'hanging around,' I turned back. I crossed the creek, climbed the rock, and then looked for hikers emerging from the bushes to find the best path back. A couple times I had to stop and wait for new hikers so I could find the path again. The sun was setting, the floating icebergs were glimmering on the lake, and I enjoyed every moment of delay.
My entire trek took about two hours -- worth every moment. My husband and my mom were very understanding and said they enjoyed the visitor center and the scenery (which included me through the telescope!) I'm glad I had the courage to ask for that time. It would have been easy just to do the scheduled tour, and to take no risks. William Shedd once said, 'A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.' I find that when I go further, it makes all the difference. It creates treasured memories.
About The Author
Paths began to beckon Theresa when she was 12, visiting the Bridger Wilderness in Wyoming. Walking, dancing, and movement are a part of her, nourished by John Denver*s musical challenge for her to *fly.* Join her *walking with women* Life Discovery Tours.
Learn more about Theresa Gabriel - Women Summit LLC
http://www.womensummit.com - Life Discovery Tours, Women*s Retreats
car service from Midway Anna ..We think that Cape Town has some of the best... Read More
Eaton Canyon Natural Area Nature Center, entrance, 1750 N. Altadena... Read More
The dictionary defines a tent as 'a portable shelter usually... Read More
It is the downhill ski racing competition of the winter... Read More
Soon, the busy summer tourist season will be over in... Read More
Why should you use hiking poles is perhaps the first... Read More
We've all heard about whalewatching from boats or shore, and... Read More
Camping is an excellent way to explore and experience the... Read More
Camping mixed with outdoor activity is a great way to... Read More
Inflatable fishing boats are great yacht tenders/camping boats that are... Read More
Everyone has a travel dream. For many it is hitting... Read More
There are many manufacturers of inflatable boats on the market... Read More
Important information about camping stoves...What type of camping, hiking, or... Read More
Which is the best African safari company for my safari... Read More
When you're on the Internet looking for discount camping gear,... Read More
The Kenya safari circuit is one of the best in... Read More
Hiking shoes versus hiking boots? Hiking shoes win. Okay, next... Read More
For the fortunate few, life isn't complete without a backpacking... Read More
Packing in general can be a hassle. But when going... Read More
Ask about perfect wildlife destinations and a Tanzania safari will... Read More
It seems like the most adventurous thing in the world.... Read More
Of course you know about Southern California's premier attraction, Disneyland... Read More
Spring:Essential items when preparing for a walk-Compass-First aid kit -... Read More
San Diego offers a bevy of interesting hikes. With the... Read More
The beautiful Salmon River stretches through over 400 miles of... Read More
bmw rental chicago Verona ..Romancing History ? A Holiday in RajasthanRajasthan, the name evokes... Read More
New experiences make me nervous, and I assume that holds... Read More
Are walking sticks longer than trekking poles? What about hiking... Read More
Why ultralight backpacks? Devotees of ultralight backpacking know you reduce... Read More
An African honeymoon safari is the perfect way to celebrate... Read More
Sharklife.co.za has been fighting an ongoing for the protection of... Read More
Okay, it wasn't quite a sleeping bag. However, it was... Read More
If you you find yourself saying "Hey, that's a good... Read More
Every year around 40 million visitors come to Florida for... Read More
TENT CAREYou should seal all floor seams and those seams... Read More
Today Bookpleasures and Sketchandtravel are pleased to have as our... Read More
The sport of river rafting was practically invented in Colorado.... Read More
Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest and one of the deepest... Read More
The kind of things you pack when you go on... Read More
Tanzania's natural endowment as a wildlife safari destination is unrivalled.... Read More
Recently we stayed at a state campground in Michigan near... Read More
If you love the thrill and adventure of kayak travel,... Read More
Hawaii snorkeling is a fun activity available to almost any... Read More
Up to now the preponderant view held by many historians... Read More
(NC)-With approximately 42,000 mosquitoes for every person in Ontario, most... Read More
The Kuan Yin Shrine in Bangkok is in an old... Read More
Scotland has taken its place as the new Mecca for... Read More
A South Africa safari is the ideal wildlife trip to... Read More
It seems like the most adventurous thing in the world.... Read More
You would think that a cheap safari in Africa for... Read More
Outdoors |