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
Generally speaking, Greek drivers are not the best in Europe,... Read More
Every year around 40 million visitors come to Florida for... Read More
Of course you know about Southern California's premier attraction, Disneyland... Read More
Croatia has quickly become Europe's hottest destination, and for good... Read More
For most people, outdoor cooking is synonymous with barbeque, but... Read More
Hiking shoes versus hiking boots? Hiking shoes win. Okay, next... Read More
Climbing the glaciers to the summit of Mount Chimborazo in... Read More
When it comes to birding, Acadia National Park is a... Read More
There are so many selections available when it comes to... Read More
Barnegat Light, NJ is the home to "Old Barney" a... Read More
Spain: sun, sea, sand and Spanish... discover us! Spain, a... Read More
On Lake Michigan, at the end of the Stonington Peninsula,... Read More
One morning in mid summer, I headed out for some... Read More
Campgrounds are a perfect Pigeon Forge lodging option for visitors... Read More
A saddle is a static object, but your horse is... Read More
Packing in general can be a hassle. But when going... Read More
Last week in Australia, one man's day at beach could... Read More
If you are on a tight budget and can't afford... Read More
Take a captivating trip through the Cape Cod National Seashore... Read More
Paul Scott Mower once said, "There is nothing like walking... Read More
Spring:Essential items when preparing for a walk-Compass-First aid kit -... Read More
Knowing a few edible wild plants can make your next... Read More
There are two types of used inflatable boats for sale... Read More
Phillip Island is a small island and nature reserve off... Read More
Camping mixed with outdoor activity is a great way to... Read More
We think that Cape Town has some of the best... Read More
"Do you know about Wal-Mart camping?" We didn't know, but... Read More
My river-rafting adventure started on a bicycle. The small daypack... Read More
The intricate details on a topographic map can be befuddling,... Read More
Picture this. You are stuck at home knee deep in... Read More
The climb up the glaciers to the summit of Mount... Read More
Backpacking is a great way to escape the rat race... Read More
A camping gear checklist is an important tool to help... Read More
Do you like to take one day hiking trips? Do... Read More
Plimoth Plantation and the Mayflower II ship are major attractions... Read More
Phillip Island is a small island and nature reserve off... Read More
The last thing you want on an African safari is... Read More
Six different islands in Hawaii are open to tourism. Most... Read More
We recently planted our saskatoon berry trees. I am sure... Read More
A river cruise in Bangkok gives an insight to the... Read More
Costa Rica's mountainous topography and copious rainfall are both responsible... Read More
Sun, Sand and Surf ? an apt description for Goa?... Read More
As any keen mountain biker will know, there are some... Read More
If you are on a tight budget and can't afford... Read More
Hawaii snorkeling is a fun activity available to almost any... Read More
Mystic Seaport celebrates the seafaring past of New England. Known... Read More
We weren't planning to go rock and arrowhead hunting in... Read More
You aren't lightweight backpacking if you are carrying twenty-five pounds... Read More
Knowing a few edible wild plants can make your next... Read More
Ultralight backpackers want to give up weight, not comfort. Sleeping... Read More
Outdoors |