Iinguak (Snow Goggles)

My sister-from-another-mister, Sharon, and I recently took an iinguak carving class at the University of Alaska Anchorage.  "Iinguak" translates to "snow goggles" and they are traditionally used to prevent snow blindness.  Not only functional, but many consider them to be a beautiful addition to Eskimo art.

Since moving to Alaska in 2009, I've been intrigued by these handmade eye-wares, but hadn't yet purchased a pair because I'm usually not in situations where I would encounter snow blindness.  Little did I know I'd one day have the opportunity to hand-carve my own custom pair and that I'd be guided by Yupik artist/master carver James Afcan.

The Ice Caves at Mendenhall Glacier

One sunny Saturday this past September, my friend, Lindsey Aspelund, and I decided to do what many had encouraged us to do all summer: hike the long and treacherous way to the Mendenhall Glacier ice caves.  We didn’t know it at the time, but BuzzFeed.com would later rank the ice caves as one of 27 Surreal Places to Visit Before You Die.

Lindsey is the quintessential Alaskan woman – gutsy, level-headed, determined, and brilliant – so I knew she’d be a terrific hiking partner.  Plus, she’s one heckuva photographer.  You’ll see many of her breathtaking images from our trip later in this blog, and I encourage you to check out her website for more eye candy: http://www.lindseyaspelundphotography.com.

Below is a smörgåsbord of photos from our eight hour round trip adventure which began unassumingly enough with a leisurely hike on the well-maintained West Glacier Trail.  The area was teeming with mushrooms and puddles - a nice appetizer to what lie ahead.

Then came the climb.  I had no idea I could be a rock climber until that day.  What an ego-boost!

We climbed this.

Believe it or not, we climbed all this, too.

When I look back at this photo, I still can't believe we climbed THIS, of all things.

At the top of our first climb, a rocky heart greeted me and Lindsey.  I'm not sure who put that lovely surprise together, but thank you!


 

Surprisingly, we had cellphone service this close to the glacier.

After scaling the highs and lows of the rock peninsula, we saw expansive views of the mighty Mendenhall Glacier, Mendenhall Lake, and Nugget Falls.

Infinity pool, Alaska style.

Once the glacier was close in sight, we realized we weren't really all that close to the glacier caves.  In fact, it was another 30 minute trek across the ice from the viewpoint pictured below. 

Brave souls at the face of the glacier.

A deep crevasse along the ice where we walked.  We used YakTrax as crampons.

This is the face of boulders and loose rock we scaled (read: slid) down on our way to the entrance of the ice caves.  This location was extremely eerie for me because we were completely out of sight with towering rock on one side and glacier ice on the other side.  White knuckle moment for me!

And then we arrived. 

It was one of those “I don’t know if I can do this” moments.  You know, where your pulse pounds and your mind spins, when you think you can’t continue, but you just do.  The excitement and sheer terror compelled my curiosity and pushed me forward.  The pep talk from Lindsey helped, too.  I just had to see the inside, the blue expanse of the caves of Mendenhall Glacier.

As we approached the ice caves, I found myself holding my breath.  The video and images below will show you why.

Lindsey didn't let the downpour inside the glacier deter her from taking more shots.

After about 20 minutes exploring one of the most unpredictable environments known to man, I found myself remarkably breathless – and still wanting more.  It was a long and tiring hike back to the main trail.  But along the way, we were giddy from our epic adventure – and already planning for next time.

Rethinking my decision to wear Puma sneakers instead of Merrell hiking boots.

On our way to the Island Pub for some celebratory pizza!

For tips on how to get to the Mendenhall ice caves, check out Into Juneau's Azure Ice Caves.

For a glimpse into how things might go wrong along the way, check out this rescue story.

Three Skillets and a Daughter's Surprise

The challenge of living in Alaska, if you're not originally from here, is connecting in person with far-away family and friends.  For starters, it's ridiculously expensive to fly out of Juneau.  Secondly, if you can't get direct flights on your itinerary, it can take an entire day or longer to get to your final destination, especially if that destination is south of the Mason-Dixon line.

I recently decided to surprise my Mom, who lives thousands of miles away in Alabama.  My good friend, Yvette, took my Mom to dinner, under the guise that Yvette would soon cruise through Juneau, and it was ample opportunity for Yvette to bring up some things I had in storage. Yvette totally rocked our surprise, and I couldn't have done it without her.  Thanks, Yvette!

A big THANK YOU also goes out to the kind folks at 3 Skillets in downtown Huntsville.  They helped me orchestrate an epic surprise - complete with a quick and dim jaunt up the back stairway.  Below is the video capturing the surprise moment.   Grab your Kleenex!

It was all I could do to not run towards my Mom when I saw her park outside the restaurant. 

Mom and I at 3 Skillets. 

With my sweet and beautiful friend, Yvette.

Fourth of July, Small-Town Alaska Style

There's a whole slew of Fourth of July events in Juneau each year.  But none are as unique and Alaskan as the parade on Douglas Island.  Check out my photos, and don't miss the video below - the kiddo's expression at minute 2:18 is PRICELESS!

To get to the parade on Douglas Island, one must first drive across the Juneau-Douglas bridge.  OR you can run across it, like these fellas. 

With Parade Grand Marshal, Jeff Brown.  He's a legend!

The view toward "downtown" Douglas.

Cozying up to my friend, Kathy, who's wearing the beautiful kuspuk my mother made especially for her.  She looks amazing!

Photo of me strolling after the parade, courtesy of my good friend, Kerry Howard. 

Steaks before the hot grill.  Yummo!

I was craving The South - so I made an apple crumb cobbler.  And by "made," I mean I opened a cardboard box and popped this in the oven.  It was awesome. 

A deliciously sweet ending to a tremendously awesome day, celebrating our nation's independence.  MERICA!