Seward – Day 3

Finally the rain has stopped and the Sun is actually shining.

Before continuing, we wanted to show these shots taken at 11:20 pm last night from the back or rear window of our RV.  The cruise ship was just leaving port, and as the rain stopped, these beautiful clouds formed over the mountains

 

 

Yes, this is the view from our camp site.  We don't believe it either.

Went to Kenai Fjords National Park, to see “Exit Glacier” up close today.  It is in the Chugach National Forest.  About 15 miles outside of Seward.  En route to the glacier, we were lucky enough to encounter this cow moose and her 2 young ones.  (much easier to stop quickly when not hauling 14,000 pounds)

From a distance, Exit Glacier seems like a healthy glacier.  Up close, unfortunately, it is “dying”.  It is receding at an alarming rate.  In 1920s the end of the glacier was just by the visiting center.  Today, one has to hike more than a mile to reach it.  In the visiting center, they have an easy to understand view of how this glacier is receding

Notice the rocks we are walking on and how they have been “carved” by the ice.

 

Looking down from above rope (no zoom used)

Notice where the sign is indicating where the glacier once stood in 2005.  It is now approximately 1,000 feet (or more) behind the rope and sign.  It has exposed a deep canyon in its path and to the side.

Zoomed shot to show carving into rock and side of mountain

At this rate, one can only hope that this and others like it, would be around for our grandchildren to view and enjoy them.

Stopped for a picnic lunch at Resurrection River, which is nothing more than the runoff waters from Exit Glacier (among others) and snow melt from the surrounding area.  Notice the width of the river and what appears to be sand bars.  This is where the glacier once stood.