Thursday, May 6, 2010

60000 years of history

Yesterday I visited the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau Alaska and was impressed not only by the natural beauty, but the sense of age and history. The glacier is a remnant of the last ice age when glaciers advanced accross the globe carving out entire landscapes. The last ice age ended roughly 10000 years ago and began as many as 60000. Somewhat older than creationists would have you believe the entire earth is. I enjoyed seeing firsthand evidence that creationists, at least the young earth variety are wrong.

Primarily though my interest was in the sheer beauty of the glacier and the landscape it sculpted. The water was full of ice floes, the glacier was tall and shining in the sun, beautifully contrasted by the surrounding green forested mountains. There was also a towering and mighty waterfall. My companions and I drank at the base of it and tasted the sweetest water of our lives.

It had been my hope to trek all the way up to the glacier but it was a three hour hike and my friends weren't interested particularly in the light rain which accompanied us. We did however approach the base and marvel up at the huge expanse of blue ice.

Today I am in the town of Ketchikan it is my last stop before returning home. I have enjoyed my working vacation in this remarkable place, but I miss my family and am eager to be home.

8 comments:

BeamStalk said...

Awesome. Alaska is one place I really want to go. My parents are going in July or August this year and I am jealous.

Ryk said...

BeamStalk

I have really enjoyed this trip. It is a bit expensive though. Even though my company is paying for the hotels,flights, and a modest per diem I have spent a lot of my own money. Prices range from 20% to 50% higher than at home.

It is worth it though the scenery, the hiking and especially the bars and eateries are all top notch. If you make the trip sometime I reccomend Chillcoot Charlies and the Mooses Tooth in Anchorage. The Hangar in Juneau and especially the Alaska Island brewing company in Kodiak. They have an Abbey Ale that is mellow, smooth and 23 proof. They also have a stout that is bold slightly hoppy and sweet as honey.

Tracy said...

Hello Ryk,
I was thinking about the lovely waterfall you spoke of and it brought this to mind...couldn't resist! :0)
Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

Tracy said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Tracy said...

Ryk, I wasn't aware that you had seen the videos. Just wanted to share them with you.
Take Care,
Tracy
Are you back from Alaska yet?

Ryk said...

Tracy

Yes I got back on Saturday but am already back out on the road in the Seattle area.

Next week I will be back in Oregon then I have a few weeks off. I am not sure where I will be after that.

Tracy said...

I really need to get out and see this great big world. I'm such a homebody.
Glad you're home safe and sound.

Tracy said...

Oh yeah, post pics!