W8143XUmichelles
Jul 2023
The 8 hour experience was the highlight of our Alaska - 50th state adventure. Ashley stopped on the mountain hike a few times for a much needed 60 second break and kept the pace going as we hiked to the Glacier entrance. Ashley was AMAZING. She was highly certified, fun, positive, encouraging, safety conscious and a strong leader for our “all chick” group. She was also carrying our lunch and probably 50 additional pounds. On our day we had a short sleeve top, and a long sleeve quarter zip light weight layer as well as a wind breaker. We hiked the 1.5 hours to the glacier in the short sleeved one. Then we put on the wind breaker for the glacier.
It is not for the faint of heart as you might imagine there are lots of deep cracks aka crevasse to avoid, but Ashley was a pro as we stayed clear of them but could peer into the areas safely. The middle aged gal on the trip who was worried about keeping up but held her own and had a great time! If you’re adventurous, hike some when you go on vacation and are in decent shape you can do this! One piece of advice, bring your most “sturdy” athletic shoes or even better hiking shoes/boots. We did it comfortably in our stretchy athletic shoes, but all leather would have been better. Also wear tall socks to keep you from getting scratched up if you fall. Bring your most powerful bug spray for the 1.5 hour hike up and down the mountain. The mosquitos and bugs are the worst we have ever encountered in a National Park. THIS IS THE ONLY BACK COUNTRY GLACIER COMPANY YOU SHOULD USE. They can go further up the Glacier according to their license than others and safety is an ultimate priority for the group. IT IS A SMALL SPECIALIZED COMPANY WHERE THE OWNER IS INVOLVED. He was there when we got back and very pleasant. Find Ashley and be sure you have her on your Glacier tour. She was THE BEST —we never felt judged because we were not big hikers or when we made a mistake. Loved her energy and expertise. THANKS AGAIN KENAI ADVENTURES FOR A GREAT DAY. YOU HELP BRING ALASKA TO LIFE FOR THE novice hikers. All the best from our family!