We have heard it all about how the glaciers are melting fast and are retreating, even losing height. I am glad that our family got to experience the Mendenhall Glacier in such a first-hand manner through this trek. This was our first experience of being on a glacier. And to us, the hike involved to and from the glacier made it more meaningful than the shortcut offered by a helicopter ride. The total time from pickup to drop-off was about 9 hours and it was totally worth it.
We were a private party of 3 members including our 9-year old son. Our guide was Jacques Turcotte. His guiding was professional and his company was enjoyable. He not only explained several things to note all along the hike, but also shared relevant details about his interests, job and family making us want to seek him out for other trips we may want to do in Alaska and elsewhere in future. (Because Jacques works the summers in Alaska and goes to California, Colorado etc in winter.)
Jacques picked us up on time; equipped us with our supplies-laden backpacks; gave us instructions; lent us a hand when we weren't sure of our footing; took our photos; treated us to edible berries; and even carried our son's backpack in a couple of really difficult stretches.
Since we were a party of only 3 members, Jacques had planned for us not only walking on the glacial ice, but also the descent into a crevasse where went inside a cave that had opened up in the ice. A cave with ultra blue ice like they show in National Geographic. For this Jacques had to rig the ropes system which he did expertly; patiently answering our son's morbid questions with disaster scenarios! (By the way, Jacques does ice rescues too.)
Rain would have made the already challenging hike difficult. But during the time of our visit, rains had failed in Alaska's temperate rainforest area bringing on visible drought conditions. Consequently, the walk through the rainforest area and the climb up the rocky terrains was that much easier. In the event that we had encountered a rainy stretch, we would have been vastly underprepared with our choice of footwear. (Those Alaska shoes ABAK recommends are totally worth it because the Trek happens irrespective of weather conditions.) Good cameras are a must for capturing those rare and precious moments; but there needs to be a suitably sturdy dry bag for protecting the camera in case of rains. I must also think that rains would have dampened the enthusiasm of our 9-year old; so if you are taking the young-uns, keep your fingers crossed for no rains on the day of your trek.
The snacks and water provided as part of the supplies in the backpack is mostly sufficient, though the need for water varies from person to person. You are encouraged to carry additional water bottles of your own if you think you are likely to drink more water. Of course, you could refill the water bottles they provide with glacial water as it melts and runs off!! We are vegetarians and the snacks were appropriately selected.
On the whole, I highly commend ABAK and strongly recommend Jacques Turcotte. There are other adventures that ABAK offers and I would certainly go back to them based on this experience.
Відповідь від хоста
Sep 2019
Wow! Very impressed by your detailed review. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and providing excellent insights. I appreciated your point about the rain and how that does change the trail conditions drastically, it is something to consider for all guests as the trail contains sections of exposed smooth rock which becomes slippery during periods of moist conditions. These rainy conditions demand good footwear, additional gear, and adjusting expectations on hiking speed. It does happen but we have added the buffer time to still be able to provide an amazing hiking experience even in the wettest of conditions. Thank you for joining us and please come visit us and Jacques again soon!