When I flew into Anchorage, I could see about 330 degrees as the plane swung around to it's final approach. In that view, I couldn't see a single building. Just a ton of various forms of landscapes. I didn't know I would be in the midst of those landscapes within two days here in Alaska. I also didn't know what I might learn.
First thing I learned was about the incredible tides. There are 2 tides per day here in Alaska and they are huge. The landscape gets much larger for a few hours as 38 vertical feet of water leave in only 6 hours. Then, they rush back just as quickly. It is a site to see! Then I learned that glacial water looks silty because of all the crushed rock that got caught in the ice. These glacial waters really interested me, so I went in for more research.
I joined the polar bear club and learned what it feels like to have a 100% numbness throughout my body. I am not sure on the exact requirements to enter the polar bear club. I think it is a group of people that submerge themselves in icy waters. I only know that I am now a certified member of the polar bear club. I submerged myself in glacial waters to earn a piece of paper and a whole bunch of camaraderie. After the experience, I couldn't feel my skin. However, my core stayed warm thanks to the nice layer of whale blubber created by all the excellent food in South Africa. In other words, I had been training for this all summer!
After joining the elite club, we went on a walk up to a different glacier where we had a snowball fight and did some sledding... without a sled (our butts and bellies). Here is a picture:
Congrats! The club is on my checklist!
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