Exploring an Ice-Filled Cave by Kayak with Lea and David

 

The low tide had placed this piece of ice perfectly atop this rock inside the cave.

View from the back of the cave.

The goal of today's paddle was to head to the face of a very active glacier, called Chenega Glacier, and see if we could witness some calvings. However, I don't want to miss all the amazing nooks and crannies of the shoreline on the way. There can be surprises around every corner if you slow down and take the time to explore. I love paddling around ice and watching glaciers calve from water level, but I think going back into crevices and caves in the cliffs can be just as fun. And it can be very photogenic.

Today was an extra special kayak. The group included my sister and brother in law. We had incredible weather, calm seas and sunshine. The glacier itself was very active, with a few huge calvings. We were able to paddle through the brash ice, bouncing off big growlers. It sounded like rice krispies all around us. And we got to check out some really cool sea caves. The high tide allowed us to get farther back than I had ever before.

Check out the pics and see for yourself. We even had a mountain goat put on a balancing act for us.

Everyone looking in at me disappearing into the back of another cave.

This was a tall, narrow cave that felt like being in a slot canyon, filled with the ocean. Lea and David wait their turn to come in next.

Exploring the ice filled cave by kayak.

View from the back of the cave. It got a little dicey in here with the longer double kayaks. A few guests got stuck trying to turn around. But everyone made it out.

Mountain goat spotting.

Lea and David soaking up the good weather.

In my element.

Getting in closer to the glacier for some paddling among the ice. Notice the huge iceberg in the background. It was a shooter, rising up after breaking off the submerged part of the glacier.

Addie and Elias in their ice-breaker class kayak.

Some of the ice flows had harbor seals hauled out, using them for a bit of respite.

Floating icebergs provide endless forms, like natures own ice garden.

A mountain goat defies gravity by walking along sheer cliffs, high above us.