Pictures & Words: Lyle Such
Camera: Canon 5d MkIV
On one of the coldest, windiest days during our time in Alaska, we decided to go on a 5 mile hike across a frozen lake to the base of a glacier.
We had to drive from Seward to Portage Lake. We chose the perfect time, as the sun was slowly rising over the incredible landscape.
Beautiful roads along this stretch of road. Passing this way on our way to Seward a day earlier it was all clouds, so this was our first time really getting to see the Alaskan mountains.
We could tell we were in for a windy day...it was hard to keep the car going straight.
After consulting with some locals, we determined the lake was safe to cross. It was a little hard to tell since all the tracks had been wiped away by the wind, but on a warmer day this trail would be full of people.
We set out across this enormous lake.
Every time the wind picked up, snow and ice would pummel us from the east. At times we could barely see. Luckily, being a lake surrounded by mountains, it was nearly impossible to get lost.
The wind continually changed the surface of the lake.
We originally set out without snowshoes, but quickly realized we wouldn't make it very far with them. So we turned around and got them from the car. Smart choice!
Confident for now, but I don't think Nini realized that going back would be twice as hard because of the wind direction.
Taking pictures was a challenge. The sun was directly in the shot, and the wind would make it nearly impossible to take a clear shot.
One of our very few "family" pictures.
I couldnt stop taking pictures of the texture on the mountains. It was so soft and flowing, despite the crazy weather it looked so calm and peaceful.
The few moments the wind would die down we tried to take advantage and get a nice picture.
But then the wind would kick up and knock us over.
After a bit of time admiring Portage Glacier, we turned and headed straight back into the wind.
Rarely is walking on a flat surface so tiring!
Victory!