This trip all began with a simple Facebook post. In March of 2017 I posted a status that basically said, “I want to start visiting my out-of-town friends”. That’s when my friend Sarah and I started looking for flights to Juneau, Alaska to see our friend Mel. By the afternoon of April 30th, we were all hugging in the Juneau International Airport.

Mel (and her dog Boulder) had been stationed in Alaska and have gotten familiar with the hikes and outdoor activities. We spent a few hours dropping our luggage off and catching up over a trail walk before going on our first tour, to visit the National Shrine of St. Therésè in the Tongass National Forest. There were only a few other visitors at the time so it made for a serene experience as we walked along the shore and visited the Shrine Chapel. It was a peaceful tour of the grounds until Sarah and Mel made their way through the Merciful Love Labyrinth (a reconstructed labyrinth made of rocks that volunteers brought from the beach).

What occurred the next morning would possibly be one of the most unbelievable things I have ever experienced. It was still dark out when I woke up to my body swaying lightly. I was still half asleep when I dismissed it as Boulder probably just knocking against the side of the bed (even though he was not in my room). Minutes later I heard Sarah and Mel talking in the living room where I learned that my justification for my body swaying was wrong, we had just experienced an earthquake. (Sorry for blaming you, Boulder!) We watched the chandelier move side to side and heard dishes rattling in the cupboard while making calls home to our families. We experienced multiple earthquakes that morning and it was interesting to hear the different ways people in town justified what was happening before we realized what it actually was.

Later that morning, we made our way through the Rainforest Trail that lead us to an undisturbed beach. We observed the seashore animals surrounded by mountains and islands. The tide was low enough at that time for us cross to Shaman Island which was a lucky coincidence. It was a cloudy day and we got some drizzles but it didn’t take away from the lively, refreshing beauty of the shore.

A fun fact I’d like to share is that you can always count on me to celebrate basically anything over beers. What better way to commemorate our trail hike than to enjoy a local beer, fresh from the source! We stopped in Alaskan Brewing Co. for a flight sample (then I had a glass of my favorite one) and my only complaint is that we don’t have them in Virginia. The evening only got blurry from there as we “celebrated” at few local bars so I’ll just go ahead and fast forward to the next day.

The time came for us to go on the hike I was most looking forward to, the hike to one of Mendenhall Glacier’s ice caves. I would recommend anyone physically able to do this hike to absolutely experience it (with a local tour guide). It isn’t the most difficult hike, however, it is recommended only for people with physical fitness as it’s several hours of walking and climbing. The moment I was able to set eyes on the glacier with surrounding mountain peaks overwhelmed me with excitement. My iPhone 6 could hardly keep up with my rapid shooting. I don’t have the photography skills or professional equipment to capture the true beauty of Mendenhall Glacier but I think the photos below will give you a good idea. Once we reached the edge, we were able to see the opening to the ice cave. After swiftly (and carefully) going inside, I was so awestruck by the sight of the ice that I think it literally took my breath away.

I thought, “Man, so many people are at work right now and I’m hanging out inside a glacier.” I stood there listening to the water flowing through the rocks as I marveled at the ice scalloping around us. A chill ran through my body as I breathed in the cool air and water dripped from above me. After taking in as much as we could inside the ice cave, we posted up on a rock outside and ate our packed lunch. Even being able to say I’ve done that makes me feel accomplished. Although it was not an easy hike, that was inconsequential for such a remarkable reward. This is what made this trip “a trip of a lifetime.” As the glacier sadly continues to retreat, I feel enormously lucky to have been able do this.

You may feel that after all that, it seems insignificant for me to share what I had for dinner that night but hear me out. In the days we’ve been there, Sarah and I hoped to feast on crab legs (when in Rome) but none of the restaurants we went to served them. As our visit was coming to an end, we set out to find them at the grocery store and prepared them at home. The girls created a savory seafood dinner (I’m not a good cook so I opened the wine) but we had one tiny problem, we didn’t have crab crackers! There was a will so we found a way… out came the wrenches and pliers.

On our last day, we did a light trail walk and took it easy. We reflected on a successful reunion before returning to our respective homes. It has been almost six years since this trip and I am still amazed of everything I got to see and experience. This was not a vacation I would have ever thought of on my own so I owe Mel for this unique trip.