Glacier hikers

Today we hiked the Harding Ice Field hike in Kenai National Park near Seward, Alaska. I have wanted to do this hike for many years, but kids, weather, other hikes, etc. got in the way. It lived up to its reputation. 

Near the center of the photo are a group of glacier hikers. They are probably on a tour. (The hike does not go onto the glacier.) Their presence in the photo gives a sense of the size of the ice sheet. Exit Glacier near Seward, Alaska is retreating rapidly. Signs along the roadway and along a lower trail mark where the terminus was at intervals since 1880 or so. 

The hike is 4+ miles of relentless uphill from the valley floor through various environments. You are in the forest a short time, then alpine-like meadows, then short grassy green tundra (?), and finally barren rock and snow. My leg muscles will be very sore tomorrow!