Explore Alaska

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Javier Alvarez
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  My weekend plans to binge-watch the latest online streaming series was thwarted when a fellow Airman suggested a hike to Byron Glacier.

It was daylight savings weekend, and despite knowing that I would be mourning the loss of an hour’s sleep, I reluctantly accepted. Having stepped on a scale not two days earlier to unfortunate results was enough motivation to participate.

I remember thinking, “I’m going to be so thin after this hike.”

Wanting to plan ahead, I took my laptop and typed into my search engine tips for a winter hike. After all, how does one plan a hiking trip?

Byron Glacier is more than an hour’s drive from base.

Once we arrived at the glazed-over parking lot, it was only a two-mile hike to our destination.

In single file, my ten-person group trekked atop the compacted snow. Divots marred the trails edge - remnants of those who ventured off the beaten path.

A sprawling forest gradually vanished into barren landscape. The sprouting twigs, a reminder we were standing on various feet of snow.

At a gradual pace and with the occasional stop to take in the scenery, we covered two miles of terrain in less than an hour.

After arriving at the glacier I was reminded of the tremendous beauty which surrounds us in the Last Frontier. I feel guilty for not having taken advantage of all there is to do in Alaska.

There are a few things to consider when exploring Alaska.

1. Be mindful of avalanches.
The trip to Byron Glacier was the third time a similar trip was planned. Previous trips were cancelled because Ray, our resident avalanche expert, though it was too risky.
People unfamiliar with Ray can visit the Alaska Avalanche Information Center website at http://alaskasnow.org/

2. Explore Alaska with people who know what they’re doing.
Having lived in the Last Frontier for more than a year, I have come to the conclusion that every unit has an outdoors expert. For people who are too shy or don’t get along with their unit’s expert, try attending one of the events hosted by the Outdoor Adventure Program.

3. Despite the longer daylight hours, we are still experiencing winter weather. Be sure to check the weather report prior to venturing into wild Alaska and dress accordingly.

4. Bring a snack. On our trip we had trail mix. In an effort to out-Alaska the rest of the group, I brought with me an ice cream bar, which I planned to eat at the glacier.

5. Don’t forget to have fun. I found myself missing my bed almost immediately, but the pristine Alaska landscape when cruising down the Seward Highway was enough to make the trip worthwhile.

Ask me what I will be doing this weekend, and my answer will likely be, “exploring Alaska.”

For more information on Alaska trails visit, http://www.alaska.org/things-to-do/parks-and-trails.