Leaving the rainy coast we headed to the rain forests around Girdwood – and more visits with MORE of the Stinson’s. The whole Alaska gang (Chris, Joslin, Passage & Lane – also Linda and Jim) had us for dinner our first night in Girdwood and then came to Magic for appetizers one afternoon. It was really fun to spend a little time with the crew – –
Of course, Linda and Jim wouldn’t let us sit on our laurels – so we were off early on the Winner Trial Hike so we could be back to the resort for lunch! Surprises were in store –
Hand Tram?? What’s this about??
Instructions: Graphic wisdom – as in Hiker beware!
Suddenly the meaning of ‘Hand Tram’ was apparent. You want over the gorge? You use the Hand Tram – –
Whose friggin’ idea was this??
Pull, pull, pull, pull.
One goes down here if you fall out of the car;-(
We all made it and continued a beautiful hike – along the creek, through the forrest and over more creeks.
Loser gets wet.
This old bridge has seen some wear and tear.
Nature put on a show again..colorful mushroom.
Beautiful rainforest.
Interesting fungal growths on the trees.
A mooning tree;-)!!
We did make it back for lunch – a most important event.
Just outside Girdwood is a wonderful Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which is a sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through quality care for many rescued animals.
Bison taking a post lunch nap.
This bear was having a good time playing in the pond.
Grizzly out for a stroll.
The main event for this particular day was a ‘float’ on Spencer Lake to the base of Spencer Glacier. All the rain went away and a fabulous day of sunshine gave us excellent views of the glacier and all the ‘ice chunks/bergs’ that have calved from it.
Headed out to Spencer Glacier, which is more than a mile wide.
The water depth at the edge of the glacier is about 400 feet.
Many of the icebergs looked like carved sculptures.
Touching the shelf of one of the icebergs, which extended for some distance under water.
Another day of super activities ends and it is time to return to Girdwood. Our train awaits – –
One more portion of our trip concludes – with many thanks to the Stinson family for their hospitality and planning of new adventures.
Next up – Our BIG BEAR ADVENTURE;-)
E & G – very excited!! And – wait ’til you see this next one!!!!!!!!
Elizabeth & Gary's Magic Bus Tour 
Hand tram, how great! You are having experiences if a lifetime (it seems to me). How close are all these animals, your pictures are up close, too up close!
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