Rafting near the Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska

Kathryn and Eric on our rafting trip near the Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau, Alaska

I've canoed down rivers, kayaked down them, but never have I done a raft trip down one until our trip to Juneau, Alaska.  We launched from the shoreline of Mendenhall Lake.  Our guide stoically paddled us across the lake until we met the outlet river where the effluent suddenly took control.  The river was graded as a class 2 with occasional class 3 rapids.  I have never experienced rapids of either class and was in for an experience.

Rapids are graded from class 1 to class 5.  The intensity of the rapids increases corresponding to the number, with class 1 rapids being mildly exciting and class 5 suggesting a barrel as a means of transport over Niagara Falls.  Many class 5 rapids are impassable with risk to life and limb if attempted.  The class 3 part of the trip flooded our raft to an extent.  I think our guide headed towards the wildest of the bunch intentionally instead of attempting to avoid them.  We hit it nose first; if we had hit it sideways, I think it may have flipped the raft.

I had my waterproof case with me and packed my camera away when we hit heavy water.  It was an enjoyable, albeit wet trip.  The rafting company provided us with waterproof pants and jacket, as well as our life vests.   We were treated to hot apple cider and some snacks when we finished.   I have a few other photos which I will include below.  

Left:  Our guide at the oars.  Right:  The piece of glacier that Kathryn touched.

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com


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