When we arrived in Alaska we heard about a cave named Castner Ice Cave. It is part of an old glacier which extends up the canyon a few miles and one can hike to the cave in the summer or winter. We finally had some decent weather and so we decided to make the drive (2.5 hours) and make the hike.
Gratefully the path was frequented enough that we did not need to take our snowshoes with us. We have gone snowshoeing several times and while I enjoy it, it does require a lot of energy the kids struggle (mostly Zach and Camille)
The hike was 1.5 miles in and we actually passed some friends from Eielson AFB who were on the way out from the cave. The snow was starting to fall and we were racing the sunset (currently at 15:30 hrs each day).
But the view was nice.
But we made it and the kids were happy to be there and explore.
Here you can see the dirt and rocks mixed with the ice as the glacier slid down the mountain many years ago.
Looking in the cave you can see where the water and CO2 from visitors frozen to the ceiling
Here are some photos of the ice crystals which grew in long spindles or hexagon shaped figures.
At the back of the cave we had to get down on our belly and slide under the low ceiling to see more crystals at the back.
After leaving our mark (reference the Good Dinosaur by Disney) we had to quickly hike out as we were loosing light. Camille had to pee and I feel bad she had to drop her snow pants to go in that cold but she did well. It was a white knuckle drive home and a late supper but it was a great adventure.
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