Waterfalls and Worthington

Leaving Valdez it doesn't take too long until we are snaking on a highway between very tall mountains in what I believe is part of the Alaska rainforest. Not unlike our own rainforest of the Pacific Northwest, just really, REALLY tall mountains (like Texas, Alaska should come with a sticker "everything you see is larger than it appears"). We round a bend in the road and we are given to spectacular views of gigantic waterfalls. The photos can't convey the size or movement or sound of millions of gallons of rushing water (a seemingly endless supply).

Not too far from these waterfalls, we travel to Worthington Glacier. This glacier was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1968. It has been noticeably receding for the past 100 years but is probably still the most accessible glacier (if you're wanting to actually walk on one, that is). This doesn't mean that it will eventually disappear completely because the origin of this glacier does not get above freezing and accumulating snowfall will sustain it indefinitely. While our 30 minute stop here didn't allow us to get all the way to/from the glacier we were able to hike quite close.

~later, tw