Have you ever wanted to be inside Elsa’s Frozen world, with giant ice crystals reflecting your graceful, ice-queen self? Me too. The only catch, however, is that such a place exists in the fictional world, and we can’t physically reach it. Or can we?
Hold your hearts, because your eyes are about to glide upon the most beautiful ice you’ll ever see. Located in Juneau, the capital of Alaska, the Mendenhall Ice Caves are easily one of those places that let you experience heaven on earth. Existing inside the depths of the normal-looking Mendenhall Glacier, these spectacular caves were formed by the force of water, melting its way through the ice to create a passageway. But before we get inside the cave, let’s back up a bit and get to it first!
When you reach this super-popular tourist destination after hours of dangerous hiking, trekking or kayaking your way through the formidable and dry trails, you’ll find yourself facing the above view- the entrance to the caves. Unimpressed? It’s understandable, but don’t judge a book by its cover just yet. Take a deep breath, and slowly waltz inside. No, I mean it. Take a really deep breath, because it can get pretty cramped. Claustrophobes, this is your cue to stop and turn back, or just take a tiny peek, because as beautiful as this place is, it is not for the weak-hearted. Don’t try to be daring and venture out for the ice-climbing alone, either. Taking a guide is highly advised for this phase of your journey.
Those of you who made it this far, applaud yourself, because you made your wish come true. As you gaze at the unbelievably bright and surreally blue surroundings, you might start to wonder, how did nature manage to create THIS? I’ve told you already about the formation, but how can ICE look blue?
This is ‘glacial ice’, my friend, and it acquires its brilliant turquoise color when air is squeezed from the ice and snow as they freeze. The ice then seems to absorb every color of the spectrum from the sunlight, except blue. This is why you’ll feel more like you’re enveloped in gentle, water-filled bubbles, than harsh, stark white ice.
Another pretty amazing fact about the place, is that it is one of those natural pockets where you can see the water-cycle AS IT HAPPENS, in real time. Yes, you can actually see the ice melting and turning into melt-water, which goes on to refreeze and become a part of the glacier. This aesthetically pleasing dance of snow and water will surely leave you speechless.
You can also rest easy about visiting this place with your busy schedules, because amazingly, it is open to tourists year-around. Of course, there will be differences in what you find in different seasons, but the beauty needed to take your breath away will always be here. Or not.
See, every beautiful thing has its dark sides. The dark side of the Mendenhall Ice-Caves is, of course, global warming. No matter how wonderful, the place is still just frozen water, which seems to be melting and causing the glacier to recede. It is terrifyingly sad to think that the ice caves, formed 3,000 years ago during a ‘Little Ice Age’, could soon no longer be with us to admire and adore.
I urge you, therefore, to pack up your ice-hiking gear and set out towards this freezing wonderland. You’ll surely feel like you’re in a Disney film. Do not, however, start singing ‘Let It Go’ at the top of your voice, because the ice will not be merciful when crashing down.
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