Glacier Bay Alaska 2015 – First Post From The Nieve

It’s been an Alaskan whirlwind. Over the course of three days, we flew into Juneau, bought food, took the ferry to Haines, saw the fantastic weather, and flew out to the glacier. Whew!

Drake taking off, leaving us to our devices.

As we boarded the early morning ferry to Haines on Sunday, the sky was cloudy, but as we traveled up Lynn Canal, the weather cleared, and we floated into blue skies. The discussion turned from hanging out in Haines, to heading out to the glacier ASAP.

We showed up at Drake’s hanger. After a long discussion about our options we decided to fly out and get as much done in the remaining daylight as possible. Coop, Cory, and I managed to make it — with most of our gear. Jason and Zach were able to show up the next morning. When you’ve got a weather window, you’ve got to take it!

We are excited, and entirely blown away that we have made it from Sea-Tac airport to the Alaskan glaciers in 27 hours. Rad! Last time we waited around in Haines for the weather for 6 days). This morning, after Zach and Jason got here, we headed out for our first tour. With minimal knowledge of the snowpack, we spent the day evaluating the snowpack and poking around. We try to be mellow and figure things out in these situations rather than just charging straight out the aircraft door into a mysterious snowpack. Even so, we managed to find some incredible skiing.

We got back to camp late, and I’m making this post quick on our WildSnow.com satphone blogging system so I can get some sleep (in short supply over the past few days of travel, gear packing, food shopping, and setting up camp). More to come. Meanwhile, check out some pictures.

Coop excited about being on the plane hours after arriving in Haines.

Drake in his element.

An unreal experience. A few minutes ago we were sitting on the tarmac, then we’re dropped in the middle of nowhere.

14 Responses to “Glacier Bay Alaska 2015 – First Post From The Nieve”

1. Blair March 25th, 2015 9:06 am

   I’d say ‘in the middle of everywhere’. Everywhere to explore, everywhere to head off to….

2. Lisa Dawson March 25th, 2015 9:31 am

   Beautiful! Looking forward to reading more.

3. Lou Dawson 2 March 25th, 2015 9:36 am

   Well said Blair, thanks, am thinking of those young men up there, living their dreams. Lou (the dad)

4. Russell Cunningham March 25th, 2015 11:45 am

   HELL YES BOYS!!! Stoked to see the photos!!

   I’ll be seein’ yall in Haines in a couple of weeks!!

5. afox March 25th, 2015 2:20 pm

   super awesome! way to make it happen, these opportunities come to those that look for them. What is that red dot in the snowfield on the last picture?

6. Julia March 25th, 2015 2:28 pm

   So awesome that the weather was clear and you were able to get out there right away! Cant wait for more updates and pictures!

7. Lou Dawson 2 March 25th, 2015 3:10 pm

   Afox, that’s their camp location!

8. Patrick Winters March 25th, 2015 3:13 pm

   Thanks for the update Louie!!! This looks awesome! Have a great adventure…but be careful!

   Patrick Winters (Zach’s dad)

9. Jason Hummel March 25th, 2015 3:40 pm

   Making me jealous. I may just have to hop on a plane!

10. Amber Ale Deming March 25th, 2015 8:31 pm

    Take me with you Jason Hummel! Excited for some more photography from their trip… Thanks for the post Lou!

11. Dorothy Cooper March 26th, 2015 10:19 am

    Thanks Louie for the great update – and the pictures. Never seen you happier Coop – I have full confidence in all 5 of you and will be anxiously waiting for the blogs.

12. LoriKaufman March 26th, 2015 9:33 pm

    Wow! Can’t wait to see more. And I agree, be careful! (Cory’s mom)

13. Jim Sogi March 30th, 2015 9:09 pm

    Louie, How’s the snow and conditions? What altitude are you at? Thanks.

14. jw7 March 31st, 2015 8:02 am

    A great place to spend some time. 🙂