Remanents of Our Glacial Past EarthCache
Remanents of Our Glacial Past
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This cache requires the use of watercraft (kayak or boat) to arrive on location. Travel over extreme cold water is required as is rock scrambling to reach the location. Pre-planning is required.
Glacial activity can be found throughout the state of Alaska and many visitors each year visit well known glaciers to see the floating and calving ice. One feature, however, of retreating glaciers is the exposure of Glacial Striations or Glacial Grooves that are the result of movement of the glacier across the underlying bedrock. Most Glacial Striations were exposed after the last ice age and can be found at the base of glaciers if one can safely venture close enough. At the above coordinates several examples of Glacial Striation are worn into the exposed rock that indicate both the direction and possible force needed.
In order to receive credit for this cache, one must first gain access to Blackstone Bay by tour boat or kayak as we did. Most tour boats DO NOT stop at this location so please ask before assuming. Our kayak trip lasted 7 days as it is a 2 day paddle to this location from Whittier, Alaska. After beaching your watercraft, please carefully gain the altitude needed to see these striations which will place you above the beach and near the face of the Lawrence Glacier. I would also recommend hiking the remaining distance to the glacier to see the amazing colors and formations that have been exposed. Upon location, please email the following information:
1. Direction (cardinal directions) of the observed glacial grooves
2. Depth of the observed glacial grooves
3. A picture with GPS receiver visible of you and/or your team on site facing the bay
Please use good judgement and planning when attempting this cache as there is no cell phone service and rescue is not always close at hand. Weather can change quickly, tides are present, and the water is extremely cold. Logging a cache is NOT worth injury or physical damage.
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Treasures
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