“KennIcott” or “KennEcott”? I can’t tell you how many times I changed the spelling in my notes; I was constantly confused. But I later learned the spelling with an “I” refers to the glacier that was named for Robert Kennicott, an explorer and naturalist from the 1800’s that had visited the region twice. “Kennecott” with an “e” refers to the Kennecott Mines or the company town at the base of the mill. The misspelling was on the incorporation paperwork, and it stuck.

Confusion solved! And I remember it all fondly as I look back on my pictures and think about how much I enjoyed just being there in that environment.

During our first morning, we woke up and immediately took in the gorgeous, expansive view from our balcony. The clear sky was a beautiful shade of blue, and I looked forward to the day ahead.

(For all photos, click on the image for a full screen view.)

The plan for the group was to hike to Root Glacier, in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, a massive park the size of Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Switzerland combined! And that’s just one of the national parks in Alaska. I didn’t realize just how huge Alaska was until Julie, our tour leader, told us ten Georgia states could fit into Alaska!

Most of the people I have spoken with who have visited Alaska have only done so by cruise ship. We have enjoyed that experience, too, but were grateful this time to see some of Alaska on land, including this park as well as Denali and Kenai Fjords.

After our fly over the park the previous day, I was excited to explore some of it on foot with local guides leading the way and sharing their knowledge with us. Although we had the option to get fitted for crampons, so that we could walk on the ice once we arrived at the glacier, most of our group decided against it. To get all the way onto the glacier involved traversing a very steep downhill (and then uphill) section and more miles than most people wanted to hike.

The first stop was at Jumbo Falls where the majority stayed to enjoy their box lunches. I had intended on stopping there as well, because I don’t have hiking boots. (I can’t find any to fit my skinny feet and skinnier heals!) The trail ahead was beautiful, though, and I was determined to get a better view of the glacier. I left Bruce with the larger group and continued hiking until I knew my running shoes would be too dangerous to avoid a fall. I was grateful to be able to make it all the way to the glacier before the steep decline. The view was amazing and well worth the effort!

Five of us decided to turn back at that point and return to town. Our round-trip hike amounted to five and a half miles.

While Bruce rested back at the lodge, I headed out to explore the interpretive exhibits of the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark. The General Store and U.S. Post Office had wonderful exhibits to poke around; we would be touring the mine the following day.

I also enjoyed kicking back on a rock by the creek, just listening to the water run by. Beautiful!

Coming up next: SEATTLE & ALASKA #9: A MEANDERING MILL TOUR & ANOTHER FANTASTIC, FABULOUS FLIGHT!