Lamplugh Glacier - Glacier National Park

Lamplugh Glacier was the first glacier we saw. It is about 150 feet tall, with another 20 feet or so below the water. It is three-quarters of a mile wide and 16 miles long. It is advancing at a rate of 3 feet per day.

An icy arch atop Lamplugh Glacier.

The jagged ice field on top of Lamplugh.

Some views of the landscape in Glacier Bay. 

Snow has started to fall on the hill tops while it rains on us below.  This is but another sign that summer has come to a close and the short Autumn season, measured in weeks, is upon us.    The leaves on the trees have turned yellow and red, many have just given up and dropped their leaves altogether.  There exists a flower called "fireweed".  It is called this because it is one of the first plants to establish itself after a forest fire.  The locals say that when the flower has shed all of its petals starting at the bottom and working towards the top, summer is over.  As we look for this flower, all we are able to see are the stalks which have been bare for some time.  Many have also turned to yellow and red, this would be pretty if you were not aware of the meaning behind it.

It is time to leave and start heading south for Seattle.  The low pressure systems which bring gale force winds are coming with more frequency and closer together. As we listen to the weather radio for weather forecasts, it becomes difficult to tell which low pressure system they are referring to.  We count as many as 4 systems heading our way during the same week.  Amy wants to know whatever happened to the high pressure systems between the low systems.  Our prayer is for northwest winds blowing 15 - 20 knots per hour with 3 - 4 foot seas.  What we are getting is 20 - 35 knots and 6 - 8 foot seas from the southeast.  These conditions, if they persist, will require us to spend many days holed up in a cove along the way waiting, praying for the weather to turn.