Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 116, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 May 1919 — Glacier Climbing In U. S. [ARTICLE]

Glacier Climbing In U. S.

Thanks to the “See-America-first” movement and the difficulties of European travel due to the war, many Americans are finding out that they can have all the thrills of seeing and climbing glaciers without paying the Swiss Innkeepers and guides a stiff toll. Right here in the United States easily accessible but little known glaciers show the awe-inspiring crevasses and wonderful changing colors that one who has ever had first-hand experience with these slow moving rivers of ice can never forget. Among the national parks easily accessible by railroad,, that furnish the sport of glacier climbing, are Glacier park and Rainier national park. It is Alaska, however, that offers the de luxe glacier sightseeing. This little known land not only has the largest glaciers—big enough to make Switzerland’s pride look insignificant —but also the most easily accessible. In fact, during the summer season the excursion steamers run right up to the face of the glaciers that descend to salt water, and thread their way in among the bergs that have broken off. One of the sights along the seacoast is that of the iceman hitching his gasoline launch to a baby berg and towing it to a convenient place to cut out his supply.—Fred Telford, in Popular Mechanics Magazine.