Alaskan Wonderland: Skating on a Once-in-a-Decade ‘Ice Window’
An Alaskan outdoor educator, Luc Mehl, and his wife, Sarah Mehl Himstad, recently showcased the breathtaking beauty of a rare natural occurrence known as the ‘ice window.’
Gliding along a translucent, solid lake near Anchorage, they reveled in the unique opportunity presented by this once-in-a-decade weather event.
Nature’s Canvas: Luc Mehl’s Extraordinary Skate
Luc Mehl, an Alaska native and outdoor educator with certifications in swift water and ice rescue instruction, embarked on this extraordinary skate with his wife in late October.
The chosen location was Rabbit Lake near Anchorage, where the ‘ice window’ phenomenon unfolded.
The Rare ‘Ice Window’: A Translucent Effect
The lake froze over, as is typical for the region, but an unusually cold and dry season created an almost translucent effect. This allowed skaters, including Mehl and Himstad, to glide over the clear ice, offering a captivating view into the depths of the lake.
A Short-Lived Marvel: The Week-Long ‘Ice Window’
Mehl and Himstad captured footage of their experience from October 23 to 26, showcasing not only their graceful skating but also the unique features beneath the ice, including massive rocks and other aquatic life. Unfortunately, the ‘ice window’ lasted only a week and has since been covered by winter weather.
A Decade in the Making: Mehl’s Reflection on the Event
The rarity of this event became evident as Mehl shared, “Since it took ten years, you know, maybe longer, for those conditions to present this year, I think it might be another decade before we get to see something like that again.”
Safety Precautions: Skating on Thin Ice
Despite the mesmerizing spectacle, Mehl emphasized the dangers, stating, “Yeah, it is dangerous. And some people even did fall through during that week.” Skaters took precautions by wearing ice picks around their necks, providing traction to climb out if the ice broke.
Mehl highlighted the safety measures, explaining, “If anyone was in any trouble, Mehl or someone else would be able to throw them a rope and help pull them to safety.”
A Love Letter to Alaska: Documenting the Marvelous Sight
In an Instagram post, Mehl expressed gratitude for their home state, saying, “Another love letter to Alaska. We are so grateful to live here and for the Native and then conservation stewardship that preserved these wild places.” The couple documented their unique adventure as a tribute to the beauty of Alaska, a place they both call home.