Sometimes, I can’t believe it has been over a year since Choppy and I returned from Alaska. It was such an amazing trip, and I would love to go back (well, in summer – I’m OK with avoiding the place during the winter months). Today is as good a time as any to look back to that trip, with the initial entry in Choppy by Letter. Today is A for Alaska.

Before we look back, though, a word about today. This morning, I woke up to a winter wonderland – our little corner of Indiana is now snow-covered, far earlier than is normal. Thanks to warm temperatures while the snow was falling last night and yesterday afternoon, we also have ice-covered sidewalks and roads. Choppy and I had a very icy walk this morning – most of which I spent on the snow rather than the sidewalk, lest I accidentally spend most of our walk on my backside.

Having grown up in Wisconsin, snow and ice is not something new to me. Which you wouldn’t know by what happened the first time I walked on a glacier.

I'm pretty sure my car is under there somewhere.
Wisconsin: I’m pretty sure my car is under there somewhere.

As Choppy and I meandered home from Alaska, we made a stop at Matanuska Glacier – basically, it’s a glacier you can drive very close to, which is great for a pair like Choppy and me, who are definitely not in the best of shape. While you normally have to hike to a glacier, this one required minimal amounts of hiking to experience.

In other words, the perfect glacier for an out–of-shape dog and person to explore.

Now, most people would hear the word glacier and assume ice. I mean, the definition of ‘glacier’ at dictionary.com begins with the words “an extended mass of ice . . .”

Yeah, it turns out, I’m not most people.

Apparently, despite knowing that I would be walking on a sheet of ice, I decided the best footwear was sandals…

If ever you see me at an Alaska glacier, you'll know me because I'm the one wearing sandals on a giant sheet of ice.
If ever you see me at an Alaska glacier, you’ll know me because I’m the one wearing sandals on a giant sheet of ice.

…and a skirt would probably be good hiking attire (note: I always think this. On both counts).

And a skirt as well. You know, for someone with an advanced degree, I sometimes show a decided lack of judgment.
And the skirt. For someone with an advanced degree, I sometimes show a decided lack of judgment.

Also? It turns out glaciers are slippery. Who knew? (Other than most of the people who saw the giant sheet of ice and recognized its innate qualities. So yeah. Everyone else knew. And considering that I grew up with snow and ice – and continue to experience it – you would think I would be one of the people who knew).

That said, we had a great time climbing on the glacier. I managed not to wipe out too many times, and Choppy got very messy. Because, despite being made of water (i.e., the thing we use to get clean), glaciers are absurdly dirty. File that under yet another thing I never knew about glaciers.

It only got messier from here.
It only got messier from here.

Next week, it’s on to a ‘B’ destination – to ‘B’ decided.