Answers to Questons about Canoeing in Skagway

I was asked if it was really cold in Alaska and if it got colder near the glaciers.  Also, if it was scary out in the canoe. 

  Yes, it was cold when we were out on the lake in that canoe and it got colder the closer to the ice we got. I would guess it was around 55F degrees when we started and dropped to 48F or so as we got close to the ice.  The water in the lake is 34F degrees.  It wasn't scary at all.  We had good instructions before we took off about how to sit in the canoe and how to hold ourselves so we wouldn't rock or tip it.  The first rule is, Do Not Stand Up.  The next thing they tell you is keep your nose centered over your belly button.  LOL  That way, your shoulders stay centered and you don't sway from one side to another.  They also told us if someone falls over, don't do anything.  Surprising, right? Well,  if everyone tries to help, the entire canoe could tip over and we'd all be in trouble.  They told us exactly how a rescue operation would go and what to do.  We would help only if asked to by the guide. 

Also, when we visited Hubbard Glacier, we were wearing light clothing until we started into the channel leading to the glacier.  We had to get our jackets and gloves on once we got within a half mile or so of the ice because the temperature drops dramatically.

I will be happy to answer any other questions if I can.