On Saturday afternoon after returning from Barrow, we went to Ice Alaska to look at the ice carvings. The credit union paid the hefty admission for members over age 55 so that seemed like a good reason for me to go. This event has moved several times during its lifetime and they were finally able to move to a permanent location. Not as nice as some of their prior locations but at least they don't have to relocate each year.
Above is a functional pay phone. Not too many of these around anywhere let alone in an ice phone booth. To the right is a chapel and according to a note, there was a wedding ceremony held here shortly after it was completed.
Above and to the left are some of the more intricate and detailed carvings there. I thought that the log cabin was pretty well done and it even included furniture. Most of the carvings are lit up in the evening but with daylight savings time, that would mean waiting until after 9:00pm.
There was a large play area with numerous slides, mazes and spinning things as well as sculptures that you could climb in and around. This is Bridget and my grandson coming down one of the many slides.
The large, multi-block carvings needed to be shielded from the sun and most were showing signs of melting. There was another area where the carvings were among the trees and these were some of the most delicate and intricate. Including below, one stunt rider on a V-twin motorcycle.
Beautiful pics Richard!
ReplyDeleteThank you, the event has improved year after year and there are teams competing from all over the world.
DeleteDelicate and intricate are barely enough to describe them. Just amazing!
ReplyDeletePretty nice compared to what they were only a short time ago.
DeleteIt never occurred to me that ice sculptures would be translucent or transparent. I figured for some reason they would be white. So to my eyes they are even more ethereal than I expected.
ReplyDeleteYou need bubble free ice. For this competition, they cut the blocks out of a specific gravel pit. No turbulence, no springs. Just very clear water.
DeleteAnd it is fun to go back at night when the colored lights are lighting up the sculptures.
DeleteThese are spectacular and very clever. That ice slide is a perfect example of how to enjoy what materials you have at hand!
ReplyDeleteThe ice slides have been getting longer and higher each year though I hear that the path to the the top was pretty treacherous.
DeleteThe path on the "dark" side, where very little sun hit wasn't too bad. Wearing snow pants is a must to go fast.
DeleteThat's pretty impressive ice sculpturing! Thanks for the pics.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed them!
DeleteWow, there is a lot of talent contained in that ice. So beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAnd this is but a fraction of the carvings. Some of the larger ones were suffering being out in the sun with some of the detail work melted away.
DeleteRichard;
ReplyDeleteso delicate and ornate. Hard to believe they are made with ice, more like fine crystal. The last two are stunning. They would be eye catching all lit up at night.
some people are so talented
bob
A weekend photographer
There are lots of photos online of the ice sculptures all lit up. I didn't feel like going back late at night to take photos (lazy photographer).
DeleteIce sculpting takes some kind of artist ... one who is not afraid to let go - knowing that his/her work will simply melt away. I love looking at them. The slide looks like a fun ride too, slippery enough on its own, no sled required.
ReplyDeleteWe do have an ice museum that allows tourists to watch ice carving during the summer. There are a couple of refrigerated rooms.
DeleteThe slides worked even better if you did have a sled.
Some of the pictures remind me of the St. Paul, MN winter carnival. In past years they've built huge ice castles, had carving competitions and ice slides too. You certainly have the cool weather for it!
ReplyDeleteLike many of these events the number of international competitors increases every year.
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