These were some of the many glaciers that Pat saw from the plane....they are on the southern slopes of The Alaska Range to the west. Ruth Glacier extends 31 miles southeast through the Great Gorge, nicknamed the Grand Canyon of Alaska for its towering 5,000-foot peaks that rise up on both sides of the glacier. The gorge opens into Don Sheldon Amphitheater at the head of Ruth Glacier, where the Don Sheldon mountain house sits (you can rent it for $85.00 per night). Don Sheldon (1921-75) was a well-known bush pilot who helped map, patrol, and aid search and rescue efforts in this area.