An Alaskan Adventure for the Ages

Last year, mere months before I turned 50, my sister asked me where I wanted to go to celebrate my birthday. Without hesitation, I told her that we were going to Alaska. It had been on my bucket list forever, and I was determined to make that dream come true. 

It turned out to be the trip of a lifetime. I was joined on the trip by my husband, sister, brother-in-law and my two brothers. Rather than do a cruise, like most of the tourists that visit Alaska, we decided to travel by land. 

We flew into Anchorage on July 20 and 21, with some of us arriving a day earlier than the others. For anyone that lives in New York, there is a direct flight on Alaska Airlines! We were based in Anchorage for the next week, although we spent a couple of nights in other towns. We rented a car for our travel. If you are interested in this option, be aware that renting a car in Alaska is a lot more expensive than in other destinations!

After settling in upon arrival, we went to Arctic Valley for a hike. It was great to stretch our legs after the long plane flight. The views from the mountain top were spectacular.

The next day, we saw a moose and her baby in the yard and spied mountain goats on the drive to Alyeska. We braved the Veil Breaker Skybridges at the Alyeska Resort. These are narrow bridges about a foot wide that span several chasms. You cross them while attached to a cable by a rope on your harness. On the second bridge, we were disappearing into the clouds and then reappearing out of them on the other side. It was exhilarating. We finished the day with drinks at the Seven Glaciers Restaurant and dinner and beer at the Girdwood Brewing Company. 

On July 23, we drove to Seward, spotting mountain goats again, hiked to Exit Glacier and then went to the beach, where we saw a harbor seal and an otter. We spent that night at a rented, private house in Seward.

For day 4, we took an 8-hour cruise with Kenai Fjord tours. It was the second most amazing day we had. The highlight was watching humpback whales bubble-net feeding for over 40 minutes. We saw over 20 species of animals, including Dahl's porpoise, puffins, seals, sea lions, otters, Kitlitz's Murrelets, and more. We also witnessed an ice waterfall off a glacier. After the cruise, we went for a hike in Cooper Landing before returning to Anchorage.

July 25 was my birthday, as well as my sister and brother-in-law's 15th anniversary. It was the best day by far. We spent it on the Matanuska Glacier near Palmer swimming, paddleboarding, and hiking with a couple of helicopter rides to get us on and off the ice. Swimming in the glacial water was invigorating. My brother Jeremy was intrepid enough to take off his dry suit and clothes for a polar plunge! I now regret not doing it myself.

From there we drove to Talkeetna and spent the night in another rented, private home.That evening we went to the Talkeetna Inn and attended the adult prom at the Fairview Inn. In the morning, it was raining. Douglas and I at breakfast at Homestead Kitchen, checked out the Museum, and visited the cemetery. The cemetery had the most unique "headstones" I have ever seen. These included chairs, propellers, spirit houses, and more. We went to Nagley's Drug Store, but the Mayor, a cat named Aurora, was at the salon. I am still disappointed that we didn't get to meet her.

I would have liked to spend more time in Talkeetna. It is an unique town, and there was more that I wanted to do. However, we drove back to Anchorage to attend a concert at the Hilltop Ski Area and then to watch the sunset at the Glen Alps Trailhead.

We spent the second to last day in Anchorage. The women went shopping at Rusty Raven Antiques and Lazy Dog Antiques, while the men went for a bike ride at Eklutna Lake. We had dinner at the Peanut Farm and saw a moose on the side of the road on the way home. 

Our last day in Alaska was bittersweet, as most last days are. We went kayaking at Lake Eklutna, ate lunch at the Moose's Tooth, and before we knew it, we were on our way home.

I cannot wait to return to Alaska, and I am also excited to assist others to actualize their own Alaskan adventures. That trip inspired me to become an Alaska Certified Expert so that I could aid my clients in discovering this incredible corner of the world. Reach out so I can help YOU!