Alaska

It was always my dream to go to Alaska. I spent months planning and my friends encouraged me every step of the way. I chose to take a trip down the All American Highway from Anchorage to Seward during the month of July.  It’s one of the most beautiful highways you will ever travel. It runs along the Turnagain Arm, waterfalls, and scenic mountains. My trip was 127 miles by car through the beautiful Chugach National Forest.  The Chugach is sub-polar rainforest and is the second-largest national forest in the nation. For this trip, I stretched my journey over 8 days during the summer in July.

A travel tips: 1.Please drink lots of water, the air can be dry.   2. Alaska in the summer is  cool so wear layers. 3. Do not hike alone. Take a group tour or aa experienced guide.

Day 1

After arriving in Anchorage and renting my car, I checked in to the Bent Prop Inn and Hostel. The reason I chose a hostel is because hotels are very expensive in Alaska because the season for tourism is so short. After I got settled at the Bent Prop I headed out to the Potter Marsh, an absolutely stunning length of boardwalk overlooking a wildlife marsh.

Day 2 Alyeska Resort, Alaskan Conservation Center and Whittier

My goal was to travel the Seward Highway from anchorage to Seward over the next few days. The distance between the two cities is only 3 hours but there was so much to see I took my time.

Tip: the scenery is gorgeous, keep your eyes on the road and use the many turnouts to take in the beautiful views.

I traveled to Girdwood for the day to visit the Alyeska Resort and rode the sky tram and had lunch at top of the mountain station.

After lunch I drove a short distance and visited the Alaskan Wildlife Conservaton Center where I saw Grizzley bears from a sky bridge, my first real-life reindeer and a herd of Bison.  I was thrilled to see the center treating endangered species and I saw my first ever grown moose and newborns that were adopted by the center. You can drive through this conservation center but I suggest walking if you can.

Afterward, I drove to Whittier and spent the night at the Anchor Inn. On the way to Whitter you get the treat of traveling through the Whittier Tunnel which is the longest highway tunnel in North America. My purpose in Whittier was to catch a tour boat the next day for Prince William Sound.

Tip: A few miles before the Whittier Tunnel is the Begich Boggs Visitor Center. If you have time stop by. It’s a neat building and offers many things to do.

Day 3 Prince William Sound

I spent the day touring Prince Willliam Sound by boat. I took the glacier and wildlife cruises through Phillips Cruises and Tours. It was a great cruise, very informative and the captain took his time showing us the glaciers animals along the way.  A light lunch was served but I was so excited I could hardly eat. Wildlife abounds here. I saw whales, eagles, birds, otters and fur seals. I spent the night at the Whittier Hotel and headed out the next morning to continue my adventures.

Day 4-6 Begich Boggs Visitors Center, Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park

After leaving Whittier I stopped at the Begich Boggs Visitors Center for an up-close look at a small floating glacier and the exhibits. I continued my journey down the highway and I checked into my Airbnb in Seward.

I headed to a short trip to a free group hike at the Kenai Fjords National Park, led by rangers. The hike to Exit Glacier includes a short lecture on what you will be seeing and safety tips. The hike goes as close to the nearest glacier as possible. Days 5 and 6 I explored Seward and enjoyed seeing the sports fishing boats bringing their fish in

I also took a  tour with Kenai Fjords Tours. I purchased the Resurrection Bay tour that included a buffet meal on Fox Island.

Day 7 Drive back to Anchorage

I drove slowly back to anchorage which is only a 3 hour drive but I had to take all the beauty in, stopping from time to time to enjoy the gorgeaous Turnagain Arm and the massive cliffs and mountains. The sun didnt set until after midnight so after I checked into the Bent Prop Inn I headed out to the movies and then one last look at the sun setting just after midnight.

Day 8

A quick goodbye to the Inn and Anchorage and boarded my flight home.