I couldn’t believe it – I was finally on my way to Alaska! This trip had been a dream of mine for years, and now it was finally becoming a reality. As the plane descended into Anchorage, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement mixed with a little bit of nervousness. I was ready for an adventure, but I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect.
My first stop in Alaska was Anchorage, where I spent a day exploring the city. I was pleasantly surprised by how much there was to do and see. I visited the Anchorage Museum, which had a fantastic collection of Alaska Native art and artifacts. I also checked out the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which offered stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. As I walked along the trail, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the beauty of Alaska.
The next day, I headed south to Seward, a small town on the Kenai Peninsula. Seward is known for its stunning scenery and wildlife, and it did not disappoint. I took a boat tour of the Kenai Fjords National Park, which was one of the highlights of my trip. The park is home to a variety of marine wildlife, including whales, sea otters, and puffins. As we sailed through the park, I felt incredibly lucky to be able to witness these animals in their natural habitat.
After Seward, I headed north to Denali National Park, which was one of the main reasons I wanted to visit Alaska. Denali is home to the tallest peak in North America, and it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. I spent three days in the park, hiking, biking, and taking in the breathtaking views. One day, I took a bus tour of the park, which was an incredible experience. The bus driver was a character – he told us stories and jokes throughout the tour, and he had an encyclopedic knowledge of the park and its wildlife. At one point, we saw a grizzly bear in the distance, and the driver quipped, “He’s probably just looking for a good salmon recipe!”
As my time in Denali came to a close, I felt a mixture of sadness and gratitude. Sadness that I was leaving this incredible place, but gratitude that I had been able to experience it at all. My final stop in Alaska was Fairbanks, where I spent a day visiting the University of Alaska Museum of the North and the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. Both were fascinating, and I learned a lot about the history and culture of Alaska.
As I boarded my flight back to the lower 48, I reflected on my week in Alaska. It had been everything I had hoped for and more. The scenery was breathtaking, the wildlife was incredible, and the people were friendly and welcoming. I had made memories that would last a lifetime, and I knew that I would be back to Alaska someday.
But for now, it was time to return to the real world. As the flight attendant went through the safety instructions, I couldn’t help but think of the bus driver in Denali and his jokes. So, I leaned over to the person next to me and said, “Excuse me, do you know where the emergency exit is? I’m not planning on using it or anything, I just like to be prepared in case I need to make a dramatic exit!” They chuckled, and I knew that I was going to be okay. After all, if I could survive a week in Alaska, I could survive anything.
