The Last Frontier

Alaska is a very special place. I'm sure hundreds one people have written about its vastness,   innate beauty and serene wildlife... and they're all right. While there, I covered a lot of ground but barely even saw half of all there is to offer.

I flew into Anchorage to meet my aunt, we did some grocery shopping and then drove up to Denali National Park where we hiked, took a tour of the park, and spent endless time viewing wildlife. I can't even express how vast and awesome the park is, not to mention the vast differences in landscape in the 6 million acres. It is truly awe inspiring.

View from Teklanika River Rest Area in Denali

Caribou Grazing in Denali National Park

After a few days in Denali, we headed south to the small port town of Seward on the Kenai Peninsula. The landscape here was also awe inspiring, but full of water, mountain views and glaciers. We filled our time with tons of kayaking, hiking, a glacier tour, and some more wildlife watching. We saw orca whales, sea otters, humpback whales, puffins, walrus, and sea lions.

Otters Swimming in Resurrection Bay 

View in Resurrection Bay

Humpback Whale in Aialik Bay 

The Aialik Glacier

I have to say that out of all our activities, seeing the glaciers was the most impressive thing for me. To see such a pristine landscape and the massive geology that contributed to making it all was just awesome... and I have to admit, I was really sad to see how these glaciers have receded and melted. I definitely hope it's in the cards for me to return and hike a portion og the Harding Icefield some day.

One month +

I never have "good" excuses on why I haven't blogged. Nevertheless, I have still been on many adventures and in my true nature, wanted to post a map of everywhere I've been this past month.

I do love a good map. More entries to follow.