05/08/2023
Embarking on an Alaska escapade just four weeks in advance might sound like a wild and wacky idea, but sometimes, life's grandest adventures are borne out of pure spontaneity! Picture this: the untamed wilderness of Alaska, us, and a dash of daring determination. We were about to undertake an expedition that would rival even the most intense episodes of reality TV. Brace yourselves!
Setting off on this Alaskan odyssey, we didn't quite realize we were plunging headfirst into an adventure that would rewrite the definition of "winging it." Because let's be real, Alaska isn't your run-of-the-mill destination where you can throw caution to the wind. The challenge was on, and we were taking it on full throttle! Forget the organized tours and meticulously planned itineraries – we were going full-on explorers, carving our path through the rugged landscapes.
Oh, but before we dive into the nitty-gritty, a little teaser for the next chapter of our Alaskan saga: rail service and Katmai Park were calling our names, but we slyly tucked those experiences away for the sequel. Because, let's face it, there's always room for more adrenaline-packed escapades.
Hold on to your hats, folks! If you're thinking of booking an Alaskan cruise for a leisurely voyage, think again. Our plan of attack involved conquering Alaska by car – the open road and our whims as companions. And speaking of companions, we had a few unexpected guests at our Midtown Anchorage hotel – airforce cadets and flight attendants seemed to have discovered the same hotspot. The Hyatt suites became our launching pad, just 12 minutes from the airport and ready to cater to our adventure-hungry souls.
Alyeska was our first stop, and boy, did we hit the ground running. Or should I say tramming? Taking the tram up the mountain gifted us an awe-inspiring view that could only be described as "Instagram Gold." Coffee and snacks at the top fueled our excitement for a short hike at a staggering 5,000 feet elevation. And when it comes to Alyeska Lodge, we didn't just have a meal – we had a culinary revelation. If taste buds could sing, they'd be belting out arias.
Hold up, did I mention the glacier experience? Brace yourselves, for this is where nature takes a bow. An afternoon cruise near Portage allowed us to commune with an actual glacier, taste its icy bounty, and snap some enviable pics. Seward beckoned us next, with a 6-hour boat tour that should come with a warning: "May cause uncontrollable jaw-dropping." Sea mammals became our entourage, and any place that offered salmon or halibut became our culinary sanctuary. Coffee here was on point, and we were caffeinated enough to drive back to Girdwood for a one-night stand. In a lodge, I mean!
And let's not forget Whittier, the place that shoved ordinary through the window and invited the extraordinary to the table. The tunnel, the town, and 26 glaciers – that's not a sight you'll casually encounter. Oh, and did I mention the double trail whammy? We trekked through Horsetail Falls and Portage Pass, a trail that promised big views and overdelivered. Skipping a glacier cruise was a small sacrifice when you're basking in these natural wonders.
Ready for a dash of quirkiness? Former army housing transformed into a town? Swift fish, huckleberry ice cream, and pizza with live music? It was like stepping into a charming parallel universe, and we were the willing subjects of its enchantment.
As our journey spiraled onwards, we traded wheels for wings and Talkeetna became our stage. A lodge with no AC and shaky internet became our home – but who needs Wi-Fi when the world's most breathtaking scenes are right outside your window? A glacier landing flight was our ticket to awe, and Denali herself bowed to our intrepid spirits.
But wait, there's more! ATV safaris, burgers that could inspire sonnets, huckleberry ice cream that sent our taste buds on a rhapsody, and a cabin in the woods that held the promise of the untamed. A jet boat adventure through Devil's Canyon lay on the horizon, and we were about to cross the finish line of this wild, wild journey.
Stay tuned, dear readers, as we uncover the rest of this unforgettable Alaskan tale. The wild, the untamed, and the incredible – it's all coming your way!
