So we have been in Anchorage for a week now. We've gotten acclimated to the weather, driving on ice, and have enjoyed the Anchorage downtown area. We also got out into the elements and explored into the vast frontier. This state is amazing! The people say "Welcome to Alaska" and mean it. Locals smile and I don't get the impression that anyone is in a hurry. "Traffic" is 5 cars deep at a red light and everyone makes the light. To put it in perspective, there are less people in the entire state of Alaska than reside in Los Angeles. Anchorage is the biggest city with a population of less than 300,000 in the entire municipality.
Our first road trip we drove from Anchorage down to Seward and back again. 120 miles each way, no problem! Google maps said it would take just under 4 hrs. I thought FOR SURE they were lying. They were not. :) The scenery was more than worth it! We experienced ice roads, snow, rain, snow plows and everything in between. The road snugged the inlet with ice sheets and broken ice floating with the fast current while on the other side were avalanche areas and ice walls. From people climbing the frozen waterfalls to snowmobiling to ice fishing and snow shoeing, winter sports are in full swing.
As we drove from inlet to frozen lakes and then up into the mountains and over the pass you realize that you are such a small part of this vast earth. It puts into perspective that there is such a bigger existence. The mountains are so high and they reach into the heavens. You cannot see where the white of the mountain tops stop and the white clouds begin. Pictures do not do it justice, although we tried.
We finally reach Seward and realize that if we have lunch and go back then the daylight will be long gone. Time for a Rockstar and beef jerky (or was it reindeer jerky?) and we begin our journey back to Anchorage before our 6 hours of sunshine is completely gone.
Having now traveled south, next road trip was a venture up north. We met Washington State friends who now live in the area, for lunch in Wasilla. The hour drive north took us into the valley where Moose crossing signs on the interstate are commonplace. It was another beautiful area with mega scenery. More snow, more ice, wind and a lovely area that I cannot wait to go back and explore, but next time on sleds!!
BTW ..... I Love Alaska!
Seward Harbor
Turnagain Arm
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