My Alaskan Adventure

A recent trip to Alaska proved to be a remarkable experience for me. Invited by my son, Mike and his two teenage children, Jessica and Joey, we flew to Anchorage where our wonderful journey began. We spent two days in this flowering city where the environment seemed to welcome us. We enjoyed the visitor center and went to watch a movie to acquaint ourselves with this marvelous state. The important message we heard was to stay still if coming upon wildlife if in the open.

Our real adventure began when we rented a 30ft. Winnebago that would be our traveling home for almost three weeks. Most of our 2000 miles showcased the diversity of our 49th state which encompasses a staggering 600,000 square miles. From the rugged wilderness of Denali National Park to the quaint fishing villages of Homer, Seward and Valdez, we constantly were amazed at the kindness of the informative rangers and the laid-back residents. They all provided us with a growing respect for Alaska, and our constant amazement of its natural beauty.

The absence of billboards and litter made it easy to see the blooming fields, snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls and indigenous wildlife. Caribou were plentiful as were eagles, doll sheep and ptarmigans. We saw grizzlies and cubs through binoculars. We happened upon a cow moose and her calf coming out of the forest. We adhered to the warning we saw on the movie at the Anchorage information station. We stayed still while she walked near us then turned in the other direction. 

Besides viewing glaciers and porpoises from aboard a tour boat, my favorite memory is of our guided rafting trip down the Gulkana River. We stopped several times to stand in rushing water wearing our waders, casting our lines and caught two king salmon – at midnight. It was an incredible and memorable adventure. 

We’ll always remember the unusual experiences, the friendly hospitality and the unique sightings that our Alaskan adventure provided. How appropriate that this state’s flower is the forget-me-not.