Alexandra Goes to Alaska
How, at the time of this first draft, I was in Alaska precisely two months ago, escapes me…and yet, here I am, still reminiscing about the most epic adventure.
It was a whirlwind of 4 nights exploring the interior (i.e. just land portion) of The Last Frontier. In an effort to keep this post succinct I’ll review each day and activity. But before I do so, I definitely want to provide a 20,310’ level (the peak of Denali, the third-highest of the Seven Summits—the tallest peaks on all seven continents) about the trip itself.
Length of Trip
While my trip was 5 ‘days’ in length, I could have spent more time there. While it’s my first time, I definitely suggest at least a week in Alaska…if you can take enough time to both cruise and cruisetour (the land-only portion I experienced), DO IT. You may need 9-10 days in total to do both (and indeed the option for more than 10 days is there).
Getting There
From the East Coast, be prepared to connect. My flight there was CLT-SEA-ANC. Coming home (because we ended the tour in a different city) it was FAI-ANC-SEA-CLT. Right there, you can see the need for a day pre and post, just to travel.
What I Expected (And Didn’t Expect!)
I have colleagues who have taken this familiarization before, who forewarned me—it’s quite a lot of sitting. And yes, it is. I expected Alaska to be casual, and by day 2, nearly everyone on the bus was in leggings. There are only 3 modes of transportation within the interior or Alaska—car/bus, train, and plane—and there are only 4 major highways (which always have construction during the summer months, for obvious reasons). I was excited to eat lots of salmon, but I didn’t expect the food to be so good! I loved every meal we had. I also didn’t expect to fall in love with Alaska. For those of you who know me personally, I’m not really ‘outdoorsy…’ In fact, I had to borrow some hiking boots from my sister (thanks, Moo!). (Also, yes, if you don't have them and are headed there in the early season- April/May/early June, I’d snag some, if anything just for comfort and a layer of warmth).
…Packing
Which brings me to packing. Really layers is all I can emphasize. I packed: Stio vest, Barbour wax jacket (really clutch on the boat in the wind), leggings, a turtleneck, a sweater, 2 long sleeve tees, black stretch pants, oversized cashmere wrap, sunglasses, sneakers, Patagonia snap fleece, hiking boots, a packable windbreaker with a hood, and some jeans. I really think that’s it! #teamcarryon
I promised to be succinct and we haven’t even gotten to the itinerary. here goes…
Day 1: Arrived to Anchorage |
I supported the local economy and ordered UberEats as I was tired from a day of travel
Day 2: Anchorage to Seward |
I went for a walk in the morning at 6 a.m. because the time change (4 hours) had me up at that time. The air was intoxicating. So. Fresh.
We boarded the motorcoach (has plugs but no internet), and drove on the highway (where we saw one of many bald eagles only about 15 minutes into our journey) to Girdwood to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. I was about 10’ from my friend Hugo the bear (a girl).
We continued on the highway (same one) and saw breathtaking views of mountains and the clearest reflection in the water.
We arrived to Seward around 12 noon for the Kenai Fjords Cruise with lunch on Fox Island. Y’all. I could have spent more than the 4 1/2 allotted hours on this boat. We saw 8 (eight!!) whales, sea lions, mountain goats, more Bald Eagles, and just beautiful mountains.
After a delicious lunch on Fox Island and returning to Seward, we went to the Alaska SeaLife center, which I expected to be a little cheesy, but it was very cool.
We checked into the Windsong Lodge (there are no ‘hotels’ in Alaska, rather, lodges, so set your expectations accordingly). I loved my stay at the Windsong, probably a highlight! And the food at their restaurant, Resurrection Roadhouse, was out of this world spectacular. I got the salmon (duh). We sat outside because it was just too nice not to, the views were amazing, and the sun shines almost 24-hours a day!
Day 3: Seward to Talkeetna |
I made myself a Keurig in the room (!) and sat on the little balcony and listened to nature (who.am.i) before breakfast at the Lodge. Every room has a balcony which I thought was really special…in fact, I believe this was the only lodge with a balcony on the room.
We made our way to Talkeetna via bus and stopped at the beautiful Hotel Alyeska on the way and the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
When we arrived in Talkeetna we had lots of free time so I wandered into town (a short walk), and explored the sweet ‘main street’ which was a bustle with shops, a brewery, and some food stands. I walked to the river and saw Denali—just the mere spectacle was enough to bring a sense of calm.
Dinner at the Talkeetna Lodge was great. Expansive views of Denali on the patio were enough to make any dinner extra special.
Day 4: Talkeetna to Denali |
I found a runner friend and woke up on Day 4 (Saturday, of course) for a 5k run in Alaska. When else would I get this opportunity? The air was crisp and perfect for running. I was in shorts, a long sleeve, and my vest.
After our run and breakfast, we took the motorcoach about half a mile to the train station where we boarded the Wilderness Express to Denali National Park. The train ride was about 4 hours long and much more luxe than I imagined. Comfy leather seats, full bar, and a glass domed top to look out into the wild. It was such a special few hours. It was fascinating to see how the landscape completely changed into the tundra—you could tell by the trees how vastly different parts of Alaska’s climate are.
We went to Denali National Park via school bus and saw some amazing wildlife—caribou, ptarmigan (the state bird, even though people mistake that for the mosquito), and moose. It was very cool.
While in Denali we had some free time and I opted to go spend some time with mushers (dog sled dogs). Who wouldn’t want to spend a few hours with puppies!? It was interesting to learn about the lifestyle of a professional dog musher (sledder) and the Iditarod Race, which is a week-long+ race across Alaska with the dogs.
Day 5: Denali to Fairbanks |
Our last day has arrived and we went on the Riverboat Discovery and explored a replica of an Eskimo way of life. It was honestly probably my least favorite part of the trip, but apparently people really love it, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.
For dinner, we went to the Alaska Salmon Bake, which is apparently an institution that was not open due to the pandemic until just this year. We were the first to welcome the Salmon Bake back into existence and it was great. It is set up kind of like a festival with a large campground style cafeteria. Imagine a big fire pit and cooks with tons of salmon grilling fish to your liking. It was really unique.
I wish I had more time in Fairbanks because the Pikes Waterfront Lodge where we stayed was SO COOL. It was a kitschy hotel where the owners are art collectors. It was cozy and cool all in one. I LOVED it.
Day 6: Fairbanks to Home |
I will spare you details of my trip home because it was a bear (and not as cute and cuddly as Hugo).
Hope you loved this recap of Alaska, and plan to take a visit yourself — it is such a special state.
