As I sat by the window at my Red Roof Inn (or just “Red Roof” as it’s called now), I couldn’t help but feel excited for the day ahead. I was heading to Alaska! A landscape photographer’s dream, especially during this time of year when the days are long, and the light is golden. After a quick breakfast, it was time to catch the shuttle and start the adventure.
The Arrival: First Impressions of Alaska
Leaving the airport, I was instantly blown away—both literally and figuratively. Mountains surrounded me, and the beauty of the landscape left me in awe. I couldn’t believe I was finally in Alaska. I was like a kid in a candy shop, freaking out in the best way possible. This was everything I’d imagined and more.
A Cozy (and Quirky) Airbnb
I had booked a little Airbnb for my stay. It was a bit off the beaten path, tucked into a rural neighborhood. When I arrived, I found myself on a muddy driveway with old snowmobile parts scattered around. It was quirky, but charming. The main feature? A Murphy bed that took up the whole room. It wasn’t fancy, but I was here to explore, not to lounge.
As I sat down with a cup of tea, I started flipping through pamphlets I’d picked up at the airport. I had my personal itinerary, but there was so much more to discover. I had no idea what I was going to do next, but I knew I couldn’t wait to get out there and explore.
Windy Adventures on the Seward Highway
I hit the road, driving along the Seward Highway. My first stop was Beluga Point, known for its whale sightings. The wind was intense—so strong that I could barely hold my camera still. Even from inside the car, the scenery was breathtaking. White-capped mountains, waterfalls, and the promise of adventure at every turn. I was ready for the cold, but not this kind of wind!
At Bird Point, I got out to stretch my legs and take a few more shots. I was mesmerized by the glacier-fed rivers and the stunning backdrop of the mountains. Every moment was a photographer’s dream.
Girdwood: A Quaint Ski Town
After a few more pull-offs, I found myself in Girdwood, a small ski town surrounded by lifts and hotels. It wasn’t ski season, but the place had a cozy feel. I crossed a bridge to take in more views, admiring the colorful graffiti and watching people fish in the river below. I even spotted some rafters paddling through the icy blue waters—it was incredible.
Exploring from the Car: Embracing the Chill
Let’s be honest: at 60, I’m not out there hiking rough trails like I used to. These days, I do a lot of my exploring from the comfort of my car. And I’m okay with that! As I drove further along, I spotted a glacier off in the distance. It was too cold and windy to trek out there, so I settled for some car shots. Sometimes, that’s all you need.
A Delicious Dinner and Chasing the Midnight Sun
By the end of the day, I treated myself to a fantastic dinner—French onion soup and halibut cheeks. The fish had a sweet, crab-like texture, cooked to perfection. Afterward, I drove around Anchorage, amazed by how the sun still lingered in the sky, even though it was nearly 11 PM. Welcome to the land of the Midnight Sun!
As the day wound down, I attempted to visit Kincaid Park. It turned out to be a bit of a disappointment, tucked behind the airport without much to see. But the drive through Anchorage’s surrounding neighborhoods made up for it. There were some beautiful homes perched up on the hills, with incredible views of the mountains and water.
Wrapping Up: Day One in Alaska
Day one in Alaska was filled with surprises, stunning scenery, and plenty of wind! I’m excited to see what the rest of this trip has in store. For now, I’m calling it a night, but there’s so much more to come.
Stay tuned for more Alaska adventures!
In Episode #14 of my 50 at 60 journey, I document an exciting travel day as I visit Alaska for the first time! Upon arriving in Anchorage, I hit the ground running, starting with a tour of my quaint and charming Airbnb. Join me as I sample the stunning scenery along the Seward Highway and enjoy a delightful dinner at Simon and Seafort’s. The adventure doesn’t stop there—I continue to chase the light after dinner, capturing breathtaking photographs and images along the way. Experience the beauty and wonder of Alaska with me in this unforgettable episode.
