Welcome to a very real, unedited day in Alaska! It’s laundry day, and I’m in Anchorage, juggling quarters, battling a toothache, and making breakfast out of grocery store finds. It’s rainy, and I’m just one cup of coffee into the day. It might not be glamorous, but it’s part of the travel experience.
A Dreary Start: Laundry and Breakfast
The day started with laundry—one of those travel realities you can’t avoid. Anchorage has a certain vibe when it’s raining and gloomy. Honestly, I’m feeling a bit cranky. I even managed to get $20 worth of quarters at the laundromat, which is way more than I needed, but here we are. Breakfast? Something I picked up at the grocery store, and it’s surprisingly not as bad as I expected.
Airbnb Adventures and Van Life Dreams
My Airbnb here in Anchorage feels like a tiny European escape. It’s an old house, built before Alaska became a state, which I think is pretty cool. The owners are slowly renovating it, and I love supporting small businesses like this instead of giant corporations. It reminds me of my backpacking days—small, cozy, and full of character.
I’ve been thinking a lot about van life. This little Airbnb is preparing me for it, especially with the small sink that doesn’t fit my cooking pan! I’m realizing that for future trips, I need to downsize my camera gear—one camera and two lenses max. My current setup is way too much to handle.
Journaling and Reflecting
I’ve been journaling every day during this trip, noting the weather and observations. It’s been a nice way to reflect on the day’s events. The weather in Anchorage has been cool, with temperatures averaging around 55°F, which is a refreshing change from the Florida heat I’m used to.
Denali Bound: A Scenic Drive Like No Other
After laundry, it’s time to hit the road and head toward Denali National Park. The drive is nothing short of breathtaking. I rounded a corner, and the view of the Denali mountain range hit me like a wave of emotion. It was so beautiful, it brought me to tears. But honestly, the lack of pull-offs to stop and take in the view was frustrating. The scenery feels like it’s hiding behind the trees, making it hard to find a spot to stop and really soak it in.
Moose Sightings: Counting Along the Way
On the way to Denali, I had my first close encounter with a moose—actually, three of them! One crossed the road right in front of me, and it was huge. Seeing these massive creatures up close was amazing, and it really felt like I was deep in the Alaskan wilderness.
Denali National Park: Quiet, Serene, and Stunning
Driving through Denali National Park was peaceful and quiet, with hardly anyone around. The visitor center was closed, and there weren’t many cars or buses on the road. I felt like I had the park to myself, which was perfect for soaking in the beauty without distractions. The light was starting to dip, casting warm tones over the mountains, making everything look even more magical.
Land of the Midnight Sun
Even though it was late, the sun hadn’t set. In fact, it doesn’t really set until around 11:30 PM here in Alaska, which means more time for exploring! After a quick dinner, I headed back out to enjoy the golden light and snap some photos. The light here is incredible, and I’m realizing how special it is to be able to photograph at this time of night.
Wrapping Up the Day
This has been a long but beautiful day in Alaska. From laundry in the morning to jaw-dropping mountain views in the evening, it’s been a rollercoaster of experiences. Tomorrow, I’ll explore more of Denali and hopefully catch more wildlife in action.
I’m wrapping up this vlog with some of the images I captured today—thanks for joining me on this journey!
In Episode #16 of my 50 at 60 journey, I embark on an unfiltered travel adventure from Anchorage to Denali, capturing the essence of travel with my iPhone. The day starts humorously with laundry chores and a chat at my Airbnb in Anchorage. I then hit the road, enjoying a scenic drive to Denali with breathtaking 360-degree mountain views along the way. A roadside sighting of three moose welcomes me to the area, setting the tone for an exciting day. Upon arrival, I share a montage of my charming cabin and its surroundings before heading into Denali National Park to explore. The day concludes with stunning light and a collection of my favorite images captured throughout the journey. Join me for a day that showcases my love of travel, filled with spontaneous moments and natural beauty.
