Anchorage - The Big City

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Glenn Highway was bumpier than we would have liked. Frost heaves caused “roller coaster” conditions in some areas and had to be taken slowly to avoid damage to the bus as well as damage to our stomachs. The sky was quite hazy due to a couple of wildfires, so we missed some great views along the way. Hopefully, we'll make up for it later on.

Almost half the state’s population lives in Anchorage, and its municipal boundary is nearly the size of Delaware. Anchorage is as far north as Helsinki, Finland and as far west as Honolulu, Hawaii. Six mountain ranges can be seen (on a clear day); and 200 mountains, 60 glaciers, and the Chugach National Forest are all within 50 miles. There are lots of paved, groomed, and/or plowed trails for hiking, biking, skiing, and even dog mushing.

The only Alaska moose we’ve seen so far were in the city! One was crossing the street next to a Safeway supermarket, and the second was drinking water from a pond at a scenic overlook near the airport. He swam across the pond, got out, shook himself dry, and meandered away. We took a few pictures from a safe distance.

We enjoyed the Anchorage Museum, strolled around the downtown area, and drove around Lake Hood, the largest and busiest seaplane base in the world, where hundreds of float planes were parked (?) or docked (?). There are more small planes here than we’ve ever seen anywhere, and some are taking off or landing almost continuously--over 600 on a busy summer day.

One day the group picnicked at Beluga Point, where we watched the tide swirl into Turnagain Arm from Cook Inlet. The tidal swings can be huge here, depending on the time of month and the moon cycles.

After stocking up at Costco and re-fueling, we headed south to the Kenai Peninsula and on to Seward.

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Photos

Hey There, Big Fella
A large man could actually sit inside his antlers--not that this moose would let him

Walking Away after his Swim
He scared one guy who got too close, now it's time to find someone else to terrorize.

Anchorage Flowers
Long summer days with 19+ hours of daylight produce gorgeous blooms

Anchorage Museum
Currently undergoing expansion and definitely well worth a visit--Alaskan art, history, and science all under one roof

Mt. McKinley by Sydney M. Laurence
This huge painting (at least 6 x 12 feet) was my favorite.

Float Plane on Lake Hood
Note the rifle case strapped to the wing--for some serious hunting

Cottonwood on Steroids?
We've never seen such huge cottony puffs on a tree before

The Fur Mankini
For Alaska's most discriminating male

Comments

[janice]

palin sighting
I was disappointed to see the moose / elk pictures but no Palin sightings !!! still love seeing our nation through your eyes and pictures - thanks so much for sharing with us. And I am surprise to learn, that Diane did not buy the "dick sock" for her viewing pleasure. Sure appeared to be one of this year's finest accessories for the discerniing male (and female observer). Keep the blogs coming - great stuff.