Every time we hit the road again after a long stretch in Michigan, it's the best feeling in the world. You know that feeling when you've been away from home for a long time and you're just dying to sleep in your own bed and get back into a good routine? That's just exactly how I feel when we hit the road! I love Michigan. I love our little city. I have the best summer job. I love getting to have my own space. I really had one of the best summers of my life. But something about that feeling of getting back on the road is unmatchable for me. Some people feel alive when they're playing sports or working on a project. I feel alive when I'm outside hiking some incredible hike and exploring new places.
We began this stretch of travels (Fall 2023) in one of the most epic places in North America.... ALASKA! We spent ten days exploring the absolutely incredible state and soaking up the wildlife encounters. Just a few hours ago as we were driving to the airport, we drove right past this tiny bull moose on the side of a major road in Anchorage!
Before we got to Alaska, however, we made some stops in some other pretty epic places!
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
As I've mentioned previously, my family goes out of our way to visit national parks. The last national park we had been to was Acadia all the way back in May! To say that we were thrilled to be out hiking at these beautiful parks again would be an understatement! A huge herd of bison walking right by our car welcomed us when we stopped to take a hike!
Glacier National Park
Glacier is pretty popular in the national park world, so I had high expectations! We did an eleven mile hike to Grinnell glacier that was full of scenic views. I learned a lot about glaciers, they were not at all what I was expecting! One of my favorite parts of Glacier National Park was definitely the wild-life! We saw several moose, including a large bull!
Seattle, Washington
As a traveller, I have learned many things about the world. One thing, that I find quite entertaining, is the fact that so many stereotypes are TRUE! From experience, I can testify that people yodel on mountains in Switzerland, walk around constantly with baguettes in France, wear cowboys boots and hats in Texas, and, sure enough, and haul around umbrellas because it drizzles and rains in Seattle one hundred percent of the time! (Or at least 100% of the time I was there!!) We walked around Pike Place Market, drove past the Space Needle, and took pictures at the very first Starbucks! I wasn't sure what to expect from Seattle, and I found it to be enjoyable! However, one of my favorite parts of Seattle was that from there we flew too......
ALASKA
I know that I've said this before, but I love to hike! Alaska sure gave me plenty of opportunity for that! My grandma joined us in Alaska, where we first stayed in Seward for a few days. Seward is right near the southern coast of Alaska and is a popular cruise ship port.
After Seward, we made it to the heart of Alaska: Denali. I almost don't even want to post pictures of Denali because it won't come close to doing the majestic mountain justice. I have been to over 40 national parks (almost all of the major ones), and I can sincerely claim Denali, and Alaska in general, to be in the top five views of my life along with Yosemite Valley and the Mount Pilatus view of the Swiss Alps. (It seems that I'm consistent in thinking that mountains are beautiful! :)) Denali was such an exquisite place.
Alaska is a whole different world than the contiguous USA! The bald eagles are as common as squirrels, and sometimes bull moose wind up right next to you on the road! Everyone goes about life with an authentic, outdoorsy spirit. Meanwhile, the backdrop is consistently one of the most incredible mountain ranges in the world accented with glaciers and wild bears. I'm so thankful that I got the chance to explore this beautiful state! I can't wait to go back and explore the Katmai area next! It is next to impossible to be immersed in so much beauty and not be absolutely astonished at the beauty God has created.
Goodbye for now, Alaska! Next up: Mount Rainier!
COMMENT BELOW: Have you ever been to Alaska? If so, where?
Alaska looks heavenly. What a beautiful trip!
awesome summary of your travels so far!! So much to come!! Alaska sounds amazing! I just read a fishing book where they talked about Denali and just how breathtaking it was. we are going to need the insider info for my families trip next summer!!
Thanks for sharing about your travels!! Sounds like Alaska is beautiful and I can’t wait to go 🏔️🥰