A trip of a lifetime in Alaska!
This was the highlight of our Alaska vacation in June, 2013. We flew into Anchorage the day before, and this was our first excursion. It was about 90 degrees in Talkeetna, where we geared up for the trip, so putting on those snow boots for Tricia and Jim was a bit much. But, we’d be walking on snow, and they were required for our trip.
Taking off in our seaplane, with about 10 passengers, was exhilarating! We flew over several terrains. At first, it was flat with birch and spruce, then it became just spruce, then we started flying over the Alaska range.
To see glaciers at their source was spectacular! We flew over Mt. Foraker and Mt. Hunter. Mt. McKinley (as it was known in 2013), was in the near distance, but even that close, a few clouds obscured that gigantic mountain. It was still incredible being up there!
Then, even more amazingly, we descended onto Pika Glacier, which is covered with snow and surrounded by high peaks. The landing was incredibly smooth and soft. The plane has skis on it to make this landing. Our pilot, Greg, let the skis cool off from the friction heat, then we pulled forward so the takeoff would go faster.
Even at that high elevation, being in short sleeves felt great! It felt magical standing on top of that glacier. I know that this was a special privilege that not many people (or monkeys) get to experience. I made a snow angel to commemorate my trip.
Come fly with me through this video, to see the spectacular scenery!
Enjoy our photo gallery!