One of my big goals in life is to get out there and travel NOW, to see and appreciate our natural wonders before things change, as things naturally do, for the better and worse. Luckily, Alaska is still uncrowded and pristine, and until last summer it was still on my "to do" list. Many resorts and guide companies throughout the U.S. need employees during their high season, usually summer, so if you have the desire to work and live somewhere new, go for it! When you work for awhile in an area, you allow yourself to really soak up the events and opportunities there instead of traveling through for a couple days!
My heart was set on Alaska because it seemed so vast, and uniquely challenging. I jumped at the opportunity to continue my work as a kayak guide and naturalist with an Alaskan outfitter. The perfect opportunity presented itself in South Central Alaska on the Kenai Peninsula amongst the rugged Chugach Mountains and clear blue waters of Resurrection Bay. Here, the Kenai Fjords National Park creates a maze of waterways ideal for boaters and paddlers to explore tucked away coves and waterfalls. These fjords were formed thousands of years ago when glaciers that filled the area eventually retreated and carved out deep trenches that filled with water. As a result of this massive deep carving, huge mountains rise dramatically from the sea, creating coves filled with 3,000 ft. jagged peaks, long-lasting glaciers and cascading waterfalls. These clear green waters are home to an awesome array of marine wildlife including humpback and orca whales, porpoises, seals and sea lions, puffins, cormorants and otters. Who could think of a more perfect place to spend the summer?!
As a kayak guide, I paddled along the edges of the fjords daily, often visited by sea lions and sea otters who usually seemed curious about what I was doing in their home. I cherished the moments when a "local" sea lion would swim around my kayak, look up at me, and occasionally come to the surface to proudly show me his latest salmon catch. Back on land near our camp, black bear feasted on huge salmon in the frigid clear blue creeks created by massive glacier runoff. We called these areas "their kitchens" and made sure to stay away at dawn and dusk when they usually fed, and always kept our camp clear of smells that may attract a curious bear. If he's successful once, he'll be back again for more!
During my free time when I wasn't working (rough work, huh?), I took plenty of time exploring the Kenai Peninsula and Central Alaska. Amazingly clear, plentiful rivers weave their way around Alaska and provide anglers with world record size fish, primarily salmon and rainbow trout. I often hiked a couple miles to an inland lake or river access, keeping an eye out for bears that got there before me by singing and making plenty of noise. Huts are located on many of these trails, so if you feel like making a long trip through the mountain ranges, they're a great adventure opportunity. The hills and mountains are often covered with beautifully colored wildflowers, especially bright pink fireweed throughout the summer and fall. There are so many trails it's hard to think of a favorite - Alaska is filled with awesome adventures everywhere, from fishing and kayaking, to mountain climbing and river rafting. Once you've been there, you'll always want to go back!
If you pick a clear day to visit Denali National Park about 5 hours north of Anchorage, you're in for a real treat. This 6 million acre park is home to awesome wildlife including grizzly bears, caribou, moose, wolves, Dall's sheep, black bears and eagles, as well as North America's highest peak, Mt. McKinley, towering over 20,300 feet high. Make sure to consider taking an aerial flightseeing or bus tour into the heart of Denali National Park, since you're only able to drive the first 14 miles of 90-mile road into the park. There are many rustic lodges available throughout the area, and it's definitely an amazing part of Alaska to see and enjoy. I suggest visiting the nearby quaint little mountain town, Talkeetna, for a fine Alaskan Amber and reindeer sausage - go ahead and enjoy Alaska's finest pleasures!
Considering the incredible size of America's largest state, it's really hard to tackle all the places that sound exciting, but it's truly worth the long jaunt up there and tons of awesome opportunities await the adventurous, wandering spirit! So whether you have a long vacation, full summer, or entire year, undertake the trip of a lifetime and visit the awesome wilderness of Alaska! |
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