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Alaska has been my heart for years. If you know anything about me, you know how infatuated I am with it. I first went to Alaska as a travel nurse a few years ago and I continue to return for work and pleasure. I first arrived in Anchorage in December of 2021 on contract and explored on my own during my time off work. I hiked a glacier, went dog sledding, rode a snowmobile, took a tram to the top of a mountain at Alyeska Ski Resort which is magical during winter. I explored on my own with my camera and tripod in hand and took my own photos throughout. On one occasion, I rode the Alaska Railroad to see all the scenic views to Fairbanks to take a tour to the Arctic circle. That tour, in itself is worthy of a travel diary entry!
In summer of 2023, I returned to Alaska for a job in Fairbanks. I chose to drive from Chicago which was a whopping 4000 miles and took almost 8 days with a stop in Banff in Alberta Canada for 1.5 days so I can take in a couple of day trips. I traveled solo in my SUV and I car camped throughout most of the trip. It honestly was the drive of my life! It was indescribable and such an accomplishment for me.
So many cool places in the US and the badlands did not disappoint. Montana is just so beautiful and I feel the need to return in the future. The rolling hills near Sweetgrass Montana were just so beautiful and inviting. The Canada side was such a sight. I even stopped to get some photos with horses in the pastures. I made a stop in Banff and stayed in a hostel for two days to be able to shower and I wanted to try a few day trips to see wildlife and some of the famous lakes I had seen on IG. I highly recommend it! I was able to see a few bears, lots of mountain goats, caribou and elk on these mini trips. Lake Louise was a major highlight but Morraine Lake was still closed for the season so I have yet to return for this. I was also able to stop in beautiful photo spots like Bow Falls, Hoodoo lookout point on Tunnel Mountain, Johnston Canyon and Surprise corner viewpoint to see the Fairmont hotel. I drove up the Icefields Parkway which was jaw dropping to say the least. The jade glacier waters were super impressive. I didn’t get a chance to experience Jasper but I hear it’s abundant in its wildlife.
I continued on the famous Alaska Highway, known as the Alcan. There were some wildfires going on from time to time but other than that, it was smooth sailing. I made regular stops to enjoy myself a bit and take some photos. I loved the Liard hot springs in British Columbia and plan to return again at some point. It was a bit nerve wrecking taking a long walk on the boardwalk to the springs, especially after reading about a bear mauling there years ago there. I made sure to carry my bear spray with me at all times. I have many fond memories of my pit stops and views on the road.
The Yukon territory was one of my favorite places to experience on this road trip because of the many animals I saw on the road. Herds of bison, elk, caribou, fox and bears! Oh my gosh, so many bears. I couldn’t contain my excitement when I saw them. I saw the biggest grizzly in Haines Junction Canada which prompted me to get an Airbnb for the night. I didn’t have the courage to car camp after seeing him, even though he was an adorable chonker! I was pumping gas one very early morning and I turned around to find a fox sitting one foot away from me. I mean the stories are unbelievable! I even spotted a blonde bear and made a turn to get back to take a photo but by the time I did, he was gone. Oh Canada – You’re so amazing!
Once I made it to Fairbanks and settled in, I began to explore all the touristy spots on my days off work. I had been here prior on a few occasions alone and with my daughter and friend but I had a little more
time to take it all in and not be so rushed. One of the main reasons I was excited to work in Fairbanks was to be able to go to Denali National Park as often as I wanted and look for wildlife to photograph. Okay, mainly bears but you get the point! I went to Denali on multiple occasions and hit the little shops and restaurants. One of my favorites is The Black Bear Coffee House. They have an array of baked goods, sandwiches, and great meal options as well as grab and go items. It’s always a stop I make when in the area. I even brought my dad there for breakfast a few times while he was visiting and he loved it. I also bought him a jacket there with a Denali embroidered patch which he loves!
On several occasions I car camped in Denali and right outside Denali along the river at a pullout that was peaceful and gorgeous! Please note that I’ve always taken precautions to not be completely alone where I stop to car camp. I usually look for an RN or other vehicle or a family or couple nearby. If I feel uneasy, I find another spot. I drove around Alaska four times during this work assignment over summer and into fall. I drove down to Homer for a bear viewing trip I was planning after my trip to Katmai National Park was canceled. More on that in another post. Agh, so many beautiful memories of my driving trips throughout Alaska. Cooper Landing is a major highlight for me as well as Seward Alaska for
the marine tours I have taken from there. I’ll have to make more posts on some of the amazing experiences I had including when my friend and I rented a cabin in bear country right smack next to a salmon creek and we arrived after midnight and were scared out of our minds with the thought of possible bears lurking in the darkness. Oh the things we did …. LoL
I had an apartment in the town of North Pole Alaska which is also one of the best places to experience the Northern Lights. I was able to visit the Chena Hot springs many times, North Pole, the Visitor’s center which is like a mini little museum, the murals, the pipeline viewing point, Reindeer walk and panning for gold. I also went kayaking and experienced the Salmon Bake. When it was getting closer to winter, the Northern lights were a nightly occurrence and I could literally lay in my bed and see them in the sky. It was magical!
I rented a dry cabin in Rosie Creek which I fell in love with. I had those cozy nights with hot cocoa and watched it snow over the beautiful tall pine trees. In the mornings, I’d take a moment to look at the tracks left by the wildlife. I saw two moose on one occasion right down the street as well as a red fox. Alaska deserves much more credit for all the beautiful memories I have been left with and continue to make. It really holds a special place in my heart. I continue to explore beautiful Alaska and I allow myself the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone by hiking and trying out new activities little by little. I look forward to sharing more of my Alaska stories with all of you!
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