Alaska wrapup.........Girdwood and Gone!

A trail with a bench and a view in Girdwood!

After two fun and adventure filled weeks, we left Alaska five days ago (May 25).  We're now in California (aka The People's Republic of California), where according to Sarah the mantra related to the pandemic was "trust science" until science eased up the guidelines.  While the rest of the US is starting to open up aggressively, California has determined that the appropriate date is June 15.  We're here until June 26 so we'll be here to celebrate their new found freedoms, unless they decide something different between now and then.

We spent our last two days of our Alaska adventure in Girdwood.  This small resort community (pop. 1,749) is located about 45 minutes from downtown Anchorage in a valley surrounded by seven glaciers.  Girdwood is home to the Alyeska Ski Resort, which is Alaska's largest ski area.  Ski season has ended and the summer crowds haven't arrived yet.  This was our second time staying at the Alyeska Resort.  The last time was in the fall, after the summer crowds had left and before the ski season started up. 

Sometimes I am accused of repeating myself and as much as I would like to, I can't deny this accusation.  In an effort not to repeat anything about Girdwood or the Alyeska Resort that I have shared in previous blogs, I'm going to simply provide a link to those blogs.  Here's a few pictures and some tidbits of information that I haven't covered previously before I close out my Alaska blogs for now.

 August 29, 2018 Blog 

August 30, 2018 Blog

The Alyeska Resort in Girdwood

Glacier Creek near the small downtown section of Girdwood

Moose Meadows......we've looked for moose here on several occasions but haven't seen any in this location.............

............but we did see a mother black bear and her two cubs near the hotel.  Our total bear count for this trip was 15.  6 Grizzlies and 9 Blacks.

Dipping for smelt in the Turnagain Arm waterway.  Smelt are small, oily fish that are considered a staple to many native Alaskan diets.  They run in the spring at a time when food supplies are typically low so they are sometimes referred to as "resurrection fish".  Additionally, they are so oily that they can be dried out and used as candles so they are sometimes called..........you guessed it........."candle fish".

Alaska is truly amazing and we always leave looking forward to our next visit.  Our repeat visits were to Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali and Girdwood.  The new destinations were Homer, Sheep Mountain and Valdez. We look forward to seeing them all again.  The natural beauty, diversity and friendly people of the 49th state keep drawing us back for more.  

Here are a few random thoughts that you may find helpful if you're planning a visit to Alaska.

It's a big state, with the exception of Talkeetna, each place we visited should be given at least two full days if possible.  Talkeetna shouldn't be missed, but it can be done as part of a day trip or one night stay.

Enjoy the drive!  The roads are not crowded and the scenery is amazing.  Stop often to take in the views and breathe in the fresh air.  The journey is every bit as good as the destinations.

Pace yourself!  The sun rises early and sets late (if at all).  During the summer months the golf courses are open 24/7.  There's a midnight baseball league and so much more.  You'll still need to get some rest.  Many of the hotels and private accommodations have "black out" curtains.  Use them, they're your friend!

The weather can be tricky.  Although we were very lucky during our two weeks.  Bring layers of clothing and raingear..........you'll be glad you did!

If at all possible plan your visit before Memorial Day or after Labor Day.  The crowds are smaller and the rates are better.  In early September the colors are amazing, but in late spring the mountains are still snow covered. 

  

Alaska..........you'll have a beary good time!