Wednesday, April 29, 2009

As I have mentioned before, in 2005 I spent some time in Alaska. It was the first time for me and I will definitely return.

It was the evening flight from Chicago to Anchorage. As we were flying into Anchorage about 4 am, I could just barely make out the mountains as early morning light was beginning to show itself. The anticipation for me was overwhelming. After landing I rented the jeep and started on my journey as soon as I could.

Not far out of Anchorage...south on the Seward Highway, my first clear glimpse of the unrivaled beauty of true wilderness became apparent. The waters of Turnagain Arm followed me along the Seward Highway for the first few miles.

I had read about them, seen photos of them, but this was my first actual sighting of a glacier. It was a surreal moment for me. The sun rising, with the moon still bright in sky reflected on the water like a strand of distant jewels.

Little did I know and later I would learn the just over that ridge on the Kenai peninsula, that tease of a glacier sighting would become miles and miles of ice flow with occasional mountain peaks reaching up through the ancient ice. For those of you who live in an area where this type of landscape is accessible...you are so blessed.

9 comments:

Heather said...

Oh, wow. Dan - your description of that moment was absolutely beautiful. It sounds like a truly magestic moment. There are so many places I want to go, Alaska being one of them. One day I'm going to quit wishing and just pack my bags and go. :)

Dan Felstead said...

Heather...That is exactly what I did! It was August of 2005, 101 degrees and I came home decided to go to Alaska for some relief and within 2 hours had the flight booked and took off two days later! Sometimes the best vacations are ones that you don't over plan.

Dan

boneman said...

well said, but, one short part of phrase missing?
They're blessed....if they ave warm coats and overalls.

Really beautiful area up there.

Dan Felstead said...

Boneman...I guess so...I went up there in August so I didn't think about the coat!

Dan

Jessica said...

I actually have a favor. Would you consider donating one of your photos for my Insurance Women's fundraiser next month. I know they would go over really well with the ladies. You can find more on us at http://insurancewomenofsouthwestvirginia.blogspot.com

Thank you Dan.

Dani said...

Lovely photo- my brother LOVES it up there in Alaska and I don't think he lives far from Anchorage. By the way, I have an award scheduled to post on this coming Tuesday for you. Make sure to drop by and get it!

Dan Felstead said...

Dani..
I am sure he knows about the Seward Highway...ask him about it..it is one of most beautiful stretches of 150 miles I have ever been on!

Thanks for the award and I will definitely drop by!

Dan

Ian Buchan said...

really super photo, Dan; it seems the light in the high latitudes has a quality of its own. I've just been down the south end of New Zealand, where there were some stunning light effects. I hope to post some pics when I get back to SA next week -- I'm packing up to leave NZ tomorrow, with a short stop in Aussie. Ciao.

Dan Felstead said...

Ian..thanks for checking in. I would love to see those photos of New Zealand when you get back. If you don't mind, when you have them posted...drop me a reminder here on the blog. Thanks and safe travels home.

Dan