Anchorage, Alaska

Downtown Anchorage

Anchorage was our jumping off point.  We flew Alaska Airlines from San Antonio to Anchorage, with what was supposed to be a short transfer in Seattle. As it turned out the second leg of our flight was delayed so we didn't arrive in Anchorage until 3:30 a.m. (which felt like 6:30 with the time change). Strangely, it was somewhat light outside. I knew Alaska nights were short in the summer, but sunrise at 4:30 was quite an adjustment. The Comfort Inn Shipcreek shuttle was there within 15 minutes of our call. Soon we were at the hotel where we crashed until 8:30 a.m.

We grabbed a quick bite to eat at the complementary breakfast buffet and headed out on the town, beginning with a walk through downtown Anchorage and then the Coastal Trail. Immediately we were awed by the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Everywhere we looked was another majestic peak competing with the neighboring mountains. Although the day was cloudy it wasn't too cold. Later when the wind picked up we would not have wanted to be on the trail beside the ocean.

Coastal Trail

We only walked as far as the Margaret Eagan Sullivan park because we wanted to pick up our rental car. You could continue down to Earthquake Park if you have more time. The trail was an easy walk. You can rent bikes at the beginning. Since we had seen Cook's Monument in Hawaii we were particularly interested in the one in Anchorage. It's amazing to me that Cook covered so much of the world in his explorations.

  

We walked back through town, stopped for coffee at The Daily Grind and then headed over to the Avis car rental on 5th and B St. Back at the hotel we decided we still had time to drive the Seward Highway next to the Turnagain Arm. Traffic was light and the scenery was gorgeous! I had read about places to stop along the highway. We hit quite a few of these but the biggest treat was seeing a Dali sheep at Windy Point. He was a bit too far to get a good shot, but we were excited to see our first big animal.

We turned around at Bird Point and headed back to Anchorage. In Anchorage we stopped at the Walmart for some groceries and then Moose's Tooth for a pizza which we took back to the hotel. It was delicious, however it did take almost 45 minutes so order ahead. From here on out our plan was to minimize expenses by eating PB&J sandwiches, Top Ramen and Mac & Cheese. I bought cereal for breakfasts and banana bread. For the most part we were successful. We stayed that night in Anchorage and then headed to Talkeetna the next morning.