Into the kenai Peninsula
Alaska, the state of diverse landscapes is a dreamland most travelers wish to visit at least once. With its mighty glaciers, snow-capped mountains, beautiful rain forests, alpine meadows to hilly rocks, swift rivers and amazing wildlife, this wonderland is an ecological paradise and would leave one awestruck by its staggering beauty.
My husband and I planned a 4 day trip to Kenai Fjords National Park,Alaska for the 4th July long weekend. We had high expectations of this lovely place but we were completely dumbfounded.
We flew from San Francisco to Anchorage and spent the night at a hotel near the airport. I realized only after reaching there that daylight in Alaska is unusually long in summer. The sun sets at around 11.30 pm and there is just a couple of hours of twilight before it rises again. Apparently there is no night! We always associate night to darkness because that’s how we’ve been taught since childhood. Isn’t this really a laudable wonder of nature? Looking at the geographical miracles and bizarre natural phenomena is really fascinating.
We took the Alaskan Coastal Classic train from Anchorage to Seward and it turned out to be one of the best experiences. The train runs through the lush green forests and offers breathtaking views. Sitting by the window and gazing at the glacier-fed waterfalls flowing down from the green mountains on one side and the river that cuts swiftly through the rocky hills on the other side is a big delight for the eyes. Wildlife and lovely wild flowers abound this land and you might even spot some moose, porcupines and bald eagles on your way. Booking a gold star seat is definitely worth for its incredible views.
We stayed at the Windsong Lodge in Seward, not far from town yet set in wilderness and serene atmosphere full of lovely wild flowers. Best choice to avoid crowd. The view of the beautiful river meandering gently right across your room would make you fall in love with the place instantly. Imagine sipping a hot cup of coffee sitting on the patio enjoying the picturesque scenery around.
We booked the 9-hour boat ride out of Seward to the Northwestern Glacier. It sounded long initially but time flew by really fast while we enjoyed watching the landscape and wildlife. The ferry stops at the Northwestern Glacier (the farthest into the Kenai Fjords National Park) for about 30 minutes to get a good watch of the glacier. You will be completely blown away as you watch big chunks of ice melt down and make its way into the ocean below. We were lucky to spot a few humpback whales, more than 5 orcas, a gathering of puffins, bald eagles, seals, sea otters and much more.
We also rented a car and drove on the Seward highway to Anchorage and back. This is one of the most scenic drives in the world with irresistible views and allows you to make stops at desired spots, take a leisurely look, unwind and take photographs. On the way we stopped at the Wildlife Conservation Center and saw bears, moose, bison and other animals sheltered here.
On the last day of our trip, we went on a 6 hour cruise to the Holgate Glacier, the biggest of all in Alaska. We spotted a few humpbacks again and wondered if we would see a whale breaching. Just a few minutes prior to our arrival at the harbor, our boat stopped on spotting a humpback. When people rushed to the outer deck to get a good view and waited, the whale breached suddenly. It was so quick that we missed it. Quite saddened, we waited for another move. Then it leaped out again, this time so close to the boat. It’s quite something witnessing a 40 foot giant up so close. We spent the next 15 minutes, amazed, watching it play so joyfully in its natural environment. Nothing in life will prepare you for such a rare spectacle. We were so lucky.
We took the train back to Anchorage and flew back home from there. We relished every moment of our stay in Alaska. A single visit doesn’t do justice to the incomparable beauty of Alaska. We would definitely visit again.
Photos by Sriram Murali (My husband)
