ALASKA. WAS. AMAZING.
My group flew into Anchorage before heading up to Denali National Park. There we hiked the Savage Alpine & River Trails, and on day 2 I climbed to the peak of Healy mountain.
We headed farther north to Chena. I hiked Angel Rocks peak and a nice valley gorge trail that followed a stream before joining the gang for a tour of the Aurora Ice House, where we drank martinis from an ice glass. We then headed to the Trails End bar for libations before relaxing in the hot springs.
The next day was a 15 hour drive down to Kenai Fjords National Park, but every minute of the drive was beautiful. Once we settled into our place in Seward, we hiked the Exit Glacier trail in KFNP and I climbed to the end of the Harding Ice Field trail.. this was one of the most spectacular hikes I’ve ever been on. The next day we rested our legs on a boat tour of the peninsula. We got to see orcas, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, puffins, birds I've never heard of and more glaciers.
Next up was a trip back to Anchorage for the 50th annual Mayors Marathon. The week of climbing caught up to me around mile 18 of the race, but I still managed a strong finish. This was my 26th marathon, but my first destination race!
Music Credits:
Tophouse - The Mountain Song
Michael Lane - Moon & Sun (The Mountains are Calling)
Tay Oskee - Sequoia
The Careful Ones - I'm Not Lost
Clouds and Thorns - All These Wonders
Timestamps!
Savage Alpine Trail 0:17
Mt. Healy Summit 7:28
Mt. Healy Overlook 11:37
Wild Ptarmigan! 17:05
Peak of Healy 18:34
Clear View of Denali 19:13
Savage River Loop 21:27
Chena Hot Springs & Trails 21:43
Aurora Ice House Museum & Bar 24:36
Scenic Drive from Fairbanks to Kenai 25:53
Exit Glacier & Harding Ice Field Climb 28:17
Hikers on the Glacier 29:49
"Top of the Cliffs" 30:56
Harding Ice Field Emergency Shelter 32:23
"End of the Trail" 35:15
Kenai Fjords Boat Tours 40:04
50th Annual Mayors Marathon 44:35