“Sunshine, Stillness, and Surprise: My First Trip to Alaska”

I visited Flattop Mountain in Anchorage, Alaska. It is part of the Chugach State Park.

“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.”

~ Anita Desai

“I have a work trip planned for Alaska. Would you like to join me?” my husband asked out of the blue one day.

I didn’t need to know where or when, I said “Yes! Absolutely,” with zero hesitation.

We planned to arrive early so he enjoyed a few scenic stops before diving into work, and while he worked, I played. Our destination? Anchorage, Alaska. And let me tell you: it was every bit the adventure I hoped for.

Anchorage, Alaska. A view from our hotel room.

Twice the fun.

If you haven’t been to Alaska, I can’t recommend it enough. A well-traveled friend of mine gave a brilliant tip: for your first trip to Alaska, fly in and pick a town to explore. Get a lay of the land. Learn the rhythm of the landscape and the richness of its culture. Enjoy the cuisine and history. Let it surprise you.

Then for your second time? Book a cruise. You’ll experience both land and sea, and you’ll understand Alaska from multiple angles. You’ll experience the majesty of the mountains and the mystical (misty) coastlines.

Timing is everything.

We visited in the first week of May. It was just before the teeming tourist season officially opened. This meant plenty of sunshine and warmer temperatures, making it perfect for strolling and exploring the areas. The problem, though, is that some attractions, like the train depot, were still closed during the off-season. We couldn’t ride the train.

But honestly, otherwise, the quiet was a gift.

Go when the days are long and the skies are golden. At 10:30 pm, it was still twilight. And take time to speak to the locals and let them to tell you stories over coffee.

This trip reminded me that sometimes saying “yes” even without the full itinerary, is the start of something beautiful.

Enjoy this photo blog of Alaska.