Alaska is a huge state. It's twice the size of Texas. We went a different direction each day and only saw a small portion of Alaska. What a delightful place to return to. The red stars on the map indicate the areas we visited.
Day 1
Wasilla: The home of Sarah Palin and my uncle, Sidney
Wasilla: Iditarod Headquarters--The Iditarod dog race used to start in Wasilla before the race became too large of an event. It now begins in Anchorage in March.
Day 2
Tahkeetna: Birch Syrup Factory -- nice demonstration and taste test of how birch syrup is harvested and processed for pancakes.
Day 3
Talkeetna: Hatcher Pass--great drive up a mountain to a historic mining district. Camping, hiking, and great pie is available.
Palmer: Reindeer farm--wonderful visit for all ages!
Day 4
Knik Arm, Cook Inlet: Mount Susitna - The Sleeping Lady. If you look closely, the Indian woman is laying down with her head on your left. The folklore has it that she laid down when her warrier went to war and would stay that way until he returned.
Abathascan Heritage Center--cultural dances and period reconstruction
Day 5
Whittier-This small port was accessible by boat, plane, or 2 mile tunnel through a mountain. It was an old military installation during WWII. Great fish and chips!
Day 6
Anchorage - Farmers Market
Day 7
Seward by train--astounding scenery from Anchorage to Seward.
Resurrection Bay by boat--we opted for the 4 hours cruise to Resurrection Bay. Beautiful view of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and sea life.
Day 8
Chugach: Thunderbird Falls--1 mile hike up a well maintained path. Our 50 and 60 year old bodies struggled at some points of the path but by golly, we 'hiked' in Alaska.
Eklutna: St. Nicholas Orthodox Christian Church--This is a small one room sanctuary that is still being used by the area.
Day 9
Anchorage: Alaska Zoo--This is home to animals that are recouperating from injuries or unable to return to their natural habitat.
Anchorage: Glen Alps--Great place for family hiking after the snow has melted. Overlooks Anchorage
Day 10
Talkeetna: Hatcher Pass--We liked this place so well, and their pie, that we went back on our last day.
It looks stunning!! What an amazing place to go.
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