Things I Did on My Trip to Alaska!

I graduated in May of 2013 and an amazing trip to Alaska was my graduation present. I awestruck the entire time and I would never have chosen another destination! My entire experience there was great and memorable. So if you are considering going to Alaska, GO! I hope this lens will help you decide and you will also participate in some of the same activities that I did.

Also, all of these pictures were taken with our own cameras, the beauty of Alaska is breathtaking, and you will witness it.

When I went to Alaska, my mom thoroughly planned each day with travel guides that she purchased online. Make sure you get the most out of your vacation by doing the same! There is so much to see in the last frontier!

I remember learning about the Iditarod, The Last Great Race on Earth, in school by reading the book Akiak and watching Balto. So when I got a little taste of what its like as well as meeting real people who have participated in the race, it became real. You get an awesome sled dog tour and you learn so much of what its really like on the trail. I got to see dogs who would actually race oh and got to play with the pups. I enjoyed every second of it. Also Spencer was awesome, if you see him, wish him luck for the race in March 2014.

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Unfortunately I never got a photo in front of the place. But honestly this IS the best pizza place I have ever been to! If you end up in Anchorage, you need to eat there at least once. They sell specialty pizzas in amazing combinations. I had the Hawaiian Pizza when I went, but there are so many other pizzas you can try, that you will like at least one. Yum!

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The Anchorage Market and Festival was so much fun, a great place to eat (you must get a pirosky) and lastly an amazing place to drop a few dollars for souvenirs and gifts. There was so much to see, and plenty of people to talk to. There was plenty of souvenir shirts, beautiful paintings and jewelry. Hand crafted knives and instruments. There was even a band hoping to make it big. If you want to get a taste of the people of Alaska it was a great little place to visit.

Exit Glacier actually happened on a whim, and we only saw it on the way to another place, but I'm so glad we saw it. There is something so unique and pretty about glaciers, as you can see from the picture to the right. It's a huge site seeking location because its one that you can drive up to. We drove up to probably a mile away from it. A friend from there, said that the glacier has actually been receding for years, its sad to hear that. So if you go, make sure its a quick stop for you, especially if you haven't planned to go on the glacier cruise!

Honestly, I'm a sucker for Zoos and Aquariums. So naturally, this was fabulous. When you walk in there is a lovely gift shop, which showcases things only found and handmade in Alaska with great workmanship. Although the place was not extremely large, it was so much to do that it was very possible to stay there all day. It was very interactive. At every turn there was a game, an activity, or something to learn for all ages. We played a fishing game, which was highly addicting. There was contraptions for children to play with, like the boat. There was certainly an extreme amount of marine life, and a petting zoo so to speak. When I was leaving, I actually wished I had more time there.

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My one regret at the Alaska Native Heritage Museum is not going on a tour. There was so much history and so much life that was still flowing here. I saw so much culture in a relatively short time and talked to so many beautiful people. While I was there I brought some handcrafted ivory earrings in the shape of a hear by Peter Lind (http://bitsofalaska.com/). I absolutely love them. There were others showcasing their unique work, all genuine to their culture. I saw headpieces and necklaces to fit chiefs. There are artifacts at every turn. As if this wasn't enough, we got to witness traditional Alaska Native dancing and witness some amazing games, which I could never achieve if I tried.We also learned about the regions and how they are all different. Lastly when you walk through the back of the museum there are replicas of the actual living space and housing of each of the tribes. It was both interesting and brought out the inquisitive side of me. It takes you there, to see what it was like, and that was refreshing.

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I'm proud to say that I took that picture, I'm also happy to say, that I took so many other great pictures like it, because there was an extreme amount to see at this zoo. I think my favorites was the polar bear, who would walk around the exhibit rise into the air, shake his head, and do it all over again. We all love a show off. I also could have watched the otter for hours as well because of their continually playfulness. This place was especially distinctive, because although you were in a place, designed by humans, it had a very natural and wild feel. There were dirt roads, and trees for shades. The animals were up close and very interactive. Also, the chance to see a Tiger eat in front of you was great. There was also a petting zoo, but it was not open when I was there. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

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I went up Flat Top Mountain expecting to conquer my first real hiking trip. Its easy they said. At the time, I thought what was blueberry hill, was flattop mountain. I was thoroughly exhausted and disappointed by the time I got to the top of the hill, and saw a new sign with arrow pointing to what actually was flat top mountain. Hence, the picture you see to the left. Needless to say, I was looking forward to the view from the top, which on a clear day, should gives you a bird's eye view of Anchorage, Alaska. As we continued, we ran into mud and snow and ice. So by the time we were at the base of flat top mountain we had already seen enough. When I got back to the car, my grandmother asked us what happened to us. "Long story" we said. Sounds pretty rough huh? But honestly if I could do it again, I would, because I right now I can only imagine what the view was like. If you get a chance, you should definitely find your way to flat top, but just prepare a little better than me.

The great Alaska Train Ride sounds pretty basic right. Pretty cheap too? Not much to see? WRONG! This is when you truly get to see some beautiful sights in Alaska! I took the picture above on the train. Its completely relaxing and breathtaking. The rain winds in between the mountains. On the way you get to see animals and the mountains. Train attendants will teach you about the things you see and even stop to show you the wildlife. Plus their's food on there as well. If you're planning on going to another town in Alaska this is a great way to get there.

My time spent on the Klondike during the 26 Glacier Cruise was my favorite part of my graduation trip to Alaska! There was never a dull moment. We were guided through our experience with our very own ranger, who showed every kid on the boat, that they could be a ranger too! The kids showed go to show us all different and cool specimens on the way back. There were playful otters, inquisitive bears chilling on the shore, whales (which everyone else but me saw), and a wall full of beautiful birds. Oddly enough, that's not even what we paid for. The glaciers were absolutely gorgeous as well. I even got some cool video of the huge chunks falling off. We even got to drink our cokes with glacier chunks! The cruise also comes with lunch, which was pretty good! Definitely an experience of a lifetime!

Would you vacation in Alaska? Why or Why not?

I do sincerely hope that you go and see the beauty that is Alaska. It was truly an amazing trip, and I would never change one bit of it for the world. But if your bank account has enough to take a plane trip, you should definitely try it, and please let me know how it was. If you for any reason have any questions about my trip please feel free to send me a message or leave a comment! I am more than happy!

Thank you so much for reading, and please check out some of my others lenses!

-Mercedes!