~~Road to Whittier, AK~~

Whitter, AK, is another quirky little town about 60 miles southeast of Anchorage.  I traveled along the Turnagain Arm on Seward Highway and had to pull off for a few beautiful shots.

You can only get to Whittier by water or by traveling through the mountain through Whittier Tunnel, the longest tunnel in North America. It is one lane...and shares space with a train.

This is the tunnel opening to two and a half miles of claustrophobic terror!

An over generous about of snow and ice kept me from getting close to the harbor.

As quirky has it, most of the 200+ residents live in this 

Army barracks condo conversion, Begich Towers.

And then there is the abandoned military building, the Buckner Building.

The sites upon leaving Whittier were as lovely as Alaska gets!

~~The Grand Parade!~~

I don't know who was having more fun: the revelers or my watching the revelers!

~~Bundles of Joy~~

Getting ready to go play outside in Anchorage in February takes about a half an hour. Two sets of socks, two pairs of leggings, two shirts, two hats, hand warmers and gloves topped with a ski coat and vest,  I got too hot to stay in... I welcomed the chill of the outdoors.

I made my way to the costume footrace.... There was so much excitement, music and street noise.  It was fun to watch all these "bundles of joy."

~~Snow Day Ruminations~~

The weatherman on television keeps reminding me the Anchorage has not had this much snow in the last five years combined.  How can that make me feel better?  It doesn't, so he can quit now.

I am amazed that people are amazed that I took a trip to Alaska, all alone, for two weeks...in February. Now that I write that, I get it.  It does sound "outrageous."

But really, what is so outrageous about chasing a dream?  To me, it is more outrageous NOT to.

Yes, I planned. I researched. I wrote copious note about how to photograph the Northern Lights (Automatic focus, ISO 800, 30 second shutter.... tripod, trigger, etc.)  I'd be lying if I said that I am not disappointed that the Anchorage atmosphere didn't give me even one lousy clear night. I am.

There are life lessons in every experience.  I love that.  One of the greatest life lessons is that you can plan for events, but you need to let life surprise you.  If you plan too much, life can be disappointing. I choose to be surprised!


I didn't plan for this....but I was happily surprised....

So.......

~~Elkutna~~

About 25 miles outside of Anchorage, is the village of Elkutna. A combination of Russian Orthodox tradition and Native American practices, family members built "spirit houses" for their recently departed. There are over 100 colorful structures in this cemetery.

Elkutna is home to descendants of the Danaina tribe of Athabasans (natives).

~~Love me some MOOSE~~

~~Road to Seward~~

Beluga Point

Seward Highway Panorama

Iditarod, Mile 0

Port of Seward