On the Road To Talkeetna

No train this time – but the bus did have huge windows to take in the amazing landscape. Instead of playing games on my phone or reading my book, I spent my time relishing the beauty from Seward to Anchorage. It wasn’t a trip with lots of wildlife, although we did see another bald eagle. It was the rich hues of yellow, gold and burnt orange that kept my rapt attention.

We stopped in Anchorage for an hour. There was a little coffee shop, Dark Horse Coffee, across the street from the bus drop off. So that’s where we headed.

I had coffee and a pumpkin cookie with maple glaze and Bruce had a caramel cream frappe and a mixed berry scone.

Our drive from Anchorage to Talkeetna was not as picturesque. The clouds were so heavy that we couldn’t see the mountains. The houses along the route were dilapidated. The area seemed so remote and desolate.

Much of the landscape reminded us of Maine. Especially the houses with broken down cars.

We finally arrived in Talkeetna and the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge was lovely.

Bruce and I had a delicious meal at the lodge’s formal restaurant, Foraker Restaurant.

Bruce had a seafood chowder and I had a salad with pistachios, orange segments and cranberries.

Then we shared a meal of Alaskan halibut, rice and zucchini.

For dessert I had cheesecake and Bruce had crème brûlée. I was so thrilled with dessert I forgot to take a picture.

After dinner we took a little walk and then spotted some moose on the back lawn. I wish I had my Nikon with me but I just had my phone.

In the morning we had a breakfast sandwich and split a blueberry muffin, while we sat by the fire.

Today we are taking an airplane ride with K2 Aviation. It was originally scheduled to go to Denali but the weather is overcast so we are heading to another glacier in the south.

Our pilot, Garrett, instructed us on safety issues and using our headsets. Once briefed we boarded the 10 seater for an exciting trip over several glaciers.

The flight began with fog and clouds but spectacular visibility of the fall foliage below.

Gradually we flew into the more mountainous range with vibrant colors speckling the landscape.

In the distance we began to see the snow capped mountains and sweet rays of sunshine.

Finally soaring above the glaciers was no less then spectacular. The clouds billowed through the snow filled troughs, reminding me of the whirling of cotton candy.

It was heaven on earth. Peace amid the clouds. A feeling of serenity and quietness came through the cabin.

And before I knew it, the trip was winding down. Time to head back to the airport after this fabulous two hour plane ride. Watching out the window, the glaciers receding in the distance, passing the mountain range and over the fields until we gently glided into the airport.

It was a wonderful trip to Talkeetna. Now on to Denali.

#talkeetnaalaskanlodge#k2aviation#alaska#darkhorsecoffee