Unexpectedly, I was blown away by Alaska. Alaska is one of those states that unless I was there on a job I’d probably never visit on my own accord. Can you blame me though? Growing up in California most conversation (if any) involving Alaska describe either its endless darkness, high suicide rates, moose attacks, frigid cold, and of course Sarah Palin. Not the most attractive way to sell Alaska to travelers (shame on you media!) The few attractive things I did hear about the 49th states were dog sledding and Northern Lights.
When my friend invited me to join her on trip through Alaska to search for the lights my adventurous heart jumped at the chance to travel and get the aurora borealis off my bucket list [Photographing the Northern Lights.] This would be one of those rare chances that I’d get to experience Alaska without all the stories I heard from media and in the company of some awesome folks. In the end I found Alaska to be quite an impressive state. I’d go back in a flash given the opportunity.
We took a red eye from LAX and landed in the AM in Anchorage. Immediately after landing we rented a car and hit the road towards Fairbanks.
Poor little car somehow we put approximately 1,400 miles on it over 4 days. Driving at night was a little shaky. At night it’s completely dark, foggy, and instead of lights there are moose warning signs. We each took turns alternating between driving and sleeping. Being woken up by a sunrise in the back of car is the best kind of alarm clock.
We spent most of the trip driving around in search of nature. We didn’t have to go far, everywhere we looked was beautiful. Our first hike was going up Angel Rocks to Chena Hot Springs. We spent the day there until nightfall. Then waited patiently for the Northern Lights.
After successfully finding the lights we decided to go search for them again, but got distracted with a detour to the North Pole. Yes, it really exists!
And everything thing there is dressed up as a candy cane!
I’m going to miss the long drives and easy access to mountainous hikes. After wandering around northern area of Alaska we headed south towards Seward. We made a pit stop in Denali National Park to climb up Mount Healy.
Aside from a few select areas I couldn’t get cell service. Everywhere was one bar or roaming. However, when you’re surrounded by such openness unplugging is no problem.
The hills are alive with the sound of music!!!
Until next time Alaska!
Equipment Used:
OM-D E-M1 Mirrorless Mro Four Thirds Digital Camera
M. Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO Lens
