We’re almost halfway through June. I can’t believe how fast summer is going by! So far this summer I have gone Frolfing on two different courses, hiking twice, and camping once. It may seem like a lot to someone that wasn’t raised in Alaska, but to me that’s just the tip of the iceberg. With only 3 more months of summer, I plan to do things that I didn’t think I could.
At some point I will make a trip to Denali National Park. I’ve driven through the outskirts of the park on my way to Fairbanks, but I’ve never actually taken that famed trip down the 92-mile Denali Park Road. Hopefully, if time permits, I’ll be able to stay a night or two at the Denali Backcountry Lodge or at the Denali Cabins. Even though I’m from Alaska, I think it’s something everyone should experience.
I have family in Fairbanks, but I’ve never actually been inside the Aurora Ice Museum. I went to the Chena Hot Springs, but chickened out of the museum trip because I was ‘tired’. In reality it was because I was worried about my hair freezing, it was still wet from the springs. I still regret not seeing the inside, especially now that I have been told about how remarkable it is. I’ll be sure to bring a hair dryer upon my next visit, or wrap my hair in a towel (which I learned after was pretty common).
I’ll also have to make a trip to Seward or Whittier to take a Glacier Cruise. I vaguely remember taking the Fox Island cruise when I was very young after my family first came to Alaska. It’s something that I want to do again, this time with a camera and my family with me. With any luck we’ll be able to see otters and their babies. There is nothing cuter than baby animals.
If I do go to Seward, you can also bet I’ll be stopping by the Alaska Sealife Center. They have a new Sea Lion pup on the way, and it would be amazing to see the newborn. Not to mention all the cool activities, like the Touch Aquarium. At least once in your life, you should be latched onto by an octopus.
But what about my home turf? I live in Eagle River, which is just outside Anchorage, and it’s pretty easy to forget all the amazing things to do in your own backyard. I’m going to hike Mt. Baldy (which is easy enough that a few of my friends did it during our high school lunch break, and got back on time). I also plan on figuring out how to Canoe or Kayak Eagle River. It’s supposedly one of the only class-5 rivers in the state, so I’ll keep it to the easier parts. I’ll also make a trip around Anchorage, and visit the Museum.
I hope this inspires you to do the same. Get out and enjoy your summer!