Today we traveled to Talkeetna, but our first stop was at a dog mushing organization where we learned about the sport and how the dogs are cared for. We even got to hold some puppies, which helps with their socialization. It was such a fun experience, and now I’m really interested in following the Iditarod this year.
The rest of the day was spent in Talkeetna, where we shopped, ate, had a few drinks, and soaked in the local vibe. It was a great time all around!
Photo info: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/200 sec, ISO80 “Moose” Denali, 2025
Today we took a park bus tour through Denali National Park. Along the way, we learned about the park’s history, how it was founded and developed, and the different types of wildlife that call it home. The tour was interesting and informative, though it was a little disappointing that the cloud cover blocked any views of Mount Denali.
After the tour and a stop at the Visitors Center, a few of us went for a walk along the Nenana River. It was part walk, part hike, and a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Later, we met up with the rest of our group for dinner and a drink. It was a good day overall, filled with learning, fresh air, and a bit of exercise.
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/670 sec, ISO80 “Train to Denali” Alaska, 2025
Today we took the train from Fairbanks to Denali. The scenery was breathtaking! We got to enjoy a nice breakfast and coffee in the dining car while gazing out on the Alaskan wilderness. It made for a good memory.
Once we arrived in town, we got on our tour bus and visited a visitor center, followed by a stop at 49th State Brewing. There, we took photos with the bus that was used in the filming of Into the Wild. I’ve read the book and seen the movie, so it was mildly interesting to see it in person. After snapping a few pictures, we returned to our hotel to relax for the evening.
We spent the first day of our Alaska trip in Fairbanks, with most of the day aboard the Riverboat Discovery III. During the cruise, we learned a lot about life in Alaska. We watched a bush plane take off and land right next to the boat, saw a dog mushing demonstration, and visited Chena Village where we learned about native Alaskan culture. It was such a cool experience, and I really enjoyed it.
Today marks the start of our Alaska vacation. The plan is to fly to Fairbanks and meet up with the rest of my family, who are flying up from California. Unfortunately, the cruise line booked Mariko and Bay on a different flight, so I am traveling solo today.
I really liked the colorful lights in the pedestrian tunnel at O’Hare and had to take a photo. Since I had a long layover, I used one of our two visits per year to the United Club. It was nice to enjoy a hot meal and a glass of wine before the six-hour flight to Fairbanks.
I arrived at the hotel in Fairbanks around 8:45 pm and met up with my family. They had arrived earlier in the afternoon and were ready for bed. It felt strange because it was still bright outside, almost like daytime. Once I noticed that the sun wouldn’t be setting, I suddenly felt very tired too. It was a long day, but a great start to the trip!
