Alaska Botanical Garden

The Alaska Botanical Garden in Anchorage Alaska has over 1,000 species of plants, including 150 native species.

Alaska Zoo

  Pictures taken at the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage.

Otters

Polar Bear

Moose

Baby Musk Ox

Swans

Alpacas

Dall Sheep

Suntrana, Alaska

My grandpa lived in the mining town of Suntrana, Alaska for a while when he was a kid. His dad worked there as a miner. Today, there’s nothing left of the town. But nearby Healy gets business from summer campers and tourists of Denali National Park.

The house where my grandpa lived is gone now, but it was located amongst the trees that can be seen on the far side of the river.

Coal veins

Seward, Alaska

My favorite part of our trip to Alaska was visiting the small coastal town of Seward.

I have a friend that lives in Seward and two other friends that were working there for the summer. I went on a day cruise with them through Kenai Fjords tours. The day was overcast, but we still had a good time and saw some cool animals.

 

Puffin

 

 

 

Sea Lions

Porpoises

My mom, grandpa, brother, and I were only in Seward for two days. But I took the bus down from Anchorage about a week later so that I could spend a few more days there before our flight back to Oregon. I stayed at the Moby Dick Hostel, which was an interesting experience in itsself. I’d never stayed in a hostel before. It was kinda strange to sleep in a bunk bed in a room with people I didn’t know, but it ended up fine. I had access to a bathroom, community area, and kitchen. For only $20 per night, it was a good deal.

I was able to explore on my own, do some drawing, and spend a bunch more time with my friends. I’m planning to get a summer job in Seward after school let’s out next spring.

 

Independence Mine

There is a state historical park in Hatcher Pass, Alaska called Independence Mine. Back in the 1940’s the mine employed over 200 men and produced approximately 34,000 ounces of gold per year. Today, the park offers hiking trails and a chance to learn about the past through preserved buildings and interpretive tours.

Sled Dogs

Near the visitor center at Denali National Park and Preserve there is a dog kennel. They breed and train working sled dogs. Alaskan Huskies have been used at Denali since the park’s formation in the early 1900s. The dogs relax in the summer and train in the fall. During winter, they help the rangers to patrol the park.

The kennel has one litter of puppies per year. Dogs are selected for long legs, dense coat, tight paws, and drive.

There was also a pulling demonstration.

Denali

I got back from Alaska a few days ago and I wanted to share some pictures from my trip. One of the most beautiful places I visited was Denali National Park and Preserve. It was actually raining and muddy the entire time I was there, but the views were still amazing.

We had to wipe the mud off the bus windows at each stop so that we could see through them.

We saw a male Grizzly bear very close to the bus . . .

and a female with a cub farther away.

There was also a flock of Dall sheep on one of the hillsides.

But it wasn’t until my mom, brother and I got off the bus to hike that I realized how amazing the park is. Designated wilderness (no motorized vehicles or firearms) stretching in all directions!

We explored an area called Cathedral Mountain and got totally soaked from the brush. We had raincoats, but unfortunately no water pants. It was worth it of course!