Farewell, Fairbanks

Current temperature in Fairbanks: 28 F

 "I have lived through much, and now I think I have found what is needed for happiness. A quiet secluded life in the country, with the possibility of being useful to people to whom it is easy to do good, and who are not accustomed to have it done to them. And work which one hopes may be of some use. Then rest, nature, books, music, love for one's neighbor. Such is my idea of happiness." ~Chris McCandless

      A few days ago my mom arrived in Fairbanks and I packed up my things to go home. It was sad to move all of my things out of my room when it feels like just yesterday I was turning it into a home. We toured Fairbanks for a few hours and then started to head south to Denali. We spent the night in a Healy, just north of Denali National Park. Here there was a cute little bar called The 49th State. It looked quite run down from the outside. The ground was thick with mud and water and the puddles that had formed gave off a smell reminiscent of a swamp. However, outside of the bar is the "magic bus" used in the making of the movie Into the Wild. I took a picture in front of it just like Chris McCandless posed in front of the original bus. I find it interesting that to everyone in the lower 48 the story of Chris McCandless is an inspiring story of chasing your dreams, however in Alaska it is viewed as nothing more than a lesson of how much of an idiot it take to wander into the Alaskan wilderness alone. It definitely makes me see the story from a new perspective. 

     The next morning we started into Denali with Anchorage as our destination. We took a turn off road that lead deeper into the Park and I saw my first Ptarmigan. For those that don't know, it is a rather dumb grouse like bird which unfortunately is the state bird of Alaska. I have heard them referred to as 'The chicken of the north'. It was a beautiful drive into the heart of the park, but McKinley was shrouded in clouds. 

     We also drove into downtown Talkeetna, which was quaint, but otherwise rather unspectacular. Eventually we made it to Anchorage and checked into our hotel. We went to dinner at a brewery across the street that was absolutely delicious. 

     The next day we drove down to Seward. The drive is absolutely beautiful going along the coast and through all the terrain one pictures when they think of Alaska, breathtaking mountains and crystal clear creeks still shedding their icy sheets. Driving through Girdwood we saw quite a few bald eagles. They are actually very common around here.

     Eventually we got to Seward which is a cute little fishing village. The harbor is full of sailboats with a backdrop of gorgeous mountains. We stopped here for lunch and then went to Exit Glacier which we could only see from a distance because the road was closed. I guess that is what happens when you explore Alaska when it isn't tourist season yet.

    On our way home from Seward we stopped at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Girdwood. They were letting people in for free because it was Mother's Day. We got to see baby musk oxen, adult musk oxen, deer, caribou, elk, moose, wood bison, black bears, lynx, great horned owls, and porcupines. It was really pretty cool.

    Today we had to return the car at noon so we spent the day moseying around downtown Anchorage. We went to all the touristy stores and stopped into a few places for a quick bite. Eventually it was time to head to the airport and now here I sit in Anchorage airport where I wrote my first post at the beginning of this semester. I can't believe it is already time for me to head home, it feels like I just got here. It is definitely going to be bitter sweet going home, I caught the bug and am just starting to call this lovely state home. I want to thank everyone I met in Alaska for making my stay here so wonderful, my stay was infinitely better than I could have ever imagined it would be. I made some excellent friends and never once felt homesick and I owe it all to all the great people who made me feel welcome. I will always hold a special place in my heart for Alaska and I look forward to coming back soon for another visit. I also want to thank everyone who has followed my blog. I had people from The United States, Germany, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Canada and Spain visit my blog at least once this semester. This semester was one of the best experiences of my life and I wouldn't have traded it for the world. Thanks again for reading my blog, I hope you enjoyed it and getting to experience Alaska through my eyes!