It's summer holiday for kids and it's time to have some fun with family. So for a change of scenery we went to Alaska. For me first impression typically comes from the airport, and Anchorage has the view. You are greeted with gorgeous view of mountain range and glaciers. Reality will sync in once you visit grocery store. Costco is your friend even if you don't have family, prices there are often way better. Then there is almost 24/7 daylight in summer. Here is report and pictures:
There is a nice place called Potter Marsh Boardwalk, home for many birds, we saw bold eagle bathing there and then it flew to her nest with 3 babies over there. 1/2
On our way to Talkeetna we stopped at Eagle River Nature Center. You could see Denali from downtown of Talkeetna. Over there we stayed on a beautiful private lake and used those kayaks at it's fullest.
While staying in Talkeetna we spent few days in Denali National park, home for highest peak in North America. 1/2
Then we had another planned activity, from Palmer we drove side by sides off road through waters to Knik Glacier. Locals said they never saw water rising that fast and guides had to take different routes every day as their typical crossing spots are flooded.
Unfortunately or fortunately we saw bears only in Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and then we've gone to see Kenai River with it's emerald water from glaciers and while there went on a 4.6 miles hike trail to see falls on Russian River.
Fun facts about Anchorage is that they have a lake at the airport, which serves as a runway for small planes on pontoons and you can see moose up-close in your neighbors backyard.
Day cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park, at some point we they started service "glacieritas" margaritas with ice from glacier. We saw whales and beautiful fjords. Listening to ice breaking into the ocean and seeing it is just priceless. 1/3