Explore the journey — one trail, museum, meal, and memory at a time.
Denali: A Summer Day
After a busy week in Denali, I finally slowed down. I spent the afternoon exploring exhibits at the Denali Visitor Center, learning more about the people, artists and history of the park, wandering through the Alaska Railroad depot, and wondering whether I could squeeze in a train ride to Fairbanks. Later, I drove toward Savage River with the windows down, stopping for wildlife and photographing the evening light moving across the mountains.
Denali: Tundra Wilderness Tour
An early morning Tundra Wilderness Tour took me deep into Denali National Park, with grizzlies, caribou, Arctic ground squirrels and plenty of “bear rocks” along the way. That evening, a fascinating presentation on permafrost, wildfire history and Alaska’s changing landscape gave me an entirely different way of looking at Denali.
Denali: East Fork Discovery Hike
A full day in Denali's backcountry took me across an icy river, through colorful tundra, and into grizzly country on a ranger-led East Fork Discovery Hike. Along the way I learned about the Pretty Rocks Landslide, photographed wildlife, and experienced one of the most peaceful landscapes I've encountered in Alaska.
Denali National Park
My first day in Denali National Park was spent settling into the campground, talking with Ranger Kate, learning how the park's wilderness experience is different from most national parks, exploring the visitor center, and preparing for my first guided backcountry hike. Along the way I met interesting people, discovered a unique rock-filled retaining wall, and realized this visit would be unlike any national park I'd experienced before.
Catching Up Before Denali
Before heading to Denali, I slowed down in Talkeetna to organize photographs, build new galleries for this site, work from the local library, meet travelers from Italy, enjoy a memorable pizza night, make a quick trip to Wasilla, and finalize my plans for visiting the Arctic Ocean.
Talkeetna Chase Bike Trail
Rain kept me busy sorting through over a thousand photographs before the skies cleared for a bike ride along Talkeetna's Chase Trail. Along the way I discovered Alaska birch syrup, sampled surprisingly good birch ice cream, enjoyed a local nitro stout at the Denali Brewpub, and ended another relaxing day in one of Alaska's most welcoming small towns.
Exploring Historic Talkeetna After a Denali Flight
After my Denali glacier flight, I spent the afternoon wandering historic Talkeetna. From its railroad history and colorful downtown to Denali views, Bell's Interpretive Trail, local shops, and a memorable dinner, it was the perfect way to experience one of Alaska's most popular small towns.
Denali Grand Tour with Glacier Landing
A perfect Alaska morning takes me on K2 Aviation's Denali Grand Tour with Glacier Landing. From braided rivers and towering granite peaks to a landing on the Ruth Glacier inside the Don Sheldon Amphitheater, this flight offered some of the most spectacular scenery I've experienced in Alaska.
Chugach State Park
A rare sunny Alaska day leads me to Chugach State Park, where I hike the quiet Eydlu Bena Loop Trail, come face-to-face with a hawk hidden in the forest, photograph wildflowers overlooking Eklutna Lake, and end the evening relaxing in Wasilla after watching SpaceX's Starship launch.
Preparing for the Road North
Anchorage was supposed to be a quick stop before heading north. Instead, it became two days of running errands, searching for brake service, learning about Alaska's shortage of mechanics, working from the van, and preparing for the drive toward Talkeetna, Denali, Fairbanks, and eventually the Arctic Circle.
Ninilchik, AK
Rain forced me to slow down in Ninilchik, Alaska, where I spent hours photographing the historic Holy Transfiguration Church and its remarkable overgrown cemetery. Between rain showers I explored the area's Russian history, searched for Old Ninilchik Village, and reflected on how nature quietly reclaims even our oldest stories.
Homer - Grewingk Glacier Hike
Up before sunrise in a Homer church parking lot, then coffee at Coal Town before a water taxi across Kachemak Bay. The hike to Grewingk Glacier brought a black bear with cubs, porcupine scratches, and dozens of rock cairns, ending at a lake ringed by mega tsunami warning signs, an old herring saltery, and wildflowers worthy of Van Gogh.
Homer, AK
Heavy rain forced me indoors, but the Pratt Museum turned out to be one of the highlights of my time in Homer. Exhibits on Alaska's boreal forest, Indigenous history, volcanoes, earthquakes, and the Exxon Valdez oil spill made for an unexpectedly engaging day. After lunch at Fat Olives, I spent the evening exploring the Homer Spit, talking with a fishing charter captain, enjoying authentic Italian gelato, and ending the day with another reminder that some of the best travel experiences come from unexpected conversations.
Cooper Landing (2 Days)
Rain followed me from Seward into Cooper Landing, but it didn't stop me from hiking to Russian River Falls. What began as a day photographing salmon became something entirely different after a serious accident near the falls brought Fire and EMS racing up the trail. Between the rescue, hours spent photographing salmon, and conversations with strangers from across the country, it became one of the more memorable days of my Alaska journey.
Exit Glacier and Seward, AK
After finally feeling healthy again, I returned to Exit Glacier on a perfect blue-sky afternoon. A moderate hike through Kenai Fjords National Park led to spectacular glacier views, vibrant wildflowers, and unexpected conversations with hikers from around the world. I finished the day with sunset photography and gelato along Seward's beautiful waterfront.
Seward: Alaska SeaLife Center
A rainy day in Seward didn't stop the adventure. After taking refuge inside the Alaska SeaLife Center, I explored the town's historic buildings, photographed Resurrection Bay during a brief break in the weather, and finished the evening with a drive to Exit Glacier. Sometimes the best travel days are the ones that refuse to follow the original plan.
Seward AK
After an incredible day exploring Kenai Fjords National Park, illness and steady rain forced me to slow down. What began as two quiet days of coffee shops, bakeries, and photo editing turned into an unexpected journey through Seward's history, from the 1964 Good Friday earthquake and the original Iditarod Trail to a fascinating Tribal Nations map that offered a new perspective on the incredible diversity of Indigenous cultures across the Americas.
Kenai Fjords National Park Extended Glacier Cruise:
A full day aboard Major Marine Tours' Kenai Fjords National Park Extended Glacier Cruise turned into one of the highlights of my Alaska journey. From bubble-net feeding humpback whales and towering tidewater glaciers to puffins, sea lions, and breathtaking coastal scenery, this cruise delivered unforgettable wildlife and landscapes.
Anchorage to Seward, AK
My final day in Anchorage wasn't quite what I expected. Between feeling sick, buying more camera gear than planned, and making the drive to Seward, I was focused on one thing: being ready for the Kenai Fjords glacier cruise the next morning. I just hoped whatever bug I had would disappear overnight.
Dutch Harbor WWII History Museum
Getting from Dutch Harbor back to Anchorage should have been easy. Instead, the day turned into a series of delays, missed opportunities, and unexpected conversations. Along the way I finally visited the Aleutian World War II Visitor Center, where the story of the Japanese bombing and the Lost Villages gave me a much deeper appreciation for the people who call these remote islands home.