My trip to Alaska was the result of a year of planning and not-so-patiently waiting. I knew it would be wonderful, especially to see old family friends after such a long time, but I never imagined it would become an experience of a lifetime.
I arrived in Anchorage, traveled by car to McCarthy/Kennecott and then headed to Valdez. When my week was up, I hopped on a ferry from Valdez to Whittier and caught a train back to Anchorage before getting on a red-eye flight headed home. It was a lot of travel packed into a short time, but in Alaska so much of the beauty can be seen while in motion.
To anyone who will listen, I can’t say enough good things about our 49th state. The people are friendly, the air is crisp, the water is fresher than Evian and the mountains are so tall they never ceased to take my breath away. These pictures really don’t do it justice, but I hope you enjoy them as much as I did taking them.
All photos by Annie Lane unless otherwise noted.
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I want to by a trashcan just to do this with it. -
Weather over Anchorage, AK. -
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A glacier off of the freeway. Naturally. -
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Sled dog! -
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I shall dub thee Fiona. We saw a Fred, too, but he was fast. -
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Silt-covered glacier. -
Kennecott, AK. -
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Ice cave! -
A treacherous descent for the uninitiated. -
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Approaching the Kennecott glacier. -
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Donning the crampons. Absolutely terrible name, but a wonderful invention. -
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Glacial water slide! -
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Photo by Court Allen. -
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Nature in balance. -
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Mock rescue. -
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If you ever go to McCarthy, AK, stay here. It's 60 miles of dirt road to get there, but totally worth it. http://www.currantridgecabins.com/index.php -
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Shrimping in Valdez! -
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Couldn't do it, but glad to have those nearby who could. They were damn tasty. -
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Forget-me-not, Alask's state flower. -
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They mate for life. And come to find out they're quite the horny little thrill seekers. -
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Photo by Court Allen. -
Photo by Court Allen. -
Photo by Court Allen. -
Sea lions! -
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Humpback whale! -
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That'll be a damn good tomorrow. -
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Abandoned military housing project, once complete with hospital, jail, bowling alley and movie theater. -
The smilely face didn't make it any less creepy. -
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It would be so neat to dress this tree for the holidays. -
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Annie Lane
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Love the photos Annie, but can’t say enough good things? Isn’t that where Sarah Palin is from?
Ha! You have a point. The good news is there was a general disdain among the locals we met at the mere mention of her name. Her fan base appears to be limited to her family.
When I was much younger and living in the Bay area, Ansel Adams was offering a photography class in Alaska that I signed up for. The anticipation was tremendous and for days I did research on the places we would visit and photograph. You can imagine how disappointed I was when just two weeks before the class it was cancelled because of illness. Looking at your pictures brings back those feelings I had when told we were not going. So…since I didn’t go with Mr. Adams, are you available for a “tutoring class?” The pictures are astoundingly beautiful. I envy you, Ms. Lane.
Oh my gosh, an Ansel Adams class would have been amazing! I’m so sorry it didn’t work out. I would love to go on a photography date with you.
Wow…. cannot believe some of these photos …. wow…. I’ve got to get out of town more often and these are inspirational, Annie.
Thanks, Frank! You’re too kind.
Hey Annie, all teasing aside, that guy you live with was showing me all those ice tunnel photos in the glacier. I found them absolutely fascinating and beautiful. You could probably write an entire article around the experience. Well it looks like you got the Jack London experience…I’ll have to settle for the Hemingway experience in Key West later this summer. Thank you for sharing. Jackets, sweaters, long underwear v. shorts, aloha shirt and flip-flops…hmmmm….
That’s a tasty looking jumbo shrimp.
Yes, yes it was.
Loved seeing the trip through your eyes. What a great time with you. Make sure you come again! And those shrimp WERE fresh and good!!
Katherine, there is just no way I won’t be back up there. I enjoyed it so much, and seeing you and the whole fam damily was the best part. You’re an amazing and gracious host. Thanks for every minute.
Great pics. Alaska is on my bucket list.