DancesintheKitchen: Alaska

Alaska is probably one the most incredible places on earth (specifically in the summer time.) I am sure it has its mystical beauty in the dead of winter but for this post I was there in the summer and enjoyed the soaring 60 degree temperatures. Anyways, I really do feel like Alaska is a small piece of heaven on earth and if you ever have the chance to visit- go! I definitely plan to be back one day and enjoy the serene oasis that is Alaska.

Ketchikan

The excursion Russell and I chose for Ketchikan was kayaking and it was my favorite excursion of the trip. A boat took us to a private island where the kayaks were waiting for us on the shore. From there we were able to kayak through crystal blue water and gorgeous green mountains. We were even greeted by some friendly bald eagles and a very curious sea lion. It was so quiet out there with just Russell and I on the water (a big change from Houston.) That day the sun was shining and the weather was just the right temperature and I really couldn't ask for more. It was perfect.

Juneau

The perfect weather in Ketchikan did not show up the next day for us in Juneau but you're in Alaska what can you expect? Juneau was rainy and cold and yet the beauty of this place still blew me away. I actually embraced the cold rain as a true Alaskan experience. Our excursion in this city was a hike through the forest leading up to a glacier and then of course a boat whale watching tour. The hike was another one of my favorite moments in the trip. This yellow forest felt like a fairy tale came to life. Seriously, can't you just picture this in a storybook? The ice blue glacier was amazing. It's not every day you see a glacier. And there is something truly magical seeing an enormous, immaculate whale in the wild. Even through the cold, Juneau is another place I will never forget.

(Sorry about the blurry whale photo, it was raining pretty hard at that point.)

Tracy Fjord Arm

Once again another breathtaking moment. When we sailed into this fjord it literally left Russell and I speechless. It was so still and peaceful, no words were needed. The pictures do not do this justice and it will just have to be a spot that you experience for yourself.

Skagway

The popular excursion in Skagway is the White Pass Railway which I have heard is beautiful and a great way to see the city. However, Russ and I usually choose to do something out of the box so for this stop we decided on horseback riding through the valleys and it was so worth it. The ride worked out to be just four of us including the guide and we were able to walk, run, whatever we wanted (and as someone who used to ride horses, freedom makes a huge difference!) Our ride was full of a lot of mud, laughter, and stunning views. After our ride, we took a stroll through the adorable town and enjoyed the great alaskan pastime - cozying up with a few pints of beer.