Welcome to the Alaska Journal!
We moved on south to scenic Girdwood after visiting the Alaska Native Heritage Center and Museum in Anchorage. Girdwood is a ski resort, but very low key. It is a bustling center in winter, but nothing like the commercial resorts in Colorado. What a welcome break after the traffic and city hub-bub of Anchorage.
When looking back at our journey through just this small bit of Alaska, I would award the gold medal to Girdwood for its small town, warm and friendly hospitality. Our stay at Bud and Carol's B & B certainly colored our view of the area. The B&B was a comfortable base for our excursions, and Carol was such a wonderful hostess.
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| Tram destination 2000 feet above the ski resort. |
Famous for winter sports, this area is still popular in the off-season for its hiking trails and fishing, The fabulous scenery and the view from Mt. Alyeska amazed me.
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| Tram to the mountain holds 60 people. |
We took the five minute ride in the tram from the Mt. Alyeska Resort 2000 feet up to the ski area. The driver dropped us off at the station which included an upscale restaurant, yes, really, a cafeteria, a gift shop (of course), and a para-sailing business. Folks actually jump off this mountain with nothing but a parasail. Professional divers harness the very brave to them for a thrilling ride and view of the area. No, I didn't gather up enough courage to attempt such a feat, but oh my, what an amazing experience, once the heart stops pounding wildly in the chest, to enjoy the peace and quiet and thrill of sailing through the air among the mountains. Wow...
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| Hotel Alyeska |
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| View from the top |
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| Of course you have to make a snowball in July! |
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Delicious, enormous cinnamon roll at the Bake shop.
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After the mountain high excursion, we explored Girdwood and its shops. The gal at the
Bake Shop was deservedly proud of the gorgeous begonia baskets adorning her establishment. She talked with us about the growing and care of the plants since we had a greenhouse and garden center business. Really enjoyed the tasty treats at the Bake Shop, but the flowers were the eye-candy we really ate up!
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Gorgeous hanging baskets overflowing with color.
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If we ever return to Alaska, Girdwood will definitely merit another look-see. The drive from Anchorage to Girdwood is worth the price of a plane ticket let alone interacting with the friendly folks of Girdwood.
Catch up with previous editions of the Alaska Journal:
3 comments:
I love your photos. Snow, ooh, but the flowers are beautiful. And the view... wow.
Lovely pictures Janet, I don't think I'd have the courage to jump off the mountain with a parasail either, but it does sound like fun. I've been to Juneau, but not to Anchorage or Girdwood. Thanks for sharing your adventures and new places!
Sara
I guess we'll have to see Juneau and Skagway and, oh so much to see in Alaska...someday.
Thought the snow might cool you off for a second..LOL..
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