The Wild Side of Alaska

This is an older post that I had posted on a different site.  I figured it might go well here....

We had the most beautiful ride home from Anchorage today. We started around the Turnagain Arm and stopped off at Beluga Point. Surprisingly, we did not see any beluga, but the view was incredible.   Just as we were pulling back onto the highway, we noticed two dall sheep on a ledge above us. It was a momma and her baby.

We then headed back down the freeway towards home. We noticed quite a few cars pulled off at Bird Point so we stopped and found a pod of belugas. They were swimming close to shore and it was fun to see their white backs rolling on top of the water. We must of sat there for a good half an hour watching them.

We pulled out and headed back for home. From there it was pretty quiet until just past the mouth of the Russian River. As we headed around the bend, past the two ponds, we spotted a brownie and her two cubs. They had been eating fish on the far bank of the river. At one point a bird flew over her head and she stood straight up on her back legs. She was so big. Bears are so amazing and majestic. I was definitely glad she was on the far side of the river. Not far behind her there was an eagle nesting in a tree.

We spent about 20 minutes watching her when we noticed the water of the river turn a beautiful deep red color. On closer inspection we could see the river churning with sockeye salmon. They just bubbled to the surface, there were so many of them!

We spent another 10 to 15 minutes and then figured we had better head home. I had stepped back over the guardrail and then stopped to answer a question from some tourist. Suddenly a semi came around the corner. I grabbed the guardrail with both hands and held on as the semi passed just inches behind me. I can honestly say that I hope to never be that close to a moving semi again.

We all loaded back into the car and started the trek back home. About 20 miles down the road we saw a moose on the side of the road. Another 10 miles produced 4 more moose. Mom also thought she may have seen another bear just outside of Sterling but she wasn't sure.

It is on days like this that I feel so blessed to live in Alaska. What a glorious day!