In and Around Anchorage

Here are more pictures from my trip.

Sometimes I just need to look down....

Chocolate Fountain

Along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Lil' M watching TV

Swans at the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge

Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge

View of Kenai mountains

5th Avenue Mall-downtown (S90)

View from the Air

It was a clear morning to be flying out of Seattle.   I was in awe at the mountains beneath us.

The further away we flew, the less snow we saw:

This view reminded me of a quilt pattern.  Beautiful!

Some of the Meals

During my trip, I tried to stick to a vegetarian (with fish) diet.

Ahi Tuna (Spenard Grill) (S90)

Cup of guacamole (Bear Tooth Grill) (S90)

Rockfish tacos and cilantro fries (Bear Tooth Grill) (S90)

Authentic Chinese menu (Charlies Bakery & Chinese Food) (S90)

Veggie omelet (ES) (S90)

A big thanks to Ryan and Eddie for providing a fantastic Friday lunch:

Halibut and Red Salmon (before)

Grilled halibut and red salmon (after)

Grilled halibut & red salmon, grilled veggies, and rice pilaf...it was yummy!

(More food pictures to come)

Edge of Town...Anchorage

In my previous posts, I have headed either south or slightly northeast of Anchorage to take pictures.  Early this evening I headed west along Northern Lights Boulevard.  I stopped at Earthquake park: 

Earthquake Park along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

I headed east on the Tony Knowles coastal trail.  I saw a few joggers and folks on bikes heading in that direction.  So, I followed on foot.  About 1/2 mile into my walk, I found a clearing and a great photo opportunity. 

Downtown Anchorage with Chugach mountains in the background

Pt Woronzof

Chugach mountains

I've managed to take ~500 pictures on this wonderful trip.  It was an awesome experience!

The Hotel-Embassy Suites

Today was a down day for me and I did a little shopping for my family.  Basically, no pictures were taken.  I thought I would do a quick post of the hotel I was staying at.  This Embassy Suites was unusual  from the normal ES I'm used to seeing.  There was no atrium filled with tropical plants and the furnishings were more rustic looking.

Work area

Living area

Spacious

Bathroom area

Bathroom

Shower

Bedroom

Lil' Moosette guarding the jacuzzi

Lounge area

Lobby

Lobby

Another Day in Alaska

I headed out to the Arctic Valley, northeast of Anchorage, as the clouds were coming in and the sun was going down.  As I drove up the mountain, I captured these shots: 

Here at the top, I found the Arctic Valley Ski Lodge...closed until the beginning of November:

Taking My Breath Away...Alaska

I'm in Alaska taking lots of pictures when I can.  I have my D7000 and 18-200mm lens with me.  Today was the first time I saw the sun come out (after 1-1/2 days of rain and thick clouds) and I took a drive on Seward Highway heading south.

I didn't get very far as I kept stopping at every parking area along the way.  I stopped at the entrance to the Turnagain Arm hiking trail and saw this beautiful surprise: 

 

As I was watching the sun starting to set further in the sky, I decided to head back and stop at Potter Marsh (bird sanctuary) for some picture opportunities.  There were plenty.  The white snow capped Chugach mountains are majestic.  The scenery just took my breath my away:

Boardwalk along the marsh

Beautiful!

About Potter Marsh

About the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge