Destination: Alaska
Embarking on a July adventure to Alaska was a breath of fresh, crisp air for this Idaho wedding photographer. Joined by my mom, we set sail from Seattle and cruised up the coast of North America with Holland America, weaving through glaciers and quaint coastal towns.
In Juneau, we rented e-bikes and pedaled our way to Mendenhall Glacier National Park. It offered the perfect opportunity to experience first-hand the rugged nature that is Alaska. At the Mendenhall glacier, we not only stood in awe at this almost 40-mile-wide glacier, but we also enjoyed the sounds of the waterfall created by its run-off. And boy were we glad the way back was all downhill so we could make it to our whale-watching trip on time.
I will forever remember our whale-watching adventure. Only in Alaska can you see humpback whales bubble feed, where they work as a team to dive below the shoals of fish and release bubbles to drive them to the surface. Typically humpback whales work in pods of 2-3 and we saw almost 20! And to top it all off, we saw a humpback whale breach the water with excitement over all the fish they had found, something you typically only see in Hawaii and California during mating season!
From there, we sailed on to Glacier Bay National Park. The breathtaking landscapes of Glacier Bay provided the perfect backdrop for capturing the wonder and joy of the journey. We ate pea soup on the bow as we stood awestruck, taking in the grandeur of the Margerie Glacier. It is hard to believe it is 21 miles wide. On the boat, it felt so small and we were lucky kayakers were in the water so we could get a true sense of the magnitude that is the glacier.
The next few days were spent exploring Alaskan coastal towns. We walked through forests with trees 10 times my size, learned about the history of totem poles, and walked through the Red Light District in Ketchikan. I loved the history and cultures of these small Alaskan communities.
Vancouver's vibrant energy concluded our expedition, leaving us with cherished memories. We spent the evening enjoying the nightlight, seeing the city dressed up in twinkly lights, and listening to local music. It was the perfect final night of our adventure.
This trip reminded me that life's grandest moments often unfold in unexpected places and unexpected ways. We purchased a moose stuffed animal in the cruise gift shop and decided to tell its story through Alaska for my kids. It was a fun way to bring them along on the adventure and provide a unique keepsake that could build on in the future.
