I rubbed my eyes and squeed an annoying amount of times.
This can’t be real, right? I mean, Alaska was just kinda plopped into my lap. One of those destinations that come alive in your dreams. One of those that you’re not really sure you will get to experience.
I mean, I had already flapped my arms and hopped around the house while doing the can-can and screaming at the top of my lungs in happiness when we received the email that invited us up to check out the Hilton Garden Inn Anchorage.
I cannot even express what it felt like to get the opportunity to head up there. Stars aligned. Our hard work had paid off. My heart was warm.
We were headed to one of the locations of my dreams.
And even while we were road tripping down the Seward Highway a bit, I couldn’t help but grin.
It looks like all those National Geographic magazines I used to devour as a kid. I’m not disappointed in the slightest. And yes, I built it up to be just as amazing as I thought it was going to be.
What was supposed to be a quick 50 mile drive turned into 2 1/2 hours of pulling over and taking pictures. And how could you not when they have viewpoints all over?!
Clouds hung low on the mountainside while snow peeked out from the tops of the peaks. The lush green surroundings and the awesome power of the water nearly brought me to tears. I had no words. I did however have awkward squeals and continued to run out of the car every time we stopped. I even managed to hopp out of the car while it was still moving when I saw a moose.
If it wasn’t for the bitter, cold wind, I’m sure the trip would have taken longer.
Where else can you pull over and see the salmon making their last run up the river to lay their eggs while you turn around and a massive glacier is winking at you? And by winking, I mean I just kept screaming, “OH MY GOD THERE IS A GLACIER!” or “IT IS SO BLUE.” or “WTF?! WTF?! WTF?!”.
I was a little excited. Things of my childhood fancies were right in front of my face.
And Shaun? All smiles. Beaming. He looked handsome with his big smile and crows feet. I almost forgot how happy we look when we’re traveling.
All I know is that I can’t stop smiling.
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Disclosure: Our trip was sponsored by the Hilton Garden Inn, however all opinions are our own. I mean, how can you NOT love Alaska?!
Wow guys!
Hat off to whoever took these wonderful shots! 🙂
Amazing. Your photography skills continue to amaze me. Good job sweetheart.
Amazing shots! Stay Safe and watch out for bears!!!
Great shots and it was nice getting acquainted.
Enjoy Europe!
Cheers to visiting another dream destination! Que disfruten!
dayum. Incredible photos, Erica.
Wow, beautiful pictures – it doesn’t even look real!! Alaska is definitely on my list of places to see.
Thanks Franca! It was me (Erica)!
Thank you pops! I feel like I’m getting better every day!
HAHA! Everyone has said that. Apparently some photog got mauled while we where there.
Thanks Rob! We’re definitely excited about Europe!
It has been such an amazing year!
Thanks Phil. Magical places produce magical photos.
You should go! It is such a stunning place on earth. I wish we had more time (and money)!
Man o man that is so cool. I feel happy just reading this. How cool. What a beautiful looking state. If you like Alaska though, you really gotta check out Norway if you haven’t already. My pops has a guest house on an island in the very north. Only 5 people live on it and they all look like drunken Santa clauses 🙂 Let me know if you ever want to go and maybe I can hook you up.
Isn’t it!? It is like a dream!
We are looking into the possibility of visiting Norway this time around. It really depends on what lines up for us during our travels. I’m DYING to see the Northern Lights.
Very jealous here — it looks amazing!
Now that I’m headed to Hawaii I feel a keen interest in the two non-continental US States! Maybe Alaska will have to be next…
You know… you KNOW we love us some Alaska. Beautiful shots.
The salmon, the glaciers, the hiking. I wanna go back.
I have to admit Alaska is one of my dream destinations as well…great shots!
Dripping (literally) in 103 degree heat (=40c) with 75% humidity AND a broken air conditioner… those pics are the salve for my sopping wet soul. Ahhhh!
I feel like I should like the pictures with snow more, but I actually really like the ones with greenery and trees! I so want to go to Alaska someday. I’ve never heard a bad thing about a vacation there.
I mean… I have no words. Gorgeous.
This scenery is unbelievable! You guys should come to Patagonia, I got pretty excited over those glaciers too.
Did you see any bears?!? I love the photo of the field! So not what you expect to see among glaciers.
I LOVE Alaska. So glad you got to go!!
That’s pretty intense! I’d love to take a road trip there.. and a plane one too lol
Beautiful. What a great opportunity.
Awesome photos! The little piece of Alaska I’ve seen was gorgeous, and I think you guys were in the same general area. My friend lives in Palmer/Lazy Mountain which is where the glacier is you guys got to hike on. Amazing place! Glad you had such a great time!
It was so amazing. I wish we had more time. That and I didn’t realize how “mild” the weather was until we step foot in Iceland.
We still haven’t been to Hawaii and now I feel like I HAVE to have it on my list of states – especially since it is so hard to get to.
NO WAY. You guys?! We want to go back on our own terms. I would love to see Denali.
I think it is on almost everyone’s bucket lists – and for a good reason. Super awesome!
haha! I do so well in hot hot HOT weather. I love it. The lack of AC would kill my soul though. *shudder* Good luck!
It was just as green as I thought it would be – so phenomenal. There just is nothing like it.
We wanted to so badly! But at the end of the day, our wallet dictates where we go. 😛
We only saw the bear in the enclosure – Thank goodness! A photographer was mauled while we were in town by a bear!
I could have seen much more on a plane but then I couldn’t annoyingly yell, “OMG PULL OVER!” every time we saw something pretty.
It was just phenomenal. I couldn’t have asked for a better first press trip.
OOOOOH – do you visit your friend often? I would lol! <3