Alaska Day 23 Anchorage Day Trip

Off today for an outing we have been wanting to do since our first day here. We are taking a train to a glacier and then raft down the lake and river created by the glacier. Drove about an hour south of Anchorage with a couple stop along the way. First the Beluga viewing point along Turnagain Arm (AKA) Pacific Ocean, viewing area is there for seeing Beluga (white) whales. However it was low tide and if there were whales around, they were far away. 😖. Then a quick stop at Indian Valley meats where they process fresh meat (caribou, buffalo, elk, venison, moose, etc) and fish and have it for sale as well as the obligatory gift shop. We left with some buffalo sausage and caribou jerky. Oh yes, and one more stop for a speeding ticket as we were rushing to get to the train on time. :-(

Arrived at the train station which is also the visitors center for these parts. Tall rubber boots provided for all. (All too big 😀). Train ride through the beautiful wilderness about 25 minutes and we arrived at the Chugach National Forest, Spencer Glacier stop. We took a couple mile bus ride from there to the trail head for the Spencer Glacier. An awesome sight, lots of icebergs in the lake in front of the glacier made it seem almost surreal. After our safety briefing (what to do if you fall into the 34 degree water - answer: most likely die 😂) 8 in each of 4 rafts. We spent about 30 minutes on Spencer lake and then another hour and a half down the Placer River. Absolutely stunning. Incredible scenery for 2 hours! 🌲💧🌊. Peaceful and serene. Not much in the way of rapids, a few that might have reached class 2 - primarily a meandering river and a skillful gal rower. Pulled into a spot just by the rail lines and were picked up. Wonderful afternoon.
Back to Anchorage; pasta for dinner.Read more