Our third day in Alaska began after my speech to members of the Alaskan Federal Bar Association in Anchorage. After the speech we set out to drive to Girdwood along the incredible highway with its massive snow capped mountains and broad marshes and mud flats. We visited Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center and then drove to the Portage glacier area.
The drive from Anchorage to the Center is around 50 minutes and it is a spectacular experience with many stops along the way. We got out to hike along the coastal flats and coves before resuming our journey.
The Center itself is just off the highway. It takes care of wounded and orphaned animals, like an eagle that lost one wing after being shot. It features a wide assortment of animals from wolves to black bears to Grizzly bears to moose to elk to muskoxen to porcupines. You can walk a two-mile circle to see the animals up close as well as some beautiful views of the mountains.
We then drove to the nearby Portage glacier area and made a short hike in the rather thick forest. The area is full of restful coves and inspiring vistas.
After a wonderful exploring Portage, we returned to Anchorage to one of my favorite restaurants, Moose Tooth. It is a hugely popular local pizza place with a wide variety of exotic and savory pizzas. I recommend the Mozzarella cheese sticks with Marinara sauce but share if you want any room for the pizzas. They also sell great Alaska beer. To give you an example, I had the “Forager” pizza with roasted garlic, spinach, Portabella & Crimini mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, truffle oil, goat cheese, Roma tomatoes, mozzarella, provolone, and garlic oil. It was divine.
It was a great way to end another great day in Alaska.
The pics really do the job. Keep ’em coming. You might convince to me to venture forth and take a trip.
Thanks for the photos. Brought back great memories. Sadly, Mr. Whitekeys Fly By Night Club in Spenard closed in ‘06. Even if you showed up with only a rudimentary knowledge of Alaska politics the bits and gags were hilarious and wickedly on point.
We lived up there for a summer in 2008. Alaskan Amber is our favorite beer. If you get a chance, head further down the Kenai to Homer, some interesting tractor fishing around Ninilchik. Stop by the Diamond M Ranch in Soldotna to visit the Martins.
Very nice little State campground (only 12 camp sites) overlooking the village of Ninilchik. I spent a night there on the way to Homer to catch the Ferry to Kodiak Island and a night on my way back to Anchorage. If I get back to Alaska, I’ll do it again.
Unspoiled beauty. thanks for posting
We went to Alaska last year. I love that state and the people that live there.
Appreciated!