Year 6 take 2 - Day 2

Rain fell on the roof of our small cabin in the tundra all night. It was peaceful. Quiet. Becca and I watched the sun late into the evening wondering why it was still up. We all woke early marveling at the moisture and cool temperatures. The road awaited.

It was quiet out this morning. We drove along the winding road back through the many lakes of all sizes. We drove through more tiny tree forests; which we have learned are black spruce. They grow so slow and small because their roots cannot penetrate the perma-frost. Civilization met us about 2 hours down the road in a small town called Glennallen. One gas station and a restaurant. Mom and Chris had reindeer sausage. I'm certain they are on the naughty list now.

The mountains begun peaking around the corners, taunting us to follow. This is the Alaska we all imagined. Tall snow capped mountains with glaciers running between. Rivers and streams in every direction. Beauty. Perfection. Serenity.

Making a turn onto a small gravel road, we arrived at the Matanuska Glacier. The small bridge took us over the river coming from the glacier. Oddly enough, all the rivers are colored here. This one was a deep grey color. (some are yellow, white, etc) It greeted us with its white face shining in the sun. A mountain of ice. A slippery 1/4 mile walk took us to the face. Ice and water everywhere. Amazing!

Our final stop tonight is Anchorage. We have come to the west side of the state tonight. A retro hotel with style on the 12th floor gives us an amazing view of the mountains. A late night walk down to the inlet stretched our legs and provided much needed relaxing time. If only the sounds of the city were not rushing in the windows it would be perfection. I wonder when people here sleep...odd.

Until tomorrow.