By Arden Nguyen, Staff Writer
As the summer neared its end, my family and I flew to Alaska to spend a brief but unforgettable weekend. The weather wasn’t hot, but warm, with a slight chill in the air. It’s a welcome change if you’re looking to escape the overpowering summer heat of Southern California. As we drove farther from Anchorage, the scenery on both sides of the winding road gave way to the wilderness of forests, lakes, and mountains.
Something interesting about this time of year in Alaska is that the sun doesn’t fully set until late in the night. Falling asleep while there was still light out felt odd, yet comforting.
On Saturday morning, we went berry-picking in the woods. The trail was long and a bit rough, but worth the effort. We weren’t sure what to look for at first, but we soon noticed that berry bushes were growing right along the path. When plucking the fruit from a branch, be careful, as the juice can stain your hands. Also, don’t forget to bring a bag or bucket of decent size.
Of the three types of berries that I picked, I identified two: blueberries, which were a little tart, and watermelon berries, with a taste much like their namesake. However, I could not be sure if the last type were redcurrants or highly poisonous baneberries. I tried one, but its bitterness deterred me from eating another. After consulting Google for help, I concluded that they were most likely redcurrants. But, just to be safe (and because the bitter taste wasn’t worth it), I decided not to eat them. A visual guide can help you with safe identification.
As we were heading back to our cabin from the small town of Soldotna, we encountered what was perhaps the only downside of the trip. Wildfires―which a local informed us have been raging since early June― choked the road with thick smoke and clouded the sky. The next day, the route was closed off for a few hours. If a similar situation should occur, check local news updates and steer clear of affected areas to avoid getting stuck on the road.
On the last day of the trip, we woke around 6 a.m. and drove to the lovely seaside town of Seward. Upon boarding a boat, we were whisked on a 6 hour tour of the Kenai Fjords. It may seem like a while, but the time will fly by as you stand on deck with the wind and ocean spray blowing through your hair.
Photo by Arden Nguyen
Be on the lookout for wildlife! Sea otters, sea lions, puffins, and jellyfish were just some of the animals we spotted out at sea.
After a quick drive, we took a final hike up to Exit Glacier. Signs posted along the trail mark past locations of the ice as it has receded over the years. Upon reaching the end, I took in the view of the massive glacier and the roaring river flowing from its base. Although impressive, it was also a solemn reminder of how drastically rapid climate change has impacted our planet. Before departing on our flight home, we stopped in downtown Anchorage, a bustling area of small shops and restaurants.
This trip to Alaska was a great way to close off a busy summer and get out into nature; a little exposure to the outdoors can help relax your nerves before the upcoming school year.
When August rolls around next summer and you and your family are thinking of a short, end-of-summer vacation, look no further than the 49th state. You won’t regret it!
