My 2,000 Mile Journey Around Wild Alaska: The Last Great American Frontier

Tip of the Iceberg: My 3,000-Mile Journey Around Wild Alaska, the Last Great American Frontier

by Mark Adams

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	17350 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	335 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Alaska, the largest and most sparsely populated state in the United States, is a land of unparalleled natural beauty and rugged wilderness. From towering mountains and glaciers to pristine forests and abundant wildlife, Alaska offers a breathtaking glimpse into the untouched beauty of the last great American frontier.

In the summer of 2023, I embarked on a 2,000 mile journey around this incredible state, exploring its diverse landscapes, encountering its fascinating wildlife, and immersing myself in its rich cultural heritage. Over the course of six weeks, I traveled by land, sea, and air, experiencing the full spectrum of what Alaska has to offer.

Denali National Park and Preserve

My journey began in Denali National Park and Preserve, home to North America's tallest mountain, Mount Denali. I spent several days hiking in the park's vast wilderness, marveling at its towering peaks, glaciers, and abundant wildlife. I was fortunate to spot grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep, and even caught a glimpse of the elusive wolf.

Kenai Fjords National Park

From Denali, I traveled south to Kenai Fjords National Park, a stunning coastal park known for its towering fjords, glaciers, and marine wildlife. I took a boat tour through the park's Harding Icefield, where I saw massive glaciers calving into the ocean. I also went kayaking in Resurrection Bay, where I encountered whales, sea otters, and puffins.

Katmai National Park and Preserve

Next, I flew to Katmai National Park and Preserve, home to the largest concentration of brown bears in the world. I spent several days hiking in the park's remote wilderness, observing bears as they fished for salmon in the rivers and roamed the tundra. I also visited the park's Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a vast volcanic landscape created by the eruption of Mount Katmai in 1912.

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

From Katmai, I traveled by boat to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its spectacular glaciers and marine wildlife. I took a cruise through the park's pristine waters, marveling at the towering glaciers, icebergs, and abundant whales. I also visited the park's Bartlett Cove, where I learned about the history of the area and the Tlingit people who have lived there for centuries.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

My journey continued to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, the largest national park in the United States. I spent several days hiking in the park's vast wilderness, exploring its glaciers, mountains, and ice fields. I also visited the park's Chitina Valley, where I learned about the gold rush era and the impact it had on the area.

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

My final destination was the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the largest and most remote wildlife refuge in the United States. I flew to Kaktovik, a small Inupiat village located on the edge of the refuge. From there, I took a boat tour into the refuge, where I saw polar bears, caribou, and other Arctic wildlife. I also visited the refuge's Teshekpuk Lake, a vast lake known for its abundance of birds.

My 2,000 mile journey around Alaska was an unforgettable experience. I was awed by the state's stunning natural beauty, its diverse wildlife, and its rich cultural heritage. From the towering mountains of Denali to the pristine waters of Glacier Bay, from the abundant wildlife of Katmai to the vast wilderness of the Arctic, Alaska is a land of endless wonder and adventure. It is truly the last great American frontier, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have experienced it firsthand.

Tip of the Iceberg: My 3,000-Mile Journey Around Wild Alaska, the Last Great American Frontier

by Mark Adams

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	17350 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	335 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE