Talkeetna, Alaska
It was our last day in Alaska. I wanted to do was get in the rental car and do a road trip from Anchorage.
The options for a day trip from Anchorage was either to go north or south. The way north promises Talkeetna, “a historic, frontier town “. The way south would lead to Seward and the Harding Ice Field. We were afraid the weather would prevent us to see anything in Seward.
So we decided to go north. Talkeetna it is.
It rained the whole 3 hour drive there.
by Aconcagua
It was still raining when we arrived. We stopped at the Tourist Information Kiosk and ask her to point in the general direction of Denali – where we should’ve been able to see it during clear days.
She laughed and apologized for the weather. She seemed genuine about it as if the weather was usually under her control, but just not today.
Most people come to Talkeetna to get on one of the flight tours that give you a bird’s eye view of Denali – United State’s tallest mountain. In such a weather, that option was out.
Hot, gooey, cheesy delicious spinach bread!
We ducked into Roadhouse Cafe to avoid the rain. It was a family style restaurant and we shared a table with an Alaskan couple. They came from a town an hour away. Just like many other people I’ve met in Alaska, they were transplants from other parts of the country. I told them about my desire to move to Alaska someday.
“The best decision we’ve ever made” – the couple said about their move to Alaska.
Afterwards, because it was still raining, we stopped by at a coffeeshop. Again, we were roped into a friendly conversation with a group of Alaskans from Anchorage. Somehow we ended up talking about where we all came from. One women proudly claimed that she was one of the few who can claim that she was in Alaska when it was still a territory.
I’m falling in love with Alaska
It wasn’t the first time the idea of living in Alaska crossed my mind.
I’ve been to Alaska only twice but each time we feel a sense of connection with the land and the people. The people we’ve met have been really friendly. But more than that, Alaskans just love the fact they’re living in Alaska. When I brought up the 6 month of winter, our van driver scoffed “Winter is the best part!”
People love San Francisco, ‘but the rent price is astronomical!’ they quickly say. There’s no ‘but’ in Alaskans’ declaration of love.
Painted moose in a cafe, Talkeetna, Alaska
Alaska is also full of quirks. Talkeetna is a prime example of that. Mayor Stubbs has been the mayor of Talkeetna for 15 years, leading the town’s 800 citizens with a gentle paw.
Paw? Yes, Mayor Stubbs, Talkeetna’s mayor, is a cat.
The mayor of Talkeetna, Mayor Stubbs – the queen of subtle
Now if only Alaska had a tech startup industry, I might have an easier time to convince Jack.
Sounds like a great trip, Jill! I have a similar love for Portland. It's great when a city just clicks and it feels like a second home.
My recent post A Glimpse Into Gardens Around the World – A Photo Series
[…] Maybe we never gave Anchorage much of a chance. The surrounding areas around Anchorage were so beautiful it felt like a crime to stay in the city. Whenever there was free time, we jumped in the car and started driving. […]
[…] should consider moving to. It’s quite rare that we agree on something like this (for example, I like Alaska while Jack is only lukewarm about the idea) so it’s kind of a big deal. It’s a sign […]
Alaska reminds me a bit of my home state, Montana. Everybody here loves our state. But ssssh, we don't want the secret to get out about how great it is to live here.
Just discovered your site, love it.
I've been to Alaska twice, both times to work, but I had a little free time and what I saw was interesting. I also could live in Alaska. Anyhow, keep up the great site!
[…] to prove it) and a couple of my favorite travel bloggers sharing their Alaskan adventures here and here, I’ve been inspired to make 2013 the year I finally get to America’s “last […]
Loved how you captured the spirit of this little Alaskan town in your post. You make me want to visit Alaska.,,
Here's my dream it big plan: move to Seattle. Have a summer home in Alaska and a winter home on the central California coast. Yeah, I think that'll work. But a cat for mayor? How exactly does that work?
Talkeetna seems like a very unique and interesting town. I think its great you've found a state that suits you so much. Good luck on convincing your other half!
cheesy delicious spinach bread looks amazing – yeah, I can smell it from here!
Dammit. I have another country to add to my bucket list. Thanks for the post! (And I love that moose).
I love the same thing about the Alaskan people, they all loved to be there. Loved Talkeetna, too, but it was raining way worse when I was there. I loved it too, but like you, the winters would do me in. It isn't the snow or rain, but just the bitter, bitter cold (-50, not uncommon! Kill me now).