Alaska: Truly the Last Frontier

Aerial view outside of Seward, Alaska, June 2022

In late May and early June 2022, my son and I visited Alaska!

Tree Growing on Rock Archway, outside of Seward, Alaska, June 2022

It was the first time either of us had been there, and it was definitely a “bucket list” trip.

Aerial View of Icebergs near a Glacier outside of Seward, Alaska, June 2022

Alaska was really amazing to see and experience.

Aerial View of Harding Ice Field, outside of Seward, Alaska, June 2022

From what my son and I saw and enjoyed, I can say that it is truly the “Last Frontier.”

What’s left of Exit Glacier, outside of Seward, Alaska, June 2022

We did so much, and while I won’t go into a lot of detail, I will say that I hope Alaska remains as it is for as long into the future as possible.

Partial View of Boat Harbor, Seward, Alaska, June 2022

The nature and environment that we saw in Alaska were absolutely amazing and breath-taking.

Sunbathing Sea Lions outside of Seward, Alaska, June 2022

Everywhere we went, we were literally surrounded by snow-covered mountains.

Extended Family of 7 Killer Whales, outside of Seward, Alaska, June 2022

Pictures do not do Alaska justice; one must really go there to take in everything it has to offer.

Baby Humpback Whale Breaching the Water, outside of Seward, Alaska, June 2022

One thing that I saw that I will likely never see again was a mother Humpback whale breaching, followed by her baby also breaching. It was amazing. I think my jaw hit the deck of the boat when that happened! The crew of the tour boat let us know that we all viewed the first breach of the season.

Waterfall outside of Seward, Alaska, June 2022

We went on two boat tours, and on one, we went as far as the Gulf of Alaska.

Spouting Humpback Whale just inside the Bay of Alaska, June 2022

We had the privilege of seeing many Humpback Whales.

Us with our Group’s Catch of Salmon, Seward, Alaska, June 2022

We also did a half-day fishing trip, catching Sockeye Salmon. The fish in the picture are those caught by our group of six, including less than the maximum catch per person, per day. We had several of our salmon prepared, and took them home with us to dine on. They were the best salmon I have ever tasted!

Locomotive from the Alaska Railroad Corporation, Seward, Alaska, June 2022

I like trains, and while we didn’t go on a train ride because the routes and schedules did not work out for us, we did visit the train depot in Seward.

Huskies at Seavey’s Dogsledding Tourist Rides, Seward, Alaska, June 2022

I have included a few pictures, here, of our Alaska trip, mostly in Seward and the surrounding area.

Glacier outside of Seward, Alaska, June 2022

It is definitely a wilderness heaven!

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“A Wet Summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains” (By: Michele Babcock-Nice)

View of Blue Ridge Mountains near Thunder Struck Ridge, North Carolina, July 2, 2013

Last week – the first week of July, 2013 – my son and I spent a couple of days in the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina.  The full day that we spent in the mountains was perfect; we hit the weather just right!  Our sunny, dry day of activities was sandwiched between two rainy, wet days – the days that we spent driving. 

Aerial View of Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, July 2, 2013

We were blessed and lucky to have a nice vacation day that was so beautiful.  There has been so much rain in the South so far this summer that I was worried that our one summer vacation day spent away from home would be a wash, but it wasn’t.  Thank goodness; it was perfect for us!

View of Blue Ridge Mountains after the Rain, North Carolina, July 2, 2013

It is always refreshing to get away to the mountains – they are so beautiful and majestic.  To be back with nature in it’s fully beauty and greenery is food for the soul.  With all of the rain we have had so far this spring and summer, there is an abundance of greenery all throughout the mountains.  Usually, we are concerned about the lack of rain that contributes to drought, but not this year. 

Mosses and Lichens Growing on Trees in the Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, July 2, 2013

There has been so much rain that the mosses and lichens growing on the trees tend to look more like Spanish moss.  The moss is growing to longer lengths than usual because of the highly wet conditions.  Also, there are many more mushrooms and toadstools to be found throughout the forest, as well.

Wild Mushrooms in the Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, July 2, 2013

With all of the rain, the rivers, creeks, and streams have been swelling with water.  The banks of all of the rivers and creeks that we saw were overpassed, and the water was at a much higher level than usual. 

Soco Falls, North Carolina, July 2, 2013

This, however, led to the increased beauty of the falling water at Soco Falls, a beautiful falls near Maggie Valley and Cherokee, North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  This summer, there was a greater volume of water spewing over the falls – the most that I have seen in my past many years of visiting this lovely natural wonder.  It is always refreshing to hear the sound of the waterfalls at Soco Falls.

It is always a wonderful treat to visit and stay in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.  Typically, especially for Southerners, going to the mountains in summer is a cool, refreshing retreat from the usual activities of daily life and those hot, humid days.  This year, visitors will be even more refreshed by the beautiful greenery; cooler temperatures; abundant water from all of the rains; great opportunities for hiking, fishing, sight-seeing, swimming, horseback riding, and other activities; as well as simply enjoying the peaceful beauty of nature.