ZR-1 Alaskan Adventure Travel Log

[QB93Z]

The highpoint of the Glacier was the visit to Surprise Glacier. As we approached the glacier, we encountered quite a bit of wildlife.

Here are some sealions basking on some rocks:


Here are some seals on the rash ice (floating chunks) near the glacier:


Here are a group of sea otters checking out the boat to make sure we don't get too close to their raft:


And then we spotted a humpback whale. After several tries, I caught this photo as the whale put on a display right in front of the boat:


Surprise Glacier was amazing. The front of the ice at the waterline is about half a mile wide. The colors in the ice are amazing:


Jim

[QB93Z]

On Thursday, we left Anchorage and drove up the Glenn Highway to Tok, Alaska. Of all the roads we have driven in Alaska, The Glenn Highway has the most stunning views of the mountains. The highway runs along the north side of the Chugach National Forest which contains the Chugach Mountains:




About 100 miles north east of Anchorage, Mantuska Glacier is very close to the highway. There are many views of the ice and the Mantuska River:


We stopped at the Long Rifle Lodge for lunch. Here is the view from the dining room:


Further up the Glenn Highway, the upper reaches of the Glacier can be scene:


Along the road, Lyndi got this photo of another Bald Eagle:


Jim

[QB93Z]

On Friday, we left Tok, Alaska and drove east on the Alaska Highway, reversing our route of a week ago. The morning started out could and cloudy. It was 38 degrees when we left Tok:


Tok is about 80 miles from the Canadian Border, and after 9 days in Alaska, we left for the last time:


The drive from the Canadian Border to Whitehorse, Yukon starts off with the worst road surface on the Alaska Highway. Other than getting some dirt on the Z, we made the trip with no problems.

We drove past the Kluane Mountains again and as the day got warmer, the sky cleared and the views got better:


On the other side of Kluane Lake, Lyndi caught this photo of a Bald Eagle landing on a tree top:


As we approached Whitehorse, we came across one of the most rural post office boxes we have seen. In this shot you can see how dirty the Z got from driving through all of the road construction:


After many days of seeing one-horse towns on the Alaska Highway, we were surprised by Whitehorse, Yukon. It is a modern, vibrant city that has not lost its pioneer roots. We were very impressed:


Jim

[tomtom72]

Ya know after further review.....I stand by my thought that you two are for sure having way too much fun!

I haven't seen a pit since my friend's first shop and that was back in the late 70's!

Oh those Eagles.....they have tail numbers and have to file flight plans right?

Kudos on the photography, those guys on the Discovery channel have nothing on you two!


Thank you both again for letting us "tag" along on your fantastic trip!


Tom

[-=Jeff=-]

I always love seeing the Bald Eagle in the Wild. Lst time I was in Northern Wisconsin I saw at least 6-8

Such a great bird to see

[scottfab]

Well I am fortunate enough to see a nesting pair of bald eagles in my area almost everyday this time of year but getting a shot like that of a landing is rare. They usually are just beginning their flight here and circling up catching the thermals.

The whale and other pics are outstanding.

So have a safe trip back!
Thank you for the great picture essay. It's like reading an issue of Nation Geographic combined with Road and Track

[Blue Flame Restorations]

After following along the adventure, I must say that I envy you two love birds. What a time to remember. Most of us will never take the time to do what you have done.

[WARP TEN]

Great Pictruers Jim! That photo of the Humpback whale looks like the advertisement for Pacific Life!!! And Lindi's photos of the eagles are also great!. --Bob

[QB93Z]

Originally Posted by tomtom72

.....I haven't seen a pit since my friend's first shop and that was back in the late 70's!

Tom

Tom, the neat thing was that they let me go into the pit and check out the underside of the Z.

It was like a submarine engineroom bilge down there. They had grease lines, drain lines, and who knows what else in there.

Except for the dirt and dust the Z looked good.

Jim

[QB93Z]

Originally Posted by Dynomite

......Jim: I think you are taking the same road back to MD but am not sure.

Hi Cliff, We are returning (continuing) our journey on a different route. Today we started south on the Cassiar Highway which runs down the west side of the Canadian Rockies. Tomorrow we will visit Stewart, BC and Hyder, AK. Then we will head east toward Jasper, Alberta to visit Jasper National Park and Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies.

Jim