Join our zoo community

A.D. in Alaska

Discussion in 'United States' started by Arizona Docent, 2 Oct 2016.

  1. Arizona Docent

    Arizona Docent Well-Known Member 15+ year member

    Joined:
    10 Feb 2009
    Posts:
    7,702
    Location:
    Arizona, USA
    September 21, 2016

    Today is our return travel day and my final installment in this report. It is a four hour drive from Denali to Anchorage and in order for JH and I to catch our flight we leave the hotel at 6am while it is still dark out. Thankfully we remain dry while loading the car, because almost immediately after we leave the rain starts. We have had an occasional mist or drizzle here and there on the trip, but this is the first hard, steady rain. Nearing Anchorage, we make a quick stop in Wasilla to use the restroom and grab a snack at McDonalds. I don't frequent McDonalds normally but my impression is they are required to look the same. This one is refreshingly original with a dog sled on display and Alaska animal themed lights and wall décor.

    At the airport we return our car and bid farewell to CH, who is going back to the rental counter to get his own car. He does not fly out until midnight and is going back down Seward Highway to look for beluga whales, a mammal not yet on his list. JH and I share the same first leg of our flights from Anchorage to Portland. At the ticket counter we see something that is so Alaska – a moose skull with full rack of antlers all taped up (foam on the antler tips) sitting behind the counter waiting to be shipped to the hunter's home.

    JH and I go through the TSA security checkpoint, me much faster than he since I am registered for TSA PreCheck (which I would encourage all USA frequent flyers to do). Once we are both on the other side, lights in the ceiling start flashing and an automated voice on the speakers says there is an emergency in the building and everyone needs to head to the nearest exit. Since we are still behind the TSA checkpoint we look to them (as the closest authorities) to see if they will start ushering people out, but they do not. We see three airport police officers down the hall in a central area and they are on their radios assessing the situation, but do not seem to be ushering people out either. We slowly head to that central area to see what we need to do. Since no one is urgently leaving, we make a pit stop in the restroom where the emergency announcement stops, then starts again. When it stops everyone starts heading back to their gates and we do the same. On our way, personnel at another gate say everyone needs to head down these stairs so we are escorted onto the tarmac with a group of other travelers, waiting in front of an Alaska Airlines plane with a Minnie Mouse paint scheme (yes, really). Soon the all clear is issued and we are on to our own gate.

    When we land in Portland JH checks his phone and has a message that CH did indeed see the whales – number 616 on his world mammal list. Here we part ways, JH going on to Los Angeles (Burbank Airport) and me going to Phoenix then another plane change to Tucson. For those readers who have stuck with this thread to the end, thanks for reading.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. LaughingDove

    LaughingDove Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    16 May 2014
    Posts:
    2,492
    Location:
    Oxford/Warsaw
    I have been following this thread and enjoyed it (including the pictures) very much. Thanks for posting! :)
     
  3. betsy

    betsy Well-Known Member 10+ year member Premium Member

    Joined:
    25 Oct 2010
    Posts:
    640
    Location:
    Poway, Ca.
    I read every word! We are contemplating a trip to Alaska next year. Great photos, thanks for sharing!
     
  4. savethelephant

    savethelephant Well-Known Member 5+ year member

    Joined:
    12 Jan 2015
    Posts:
    1,186
    Location:
    New York
    Sounds like a magic (for better or for worse) trip!
    Hope to do something similar one day:)
     
  5. Pleistohorse

    Pleistohorse Well-Known Member 10+ year member

    Joined:
    30 Jan 2013
    Posts:
    1,024
    Location:
    Alaska
    Loved it! Great trip report. Happy that your brother got to see the Belugas. I've seen the four times in 11 years. Three times from the Seward Highway along the Turnagain Arm and once from Earthquake Park.

    I really hope you enjoyed your visit.