Day 10 - A Scenic Drive to Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site, Alaska, USA

Day 3 Alaska - Mantanuska Glacier State Recreation Site, Near Anchorage, Alaska

We packed our lunch last night so that we could be ready to go this morning. I like staying in this 2 bedroom condo unit as it was convenient for preparing good meals. After we bought some groceries, it was easy to prepare the sandwiches we needed for today.

However, by the time we were ready to go on our day trip, it was almost 10am. A little later than we had first anticipated. Well, we were on vacation, a little late or early did not matter much.

I have learned now to take it easy and the most important thing is to enjoy the time with my family. 

Where we are and what we are doing is no longer important to me.  As long as we are together and enjoying the same pleasant experience, that is what matters the most.

S. was driving while J. sitting beside him helping him to navigate.



















 I could relax and do a little bit of  writing. It was a lovely ride. 

We passed by spectacular scenery of Alaska!

Matanuska Glaciate State Recreation Site, Alaska, USA

Colourful flowers, high continuous mountain ranges covering with tall spiny trees were all along the highway.


























 The best part about renting a car was we could stop and go wherever we liked.

We made 3 stops , one at Palmers’ Wendy, for coffee and tea. 

Shortly after, we did some  souvenirs shopping at a rustic shop before heading into the glacier region.

After a couple of hours driving, we came to a State Park where we didn't see any park rangers. 

There was a Fee Station where visitors only needed to drop off their parking fee or overnight camping fee in a deposit box. There was not any state park personnel in sight. 

However, there were a few warning signs informing tourists that we were in bear country and that we needed to be cautious and know what to do when encountering a bear during our hike.  

We did come across a number of vehicles and hikers and learned about the Matanuska Glacier in this area. 

 But without wifi access or any park personnel around,  we could not find any information about the location nor directions of how to get to the glacier. 








 

After parking our car, we hiked along a trail. 

Following the trail, we could see the glacier in the distance.














We found ourselves walking in dense green forests.

 Fire weeds blooming under the Alaska summer sun. 

We were speechless as we saw the scenery of majestic mountains, dense forests, glacier and fast moving river unfolding in front of our eyes!

We wished we could explore this area more and get closer to the glacier.

 By the time we drove to the company providing guided glacier walks, it was almost 3pm, too late for us.

We decided to drive back to Anchorage as J. was meeting a friend of his in the city for coffee.

After dropping him off at the coffee shop, we went to explore a beach close to our neighborhood.

We discovered the Delong Lake Park close to where we were staying.

Delong Lake Park, a beautiful park in Anchorage, Alaska 

A beautiful beach with kids swimming and splashing in lake water while others are sailing and boating.















We met some local people who were very open and friendly chatting with us about everything.

We loved the opportunity meeting and interacting with the locals.

J. also has connected with a native person and learned more about their culture. 

It was another enjoyable day in Anchorage!

R.T.
Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site
Near Anchorage, Alaska