As From Wikipedia: The name “Alaska” (Аляска) had been introduced in the Russian colonial period, when it was used to refer to the peninsula. It was derived from an Aleut idiom, which figuratively refers to the mainland of Alaska. Literally, it means object to which the action of the sea is directed. It is also known as Alyeska, the “great land”, an Aleut word derived from the same root.
Last month my wife and I traveled to the “Great Land”. For almost 11 days we traveled the roads of Alaska exploring ever corner. Each turn in the road was a new view of grandeur. Mountains all around and wilderness so open that you could get lost. We arrived in Anchorage grab our car and we are off on our adventure. First stop is the town of Talkeetna, AK population 876. From here I took a flight tour to Mt. McKinley. Chris from Talkeetna Air Taxi my tour guide.http://www.talkeetnaair.com
We were the last flight of three for the day. The first two planes took off at full passenger capacity, but our plane had 6 people on board including our pilot. This made for a wonderful trip. Upon arriving to the mountains Chris flew us over several of the peaks and gave us all an amazing view of Mt. McKinley. (just breath taking) There was a lot of chatter on the radio about weather or not landing on any of the glaciers was doable or not. But the first two pilots that left before use landed at what they called base camp for McKinley. Our pilot looks down and see both planes on the same glacier and says, lets look for a place more quiet. So we flew a few more minutes and went over a ridge and came down to an altitude for a glacier he called “Thunder. Chris says to us he has wanted to land on this glacier for 5 years but never has had the chance. Today was the chance. Conditions were perfect!
I want to tell you this was the most amazing experience of my life. To be one of only 6 people standing on this glacier was exhilarating. As we all exited the plane on to the glacier the only sound you could hear was your heart beating at a quickened rate. As I stood there reeling off frame after frame just awe struck with the beauty of were I was standing I took my last moment and listened to the wind and a small snow slide happening up the valley and reveled in the silence of nature. Never have I heard so little, but heard so much.
Enjoy my vision of Denali National Park and Mt. McKinley from above and on Thunder Glacier.
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