Autumn In Alaska

Autumn comes swiftly in the mountains. More swiftly than any other place. Though the trees were still a vibrant green below, the colors at this altitude had already shifted to a deep golden with hints of red. We drove up the pass road to the summit lakes. As we walked to the edge we saw a para glider preparing for liftoff. A gust of wind picked him up effortlessly from the rocky cliff. The para glider utilized the updraft created from wind currents colliding with the side of the mountain. He lifted higher and higher eventually settling on a nearby peak a few thousand feet above us. A much easier alternative than hiking all the way up. He then proceeded to jump off of that peak. There is a rather vibrant community of para gliders in Alaska.

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I mentioned this jeep in an earlier post. @Dimitri0610 has pushed this vehicle to the limit, and it's still fighting. As it nears 200,000 miles it shakes and creaks every tire rotation but doesn't quit. Even when you try to drown it, it still comes back stronger.

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No one wanted to join Dimitri as he tested the waters. He almost stalled on the return but managed to get back relatively dry. The jeep needed a car wash anyway.

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This valley continues back for miles. Dimitri and I explored it one night and ended up camping on the side of a mountain. Crossing increasingly deep rivers we eventually reached the back of the valley. On this trip we discovered a hidden lake sheltered from view of the main road. An otter splashed in the water before retreating for the night. In it's wake the water settled and offered a beautiful reflection.

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Autumn in Alaska typically lasts about a week. The colors change and then days later the leaves fall. This year, however, we finally had a real season. The vibrant colors and crisp air of Autumn make it one of my favorite seasons.

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We stayed until the light completely disappeared and then drove home in the dark. With the colder temperatures at the moment, I've found myself looking through memories of warmer days. I'm incredibly excited for summer and I can't wait to share my adventures. Dimitri and I will be driving from Alaska down through Canada, the Pacific Northwest, and then eventually over to Virginia. The trip is scheduled at about 45 days, a long time, but not nearly enough to see everything. I plan on sharing daily blogs detailing our encounters. If you have recommendations of locations to visit along the way I would love to hear them! Thank you so much for reading!

--Chase :)

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Previous Adventures!
An Afternoon In The Mountains
Sea Otters In Alaska