After days of hibernation and hush- hush, I am out of my blanket and have bestirred myself; probably because the trip to Alaska has revitalized me. All beautiful things have the power to do that and there is no doubt that Alaska is drop dead gorgeous. It was an incredible feeling to step down on this picturesque land and Boy nothing can be better than the midnight Sun welcoming you with its golden rays. Had some movie script writer been asked to define the “great land”, s/he would surely define it is as a painter’s best creation, a musician’s most symphonic melody, a poet’s wonderful imagination, a bird’s fearless flight, a writer’s ironic plot, lover’s true love and what not. The unending snow clad mountains, majestic coast line and turquoise sea, glacier fed rivers, waterfalls, mesmerizing ferns, spruces, willows and the wildlife; all trying to embrace you in their own mystic charm. (This reminded me of Yash Chopra movies and I did very much wish to wear a Chiffon sari!) Well….there is no end to it and words really fall short when it comes to describing the divine beauty of the terrain painted by God and I bet you can’t withdraw yourself from its magnetic pull. Nature at its best!!
Going adrift in the wilderness or in the treasures of nature was indeed the best way to celebrate my wedding anniversary. It will sound bit filmy and dramatic but the goodness of huckleberry ice-cream, trees, ocean, mountains, glaciers, descending clouds, seals, whales, grizzly bears, moose and various other creatures - all witnessed the vows of our togetherness.
People say that Mt. McKinley creates its own weather. In the morning, when it was drizzling, we thought we won’t be able to catch a glimpse of the summit. But in the afternoon, the sun peeped out and brought with it a gift of “Mt. McKinley’s invitation” for us. The spectacular view of lofty ‘Mt McKinley’ is still etched in my mind. At an elevation of 20,000 ft, I really felt as if I was on top of the world. I just loved the very sight of icebergs calved from glaciers.
Another good thing about such trips is that you meet different types of people and learn so much from them. I picked up some odd contrasts too. Along with the silence of lakes and choppy waters of sea; gigantic mountains and narrow trails, Ice age and tech era, meandering along the trails and getting an adrenaline rush to encounter wild life or being at peaceful Talkeetna; I got close to watch few visitors.
While going to Denali, we boarded McKinley Explorer (Alaskan railroad) from Anchorage. I don’t know whether it was just a coincidence or something else that we got the coach shared by gray hairs and wrinkled faces, mostly ranging from mid 50’s to Mid 80’s. Yes! You read it correctly the lady sitting in front of us was 86 years old and was travelling with her friend who almost shared the same age. This lady was full of enthusiasm and was capturing every moment in the camera. As the narrator was pointing out, this lady flipped sometimes to 9 0’ clock position and at other times to 3 o’ clock position and throughout, she was energetic to capture and enjoy the beauty of nature. She was a real shutter bug and was in no mood to give up and I was amazed to see her energy level while I was already tired. I always grumble of ageing and not doing much in all these years but watching them, I realize one can enjoy at any point of time in one’s life span. Though you can’t beat age but when an 86 year old can plan to go and explore wilderness, that too with her friend; I don’t think age can come in between anything. And did I tell you that most of the elderly ladies in their 60’s and 70’s were well maintained and decked up, giving me a strong complex.
My experience on the cruise was to the contrary. After driving through one of the most scenic highway (Anchorage to Seward), we reached Seward to board the cruise. While we were busy running outside on the deck on 8 o’ clock and 2 o’ clock positions to watch and spot the marine life, a middle aged Indian couple was sitting calmly. Especially the lady was enjoying the “nature” very calmly. Very rarely did his husband come outside and take photographs. I could see the content on her face and she was coolly watching from inside, enjoying every bit of it. Later we realized that we were too busy taking pictures and videos and missed just sitting calmly- relaxing and enjoying.
Odd contrasts of high energy level and being composed and poised! Whatsoever! One must break routine and go out on such excursions to get recharged. It definitely helps and would fill you with enduring happiness!
