Escape The Sweltering Summer Heat For The Last Frontier: Postcards From Alaska

Greetings from beautiful Alaska! Escaping the scorching summer days in the lower 48 states, I had the incredible opportunity to explore the land of the midnight sun and enjoy its cool temperatures.

It was a stroke of luck when my girlfriend, Karissa, invited me on this amazing adventure a few months ago. I immediately said yes! Our itinerary was filled with thrilling hikes in Denali National Park, a relaxing dip in natural hot springs, and an adventurous trek on the Matanuska Glacier. Our two friends joined us, and we had a rental camper van for both driving and sleeping.

For those unfamiliar with the mountainous terrain, hiking up hundreds or even thousands of feet of elevation can be quite challenging. Especially when all your training consists of climbing parking garage stairs.

After enjoying the stunning views in Seward and a picturesque train ride, we picked up our rental 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van. The van was fully equipped with a queen bed, a sink with a hot water heater, and plenty of storage. It even had an awning, solar power, and all-terrain tires to tackle any road ahead.

Our first destination was Denali National Park, which had just reopened after the Riley fire near the park’s entrance. During our two-night stay, we only had a glimpse of the vast 6.1-million-acre wilderness that is home to North America’s highest peak. We were awe-struck by the sweeping views of mountains and valleys as we hiked through scenic forests, alongside tranquil lakeshores, and next to rushing creeks. The fresh mountain air revitalized us, and everything felt bigger and more open in Alaska.

After several challenging hikes, our tired legs needed a break. So, we headed to Chena Hot Springs, a refreshing oasis located an hour outside of Fairbanks. Though primarily known for the northern lights during winter, we experienced a unique combination of fire and ice. We indulged in soaking in the 100-degree water and explored the on-site Aurora Ice Museum, an indoor wonderland adorned with intricate ice sculptures, where we enjoyed appletinis served in carved-ice martini glasses.

Thanks to the long daylight hours in Alaska, we maximized our time and filled each day with memorable activities, often lasting until midnight.

The grand finale of our Alaskan adventure was a full-day excursion onto the magnificent Matanuska Glacier. Stretching 27 miles in length and 4 miles in width, it provided a surreal landscape. Guided by Samantha and Julian, our group of four learned how to use crampons for traction on ice, scaled ice walls using harnesses and ropes, and even rappelled down frozen canyons. It was an extraordinary experience, far removed from the heat of our Florida hometown.

As our trip came to an end, it felt like time had flown by too quickly. However, we created numerous cherished memories within the 49th state. Whenever Florida’s heat becomes unbearable, I can now close my eyes and transport myself back to that glacier, finding my chill once again.