Girdwood Area & Bird Point - Alaska

 On our way back from Alyeska Resort & Tramway, we made a brief stop at the Alaska Candle Factory.  We had a fun little conversation with the owner who has decided to sell the shop and retire.  We left with a couple of really unique handmade candles and this great picture of my mother-in-law in front of the shop with the totem.  A little while later we made a last stop at Bird Point, to catch the incoming Tidal Bore, which was insanely overhyped.

 When we first arrived there were quite a few people, but over the hour or so that we awaited to see this "historic" event, the place was pretty packed.  We honestly expected a lot more due to all the hype but had a good laugh at this "epic" wave that rushed in to bring in the tide.  Behold the magical Tidal Bore:

 At least Zion seemed to find plenty of entertainment in picking dandelions and blowing their seeds all over the place.  :)

       

Alyeska Tramway, Girdwood - Alaska

 Our trip to Alyeska Resort was made memorable by our ride up the Alyeska Tramway to the top of the Ski Resort.  At the top, there is a cafe, fine dining restaurant and small museum/gift shop.  There are also numerous hiking trails during the warmer months in Alaska.  The views from the top were breathtaking, not only of mountains and glaciers, but of the Girdwood harbor.  We spent hours on top of the mountain, but it didn't seem like it, it was a magical sort of slowing of time - peaceful and serene.

 My mother-in-law had us snap a group shot for the Columbus newspaper's travel section.  :) Who knows, my photo might get featured!  After lunch and some looking around, I decided to solo climb about halfway up Mighty Mite, one of the steep trails up to the next highest summit.  I felt so invigorated hiking up in the snow and taking in the majestic scenery.

If you head to Alyeska Resort, I'd highly recommend taking the Alyeska Tramway.  I've heard it is complimentary if you book a reservation at the fine dining establishment.  It offers some of the most breathtaking views of the mountains and waterways of Girdwood, Alaska.  

       

Alyeska Resort, Girdwood - Alaska

 Last month we had a fantastic visit with Jerry's parents who made the long trip from Columbus, Ohio to Anchorage, Alaska.  One of our sightseeing adventures included a scenic drive to Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, along the Seward highway.  Today I am sharing a few pictures from around the resort - it was a perfect day with temperatures in the mid-to-upper 70's.  Flowers were in bloom all over the resort, so I couldn't resist spending some time capturing the beautiful vibrant colors on display.

Tomorrow I will be back sharing more from our day in Girdwood, including our Alyeska Tramway experience.  I can't believe its taken me so long to edit these gorgeous photos!