We woke to blue skies and warm weather this morning, so we decided to have a real Alaskan adventure today and try something totally new. About 30-45 minutes south of Anchorage is the scenic town of
Girdwood.
Girdwood is known for it's skiing--the
Alyeska Ski Resort in particular. There are lots of great hiking trails in
Girdwood, but behind the
Alyeska Prince Hotel is the Winner Creek Trail, and here lies our adventure!
First, I'd just like to say that this trail is fantastic. It is a mixture of gravel, dirt and boardwalks, and winds through the most beautiful wooded land you have ever seen. There are bridges over rushing streams and waterfalls, wild blueberries growing within easy reach, and plenty of log benches scattered along the way if you need a break.
We didn't see any wild animals along the way, but we were temporarily adopted by Black Lab and a Husky who seemed to think we needed their protection. They were very polite and were great company for part of the hike. (Their owners were walking behind us, and apparently were too slow for the dogs' taste!)
After a brisk 2.5 mile hike through the woods and up and down along the gorge, we reached the hand operated tram that crosses Winner Creek Gorge. It was a little intimidating as first glance, because there is no railing
separating you from the gorge, just a small platform to stand on to bring the tram to you. People on each side can help pull, as well as the riders in the tram itself.
The tram has a 400 pound weight limit, so we broke into pairs. (I wasn't taking any chances on breaking the lines and falling down into the gorge!) The tram is a little metal box that you step into and shut the door. The sides and bottom look similar to a chain link fence, but much heavier, so you can see the water below you as you cross.
After I got over my initial nerves and pulled away from the side, it was a blast! We crossed over the gorge, and then back again. The kids loved it, too. I admit, Russ did most of the pulling, but it wasn't too hard to do. Gravity takes over on the first part because the ropes drop a little toward the center of the gorge, and then you have to pull harder to get it up the little incline on the other side. Everyone there is really helpful, and people on the opposite side help pull you over. In turn, you help them go back the other direction.
You can continue on the trail for another mile past the tram to the Crow Creek Mine, but we were pretty tired. After a snack near the gorge, we started back along the 2.5 mile trek to
Alyeska. This would have to be my favorite hike here so far. The Tram was
definitely a reward that was worth the walk. We'll save the Mine adventure for another day.
It's another glorious day in Alaska. Not because the weather is that great, but because every day in Alaska is glorious! We decided to take a drive down the Seward Highway. The temps are in the 40's today, so all of the snow is really melting. Spring has arrived.
It won't be long until everything starts to turn green and beautiful once again. 
The tide was out, so you could really see the mud flats. 
Alyeska Ski Resort is still up and running. Later this month, they will have their Spring Carnival to celebrate the spring thaw, and then close for the winter. .JPG)
.JPG)
Wave at the nice man on the train!
We weren't the only ones out celebrating the warmer weather. This grizzly was enjoying a nice nap out in the sunlight at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage.
This young caribou was enjoying a nice lunch.
We decided it was time for a lunch of our own. We first tried this cafeteria at the Portage Lodge when we camped out near here. Jess had just gotten her braces on, and her mouth was killing her. We discovered that this cafeteria has delicious home made soups. They also have great sandwiches! Of course, it's a little hard to see right now.
