Alaska Anchorage Glacier Tour

Leave Fairbanks and next stop is Anchorage. To see the glaciers.

About 10 minutes before the plane landed, I smelled a strong smell of smoke. What happened? I have watched too many series of videos, and I couldn't help but feel nervous. Is the engine on fire or the cabin on fire? Keep sniffing and checking. Looking around, no one had the same reaction as me, which was strange. Everything was fine internally, so I could only look outside to find the reason. Oh my god, there was smoke outside the window. I immediately thought of the many wildfires mentioned in the news in California every year, which last for several months. I guess it’s the same here, because it’s too dry. Sure enough, looking down, I saw thick smoke billowing upwards from somewhere. No wonder people here were surprised. When we arrived at the arrivals hall, it was choking and smoky. It was a fog-like scene both indoors and outdoors. It was cloudy and foggy. No one wore a mask and there was no time to buy one. I started to worry about my trip in the next few days.

As the largest city in Alaska and an economic center, Anchorage has a larger population than Fairbanks, but it is only 300,000. The city scene seen along the way is not much different from other cities, except for the sparse population. There are not many tourists, mainly some company personnel who come here to escape the summer for meetings. Therefore, hotel prices increase two or three times in the summer, and it is difficult to book. The number of rooms is small. Alaska's tourism industry basically relies on three or four months a year to make money, one for two months in summer, one for watching the aurora in winter, and the rest are off-season, so you can understand this market situation.

After everything is settled, look for food. There is no doubt that no matter how remote the corner of the world, there is always a Chinese restaurant. However, I walked into a Korean restaurant. Could it be because of the geographical location? The service was the same as the climate; the speed was the same as a tortoise who was not in the tortoise and the hare; the dishes were the same as those I learned to draw in the experience class. Anyway, let it go. I hurried back to my room before it got dark. In such an empty place, I could hear my own breathing while walking. When I think of the place where I was originally exiled, I always feel a little uneasy in my heart. Coupled with the natural smoky flavor, it’s really unbearable.

I contacted a travel agency and took a cruise to see the glaciers the next day.

The next day, on the way to the cruise ship, we saw various small glaciers, but the smoke was too thick, and there was always a feeling of being in the depths of the clouds. After a short hike, I came across the glacier water, which was so clear and refreshing that it gurgled endlessly. Due to the ocean current flood season, it is clear that countless small salmon have been washed up on the river beach, jumping non-stop, and some are already wrecks. Unknown birds chirped and jumped around from time to time. Just stand there, quietly feeling the interaction between life and nature.

A few miles away from boarding the cruise ship, there is a small town of about 500 people. The so-called town consists of a 14-story building and a captive deer (one side with Being alone as a companion, while enjoying the favor of everyone, because it is the only one). It's probably too remote. For convenience and safety, this building contains all daily necessary social functions: supermarket, hospital, post office, school... Your seven aunts and eight aunts also live here. Think about it, isn't it...

Finally boarded the cruise ship to see the glaciers. Seating is a table arrangement for four people. At the same table were a pair of sisters from Texas. Early 70s. My sister has fluffy golden curly hair and a bright smile. She looks like a typical American beauty (reminds me of "Once Upon a Time in America"). She is graceful and luxurious at such an age, which was unimaginable when she was young, and her gestures are just right. Both sisters are very friendly, humorous and talkative. Most ordinary people in the United States are relatively simple and friendly, even if this couple is from Texas. During the conversation, I learned that my sister still works as a psychological consultant on weekdays, and my sister runs a rehabilitation clinic. The two of them will travel together when they have the opportunity, mostly by each other. During the conversation, unknowingly

we were approaching a large glacier. Because we had belongings with us, my sister suggested that her sister and I go see them first. She would take care of the belongings. I felt very embarrassed. She reassured me: You are young. , I will always be more impatient, and I will watch the same thing later. After repeated humility, she stayed behind. It was quite shocking to see the entire blue glacier, which was several hundred meters high, standing all around, and the ice cubes floating on the ocean surface. The miraculous craftsmanship of nature and the selfishness of human beings. Many glaciers have begun to melt slowly, far less than before, otherwise humans would not be able to get so close. But for the sake of harmony between man and nature, I am more willing to accept appreciation from a distance, a kind of respect. The wind of the ocean is caressing my body and my heart. At this moment, it is extremely pure.

We sat and shared back and forth. My sister asked me to use her telescope to see if there was any unexpected harvest. Sure enough, on the way back, I saw a sign posted in the woods along the glacier: NO Guns Allowed. There are so many guns in the United States. I can't help but think of if I went to the airport before or after 911, the police would stop the car and ask: Do you have a gun? Well, very American.

Before leaving, the beautiful sister left her contact information and said goodbye again and again. When saying goodbye to the Captain and his crew, tourists from Europe or outside the mainland usually do not leave a tip, and cultural differences are still accepted.

Back in the city, I searched for a local seafood restaurant through pictures on Yelp. The price of king crab is not much cheaper than in southern cities, but the taste is more authentic.

I ordered a bowl of Clam Chowder and kept it warm to help seal the day's trip.