From Soldotna we were headed for Anchorage mostly to take advantage of big box stores like Costco, to refuel, get propane, and do laundry. We’d heard that Skilak Lake was pretty so decided to jump off the highway and take this backroad past the lake.
While Skilak Lake is the largest, we weren’t expecting there to be multiple lakes dotting either side of this road. The low clouds made them dull even though we knew with sunlight they would have been beautiful. Additionally, the grey light created an eerie feeling in areas where the “Funny River” fire of 2014 had scorched some of the forest. In some places, the landscape was stark and somber with charred trees standing like sentinels against the sky. In other areas, the new growth had given rise to long stretches of cheery, hot pink fireweed that blanket the ground, creating a sense of resilience. It was a humbling journey that invited reflection on the power of nature and impermanence of life.
Deep in existential thoughts, we were quickly returned to the present moment when over the next small hill we saw a black bear with three cute cubs!
We merged back on the Sterling Highway that follows the river towards Cooper Landing before turning north past our old friend the Turnagain Arm and into Anchorage.
Another driving day in the books with interesting scenery and some great wildlife. I’m not saying you shouldn’t think about the human condition every now and again, but there’s something to be said for simple pleasures and living in the moment as well.
