Why Should I Visit Talkeetna, Alaska?

Dr. Jim Kepler in Talkeetna, Alaska in August 2022.

Why Should I Visit Talkeetna, Alaska?

Talkeetna, Alaska is a small town located about 110 miles north of Anchorage. It’s known for its stunning scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities, and is a popular destination for travelers interested in hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Here are a few reasons why you should consider visiting Talkeetna:

Stunning scenery: 

  • Talkeetna is located in the heart of the beautiful Alaskan wilderness, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and rivers.
  • It’s a great place to go hiking, biking, or just enjoy the scenery.
Moose art in front of old cabin in Talkeetna, Alaska

Outdoor recreation: 

  • Talkeetna is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with many opportunities for hiking, fishing, and other activities.
  • There are several nearby state parks and nature preserves to explore, as well as rivers and lakes for fishing.
Park adjacent to lake in Talkeetna, Alaska

Wildlife viewing: 

  • Talkeetna is also a great place to see Alaskan wildlife.
  • The area is home to many different species of birds and animals, including bald eagles, moose, and bears.
Nagley’s Store and West Rib Pub & Cafe in Talkeetna, Alaska

Unique culture: 

  • In addition to its natural beauty, Talkeetna also has a unique local culture.
  • The town is home to many artists and craftspeople, and there are several galleries and shops featuring their work.

Popular Culture:

  • The town of Cicely from the 1990 television series Northern Exposure has been said that it could be patterned after Talkeetna by a journalist, but it has not been confirmed by any cast member. Northern Exposure filming actually took place in Roslyn, Washington.
  • The town of Talkeetna was mentioned in Travel Channel’s Man v. Food. In season 2 episode 16, the host travels to the Roadhouse, a restaurant in Talkeetna, to sample their unique breakfast dishes. Also featured is West Rib Pub & Cafe.
  • Talkeetna features heavily in Railroad Alaska on Discovery Channel. The show has three seasons and deals with the lives of people who work the railway, and off-the-grid residents who depend on the railroad for supplies and access to medical facilities.
  • The town was most notably featured in the family classic Snow Dogs.
Alaska Railroad at terminal in Talkeetna, Alaska

Conclusion:

  • Overall, Talkeetna is a great destination for travelers interested in outdoor adventure and beautiful scenery.
  • It’s a unique and fascinating place to visit, and offers many opportunities for exploration and discovery.

 

               

Sources: My visit to Talkeetna, Alaska in August 2022 and from the section on popular culture was adapted from the section “In Popular Culture” from Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talkeetna,_Alaska.
Photo Source: All photos and videos were taken by the author unless noted in the photo caption, unless otherwise credited.
Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.

What To Do When Visiting Denali National Park Alaska

DenaliParkSign

Denali National Park Alaska

What To Do When Visiting Denali National Park Alaska in the Summer

In August of 2022 I visited Denali National Park in Alaska.

Denali National Park in Alaska can be accessed by several methods. Some people visit through private travel. Others arrive in Alaska by driving the 1,387 mile long Alaska Highway which starts in Dawson Creek, British Columbia in Canada and ends in Delta Junction, Alaska. Others fly into Fairbanks or Anchorage and drive or take the train. Many, like me, arrive via a cruise ship and then travel from the coast via the Alaska Railroad to Denali.

Denali National Park Princess Lodge is approximately 120 miles south of Fairbanks and 240 miles north of Anchorage, Alaska.

I stayed at the Denali Princess Lodge in Alaska. The Denali Princess Lodge is located in Denali National Park, which is known for its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Here are some ideas of things you can do while you’re staying at the Lodge:

I stayed on the ground floor of this building.

 

Take a Scenic Bus Tour Through the Park

Denali National Park is vast and remote, and the best way to explore it is by taking a guided bus tour. These tours offer breathtaking views of the park’s mountains, forests, and wildlife, and are a great way to learn about the history and ecology of the area.

I’m standing with Mount Denali hidden by clouds behind me. The area is all tundra.

Go Hiking or Backpacking

Denali National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with hundreds of miles of trails to explore. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging climb, there is a trail for you in Denali.

Visit the Park’s Visitor Center

The park’s Visitor Center is a great place to learn about the history, geology, and wildlife of Denali. It also offers a variety of educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages.

Look for Wildlife

Denali National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. Keep an eye out for these animals as you explore the park, and be sure to follow the park’s safety guidelines to avoid any encounters.

Tour one of my tours we did not visit one area because of the sighting of a grizzly bear.

Go Rafting or Kayaking

The park’s rivers and streams are perfect for rafting and kayaking, and there are a variety of guided trips available to suit all levels of experience.

Visit the Kantishna Roadhouse

The Kantishna Roadhouse is a historic lodge located deep in the heart of the park. It offers a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, and gold panning, and is a great place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring.

Enjoy the Night Sky

Denali National Park is known for its dark skies, and there are many opportunities to stargaze and admire the night sky. There are a variety of guided stargazing programs available, or you can simply lay on the ground and enjoy the view on your own.

Take a Scenic Flight Over the Park

If money isn’t an issue, you can take a scenic fight over the park. You’ll get spectacular views of the mountains and wildlife from above.

Visit the Murie Science and Learning Center

The Murie Science and Learning Center offers educational programs and exhibits about the park’s ecology and wildlife.

Denali National Park Museum

A visit to the Denali National Park Museum features displays on the park’s natural and cultural history.

See the Sled Dog Kennels

You can visit the sled dog kennels and learn about the role of sled dogs in the park’s history. The kennels also have a webcam which allows views from anywhere in the world.

Tour guides giving talk on dog sleds and sled patrols in winter months.

 

I recommend a visit to Denali National Park. Of all the places I’ve ever visited, Denali is my favorite destination.

                               

Photo Source: All photos and videos were taken by the author unless noted in the photo caption, unless otherwise credited.
Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.

 

 

Just For Fun – Pictures of Where I Have Lived

Born in San Antonio, Texas

I thought it would be fun to collect pictures of the houses I have lived in from birth to my current 60 plus years. It wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be, but it was fun putting these together.

Below is visual proof  of my lack of “roots”, that is my not feeling like I have a hometown. I was a military brat and United States Army Officer from birth until my late 20s. Then I worked as a Southern Baptist Religious Educator until my mid-40s. Military and minister are two vocations that are very nomadic.

Moving frequently goes with the job and life. I have lived/be stationed in over 25 locations. I attended 8 schools for 12 grades. The photos are either ones I took, my mother has, or compliments of Google Maps, street view. My memory or mother provided me with the addresses/locations.

BAMC
Brooke Army General Hospital, San Antonio

I was born in 1953 at Brooke Army General Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.

Randolph AFB
Randolph AFB

My father was in the US Air Force stationed at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio. Leaving the hospital, I moved in with my dad and mother.

Snip20140823_9

We lived on Mesquite Street in San Antonio, Texas. It is located just east of downtown. The Alamodome is in the area where the house was built. I have a picture of the vacant lot where the house use to be.

Living in Ohio

Clinton County Air Force Base in Ohio

In 1954 – 1955, my father was stationed at Clinton County Air Force Base in Ohio.

20 Church Street Bowersville, Ohio

We lived in Bowersville, Ohio. I lived at 20 Church Street.

Living in Harwood, Texas

1946-Ford-Coupe-Harwood-TX

In part of 1955 and then 1956 I lived with my Grandfather in Harwood, Texas. My brother was born while we lived here.  Well, he was born in Brooke Army General Hospital, just like me.

Living in in Greenville, South Carolina

Donaldson AFB

My father was in Turkey with the US  Air Force at this time.When dad got back from Turkey he was stationed at Donaldson Air Force Base in Greenville, South Carolina.

201 Maco Terrace Greenville SC

We moved to 201 Maco Terrace in Greenville, South Carolina. This where I have my first memories.

Living at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois

Scott AFB

While living in Greenville, SC we took a side trip to Scott Air Force Base where my father had extended military training.

Scott AFB Illinois

While at Scott Air Force Base we lived in a military trailer park. We spent a snowy winter of 1956-1957 there before returning to our Greenville, SC home.

Living in the Valley of the Sun – Luke Air Force Base Arizona

F-3530-SPT-95-000052-XX-0092

In 1958, we moved to Glendale, Arizona as my dad took a new assignment at Luke Air Force Base.

Glendale Az

We lived first in Glendale. I started elementary school at Glendale Elementary School in Glendale, Arizona in 1959. Dwight Eisenhower was the president of the USA. We lived on West G Avenue. Glendale renamed their streets around 1970 to match the names of the streets they connected with in Phoenix.

Then in 1960 we moved into the new base housing on Luke AFB where we stayed until 1963.  I attended Luke Air Force Base Elementary School from February 1960 through the fourth grade. I had Mrs. Davis in the second grade and Mrs. Jensen in grades 3 and 4.

Living in Sequin, Texas – Dad in Vietnam

803 Jefferson Ave Seguin Texas

Dad headed to South Vietnam, and I headed to 803 Jefferson Avenue in Seguin, Texas.803 Jefferson Avenue, Seguin, Texas is where I lived in 1963 – 1964. I was in the 5th grade and living there when President Kennedy was assassinated and when The Beatles came to the USA.

The house was white with a green roof back then. It had trees in the yard and hedge around the house back in the day. It had a backyard that was over an acre. I had a great treehouse in the backyard tree as well as a huge garden. My father was stationed at Tan Son Nhut Air Force Base in South Vietnam.

I attend Jefferson Avenue Elementary School. It was located across the street from my house. Mrs. Englebrock was my fifth-grade teacher. She taught me to love to read and to write stories.

Living in El Paso, Texas – Biggs Air Force Base

Biggs AFB

Next I moved to El Paso, Texas in August 1964. My father was transferred to Biggs Air Force Base and B-52s. I don’t have a picture of our house on Raimey Circle. It has been torn down. I am still searching for a photo.

I attended Ben Milam School. Mr. Romero was my sixth-grade teacher. In the seventh grade, I played football and started having different teachers for each class.

Living in Portsmouth, New Hampshire – Pease Air Force Base

Pease Air Force Base Portsmouth

From here I moved to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Pease Air Force Base.

2024 Larkspur Circle Pease AFB New Hampshire
2024 Larkspur Circle Pease AFB New Hampshire

It was a neat place with lots of snow in the winter. I got to go to Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine to the Longfellow and Chamberlain Homes. I went to the Robert Frost farm. I attended science camp at M.I.T. and Harvard University’s Summer Institute for the Gifted studying literature, poetry, and writing in their Humanities program.

I lived at 2024 Larkspur Circle on Pease Air Force Base in 1966 – 1967. I attended Portsmouth Junior High School. I was the eighth-grade class vice-president. I went to all the historical places in Boston and fell in love with history.

I was here until my father retired from the US Air Force. He earned a degree in business from New Hampshire College while we lived there.  From here it was back to Texas.

I finished the last few weeks of the eighth grade in Nixon, Texas at Nixon Junior High School. We stayed with my grandparents until our furniture arrived and we moved into the below house.

Living in Schertz, Texas

1407 Chestnut Drive Schertz Texas
1407 Chestnut Drive Schertz Texas

We lived in the San Antonio suburb of Schertz. I lived at 1407 Chestnut Drive Schertz Texas. I started high school at Samuel Clemens High School in Schertz, Texas in 1967. I would move to the Dallas area at mid-semester. We also owned the house that was two to the left of this one.

Living in DeSoto, Texas – Last Place I lived Before I Married

1010 Southwood Drive DeSoto, Texas

I lived at 1010 Southwood Drive in DeSoto, Texas until I headed to college and married. My father still resides there. – Update: Mom passed away in 2014 and dad died in 2017.

Living in Arlington, Texas – My First Place

201 1/2 Ray Drive Arlington TX

When I was 17, I got my first place. It was a duplex. In 1971 – 1972 I lived at 201 1/2 Ray Drive in Arlington, Texas while attending The University of Texas at Arlington.

Another College Residence – Arlington, Texas

Four Oaks Apt Arlington TX

I moved into an apartment with my brother in 1973. It was the Four Oaks Apartments off Pecan Street in Arlington.

Living in DeSoto, Texas- First Home as a Married  Man

283 Hapton Road DeSoto Texas

In December 1974, I married Benita Breeding, and we moved into an apartment in DeSoto, Texas on 283 South Hampton Road. We lived upstairs, the second unit from the end nearest as you look, was our home.

First Army Post – Fort Riley, Kansas

Fort Riley
Fort Riley, Kansas

I spent the summers of 1974 and 1975 on active duty at Fort Riley, Kansas thanks to the US Army.

Living in Columbus Georgia

Fort Benning

I graduated from college in 1975 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the US Army. We moved to Columbus, Georgia. That’s where Fort Benning is located. We there 1975 – 1976.

Holly Hills Apartments Columbus Georgia

We lived the Holly Hills Apartments with lots of second lieutenants in a unit off Oakley Court. I attended the US Army Infantry Officer Basic Course, Airborne School, and the Platoon Leader Maintenance Management Course while living there.

Living at Fort Lewis, Washington – Tacoma, Washington

Fort Lewis

We moved from there 3000 plus miles to Fort Lewis in Washington State. We were here 1976, 1977, 1978.

Fort Lewis Company Grade Married Officer's Quarters

We lived in two different military quarters while there. The first was one bedroom. We got a two bedroom unit after our son Kristopher was born.  While stationed at Fort Lewis I spent more time deployed or on training exercises

Camp Pendleton

I made two trips to Camp Pendleton for training. I was there in 1976 and 1977.

Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center
Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

In 1978, I spent some time at Twentynine Palms Marine Base.

Fort Irwin CA

Twice I spent months at Fort Irwin in the middle of nowhere for training. Actually think between Edwards AFB and Death Valley, CA for its location or halfway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Naval Amphibious Base Coronado

Two times I suffered on the beaches of Coronado and San Diego. This was in 1976 and 1977.

Mountain Home AFB Idaho
Mountain Home AFB Idaho

In 1977, I was in a joint training exercise at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho

yakimatrainingctr

While at Fort Lewis at the sub-post of Yakima Firing Center (as it was named in the 1970s) in 1976, 1977, 1978.  Tank gunnery and T.O.W. Missiles had me there.

Jack Frost 76

My unit had assignments like protecting the Alaskan Pipeline. Operation Jack Frost helped soldiers prepare for this mission, learn to preheat toilet paper and work in extreme cold.

OP near Camp Casey South Korea
OP near Camp Casey South Korea

My unit also had a mission to help if the North Koreans came back across the 38th parallel.

REFORGER

My unit also took part in REFORGER – Return of forces to Europe with treks to Italy and Germany in the fall of 1978.

Living in Fort Worth, Texas

Gordon Ave Fort Worth

From here we moved to Fort Worth Texas where I earned my master’s degree. We lived in student housing at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary on Gordon Avenue. This house had a floor the was not level. Our second son Jason was born while we lived here. We left here and moved to Decatur, Georgia, an Atlanta suburb when I graduated in 1980.

Living in Decatur, Georgia – Fist Full-time Church

773 Scott Circle Decatur Georgia

We lived at 773 Scott Circle until our landlady moved back in when here husband passed away. Then we moved to a townhouse in Clarkston, Georgia. I served as Minister of Education at Scott Boulevard Baptist Church in Decatur, Georgia.

Memorial College Drive Clarkston GA

The townhouses were large and state of the art for their time. It was an affluent baby-boomer paradise. This stock photo from Google doesn’t do them justice. They were located off Memorial Drive across from the DeKalb Community College. They were 99% owner-occupied townhomes with a very strict and sometimes mean homeowners association. I was still Minister of Education at Scott Boulevard Baptist Church in Decatur, Georgia while living here.

Living in Bogalusa, Louisiana

Old Settlers Road Bogalusa Louisiana

In December 1982, we moved to Bogalusa, Louisiana. We lived in a paper mill town and could smell it. I was Associate Pastor at Superior Avenue Baptist Church. While living here I started working on my doctorate.

Living in Jasper, Texas

College Street Jasper, TX

In November 1984, we moved to Jasper, Texas. We lived in this house until 1988 when we bought our first home. Our daughter Sara Joy was born while we lived here. I was Associate Pastor and Day School Principal at First Baptist Church of Jasper, Texas. In 1987 I earned and was confirmed the doctor of education degree in educational administration.

606 Pearl Street Jasper Texas

The picture doesn’t do the house justice. The lot and house are larger than they look. The house was the Better Homes and Gardens House of the year in 1959 and was featured in Southern Living Magazine.

The people who bought the house after us took out all the azaleas and dogwoods we had and replaced with hedge and non-native trees. They also removed over a dozen seven-five-year-old  or older trees. They added the black shutters, wrought iron windows, and doors and made it like a prison.

The multi-level tree house my kids had the backyard was also removed when the trees were cut  down.

I was still Associate Pastor and Day School Principal at First Baptist Church of Jasper, Texas. I owned the house until March 1995. We moved from here in 1992 to Buna, Texas.

Living in Buna, Texas

Vacant Lot

This was on Halley Street in Buna, Texas. We lived in a church-owned home. It has been moved. The pastor lived in the house to the right. In the background is the church. I was Associate Pastor and Business  Administrator at First Baptist Church of Buna, Texas.  I lived here 1992 – 1993.

Living in Denison, Texas

168 Chickadee Drive Denison, Texas

Next I lived at 168 Chickadee in Dension, Texas from May 1993 until January 1996.  Our oldest son graduated high school while we lived here. My father-in-law passed away while we lived here. I was Minister of Education and Senior Adults at Parkside Baptist Church in Denison, Texas. The house was small, did not have central air, and was close to the church.

Back in Jasper, Texas

721 Marvin Hancock Drive Jasper Texas

I lived at 721 Marvin Hancock Drive in Jasper, Texas. We lived in the unit on the bottom left. We lived here for the spring semester of 1996. I was Vendor Management Specialist for East Texas Support Services overseeing the CCMS program for day care centers in 16 counties. I also taught early childhood education at a local university.

Living in The Colony, Texas

4916 Watson (2007)

I bought our current home on Watson Drive in The Colony, Texas in July 1996.  I  have worked as a senior training specialist for American Express, Internet coordinator for Hilton Hotels, as a senior support engineer for Equator LLC, and in multiple Information Technology roles for Interstate Batteries while living here.

Our youngest two children finished high school, got college degrees, and our daughter married since we moved here. Sadly, the huge tree in the center of our front yard had to be cut down in 2007.

Update: My wife died in at home hospice care here on April 2018 from melanoma cancer.


Jimmie Aaron Kepler

Jimmie Aaron Kepler’s work has appeared in six different Lifeway Christian publications as well as The Baptist Program, Thinking About Suicide.com, Poetry & Prose Magazine, vox poetica, The Dead Mule School of Southern Literature, Bewildering Stories, Beyond Imagination Literary Magazine and more. His short stories The Cup, Invasion of the Prairie Dogs, Miracle at the Gibson Farm: A Christmas Story, and The Paintings as well as Gone Electric: A Poetry Collection are available on Amazon.com. He is also the author of The Liberator Series. The Rebuilder – Book 1 is available for pre-order on Amazon. It will be released October 1, 2015. The Mission – Book Two will be available Spring 2016, The Traveller – Book 3 will be available Summer 2016, and The Seer – Book 4 will be available Fall 2016.