Seward >> Anchorage >> Rocky Lake State Recreation Site 188 miles ridden/3.75 hours
On my way north to Denali National Park, I swung through Anchorage to see what the largest city in Alaska had to offer.
My first stop was the Anchorage Museum. Since I was surrounded by the beauty of nature every day, I wanted to see how this influenced the indigenous population, their beliefs and the region’s artists. The museum’s exhibits did not disappoint, showcasing eras of art and tools, and portraying the struggles of living in such an unforgiving environment. Given the breadth and depth of its permanent collection, the Anchorage Museum is hands down one of the best I’ve visited.
Now that my brain was full, it was time to feed my belly. I decided to go full-tourist mode and tramped across town for a reindeer hot dog. While walking those few blocks, I noticed a lot of bars, so I started asking people how they survived the winter and the near-constant darkness that accompanies it. Most said: “You need a hobby.”
The most frequently cited hobby among those surveyed? Jogging. Outdoors. In the dark. And did I mention the average temperature in Anchorage during the winter is -40? (Take your pick between Celsius and Fahrenheit, it’s all the same when it’s this cold.) No thanks.
The second most-referenced hobby? Drinking. Which explains all the bars…
