Our adventure aboard the Westerdam for the Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice cruise took us to Anchorage, Alaska, where we embarked on one of the most thrilling experiences of our journey: flightseeing over Denali National Park. The anticipation built as we arrived at the departure point, ready to board a specialized plane equipped with skis for landing on the snowy terrain of Denali.
As we lifted off, the excitement was palpable. The plane soared over the flatlands across Cook Inlet, offering stunning views of the landscape below. The expansive scenery of greens and blues, dotted with glistening water bodies, was mesmerizing. We kept a keen eye out for moose grazing and beluga whales swimming in the inlet, adding to the thrill of the journey.
As we approached the Alaska Range, the scenery transformed dramatically. Jagged peaks and vast expanses of ice came into view, creating a stark, otherworldly landscape. The rugged spine of the Alaska Range stretched out before us, a formidable barrier of rock and ice. Our pilot expertly navigated the plane, bringing us closer to the heart of this magnificent range.
The centerpiece of our flight was the awe-inspiring Denali. At 20,320 feet tall, it is the tallest peak in North America and a true natural wonder. From our aerial perspective, we could see the immense south face of the mountain, where climbers challenge themselves against the formidable slopes. The sheer scale of Denali was humbling, and we felt a profound sense of respect for those who dared to summit its heights.
One of the most breathtaking moments of the flight was our view of the Ruth Glacier. This 40-mile-long river of ice winds its way through the Great Gorge, a granite-walled chasm that is the world’s deepest trench. The glacier’s vast expanse of shimmering ice contrasted sharply with the rugged granite walls, creating a scene of stark and stunning beauty. The intricate patterns and crevasses of the glacier were mesmerizing, a testament to the powerful forces of nature that shape this land.
Our plane, equipped with skis, allowed us to experience the unique thrill of landing on the snowy terrain of Denali itself. Touching down gently, we stepped out onto the snow-covered ground, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Denali National Park. The stillness and purity of the landscape were overwhelming, offering a moment of profound connection with nature. Standing on the snow, with the towering peak of Denali in the background, was an experience that words can scarcely describe.
As we took off again, the flight continued over the pristine wilderness of Denali National Park, revealing a landscape untouched by human hands. The park’s vastness and wild beauty were a reminder of the incredible natural heritage preserved within its boundaries. We marveled at the dense forests, sparkling rivers, and snow-capped peaks that stretched as far as the eye could see.
Our return journey over Cook Inlet offered another chance to scan for wildlife, savoring the final moments of our aerial adventure. Touching down smoothly back in Anchorage, we were filled with a sense of awe and gratitude. The flightseeing tour over Denali had been a highlight of our Alaskan cruise, an experience that would stay with us forever. It was a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and the thrill of flight, encapsulating the spirit of our journey aboard the Westerdam on the Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice cruise.
From Westerdam's deck to Alaska's embrace,
We soared to Denali, a majestic place.
Anchorage behind, Lake Hood our start,
In a plane with skis, with eager heart.
Cook Inlet's flatlands, where moose may tread,
Belugas dance in waters widespread.
Ascending heights, the Alaska Range,
A rugged realm, wild and strange.
Jagged peaks and icy spires,
Nature's cathedral, a scene that inspires.
Denali's crown, 20,320 feet high,
Touched the heavens, kissed the sky.
South face looming, climbers' quest,
Nature's challenge, Everest of the west.
Ruth Glacier's path, a river of ice,
Great Gorge's trench, deep and precise.
Landing softly on snowy ground,
Denali's silence, profound and sound.
Granite walls and frozen streams,
A place of beauty, beyond dreams.
Pristine wilderness, untouched by man,
Forests, rivers, a vast, wild span.
Snow-capped peaks and sparkling air,
A natural wonder, rare and fair.
Homeward bound, with hearts so full,
Alaska's magic, nature's pull.
From the Westerdam, our spirits soar,
Denali's grandeur, forevermore.
