The attached picture was captured in Southern Alaska: sea lions resting on one of the rocks in Kenai fjords. I was inspired to choose this image as it reflects the real wild beauty of the remote State.

In June of 2011, after flying in to Anchorage, we took a two and a half hour drive south to a town called Seward. Inspired to explore the waters of Kenai fjords we decided to take a boat ride to the Fox Island, located right on the Kenai Peninsula (where we were told a salmon lunch would be served). It was the most unforgettable views we experienced on our way to the island: waters filled with humpback whales, chains of massive glaciers (tonnes weighing pieces of them melting and falling into the water), diversity of wildlife, such as bald and golden eagles, puffins, sea lions, seals and sea otters.
After a couple more days of exploring the nature and culture of Seward, we continued our adventures driving back north to Denali Park for some more fauna and of course to have a glimpse at the tallest mountain in North America, Mount McKinley. To add some more spice to our journey, we made a stop at a town called Whittier for some extreme sea kayaking and by far the best fish and chips ever had. Not to mention the fact that (me being of a Lithuanian descent) bumping into a couple of fellow countrywomen in a town with a population of 177, was quite a pleasant coincidence!
While approaching Denali, we made a quick stop around Valdez area, where the long abandoned gold mines made history not to be forgotten.
And here, after about 7 hours of driving and still bright at midnight (we were lucky to make it to the white nights!),we were met by a family of 5 moose, right outside our hotel windows.
We took the last three days of our vacation to explore the beauty of Denali and were rewarded with an ability to take a walk in the vast wilderness, together with grizzlies, coyotes, as well as colonies of caribous, moose, deer and many other wild inhabitants. As a result of clear skies we were also able to see a full view of McKinley (unfortunately only 30% of visitors get lucky enough to capture it with its peak outside of the clouds).
I must admit it was one of the most memorable travel destinations we have chosen so far: a trip thoroughly planned with a result of spontaneous adventures 