We had 3 full days in Anchorage, with plans to go north one day, to see Mt. McKinley and visit Talkeetna, to go south another day, and to spend the third on attractions in and around Anchorage. The only day which absolutely required a clear day was going north, since any cloud would result in Mt. McKinley (aka Denali) being hidden, as it commonly is anyway. So, our plan was to choose each day's destination based upon the morning's weather.
Tuesday was not clear - it was wet and cold. So heading south was on the agenda. Hopefully, either of the next two days would be better for the McKinley trip.
With no very specific plans, we headed south, with the intention of reaching either Seward or Homer. The former is on the eastern side of the Kenai Peninsula, facing onto the Gulf of Alaska, while the latter is on the western side of the peninsula, on Kachemak Bay, part of Cook Inlet (on which Anchorage is also located).
It soon became clear that Seward would be the better alternative, given the considerably longer distance to Homer. Either route starts off following Highway 1 south from Anchorage along the Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet.
One of the many stopping places along Turnagain Arm. The railway followed all the way to Portage (thence on to Whittier).
Looking back towards Anchorage.
Looking towards Portage.
Yet another stop along Turnagain Arm.
Our rental car. The snow level was pretty low just here, and we had some climbing to do later!
Day 7: Anchorage
