Alaska Adventuring, Part 1: Anchorage

Okay, so two weeks ago I had to go to Alaska for work. It was rough.

Actually, it was our Service Adventure leader orientation for the coming year. All the leaders (9 people from 5 different units) gathered at the Service Adventure house in Anchorage to talk about all sorts of stuff, and it was 100% wonderful.

There were eleven of us staying at the house, so four of us slept out in this little camper for the week.

And here's the little camper at ten o'clock at night.

In between the grueling hours we spent hashing out a strategic plan (read: telling stories, talking about important life topics, and laughing uproariously), we had some time to explore Anchorage.

Here's a view of Knik Arm, a branch of Cook Inlet, from Earthquake Park.

And one of the park signs.

After six days in Anchorage, here's my well-developed opinion: Anchorage is the Colorado Springs of Alaska.

Both Anchorage and Colorado Springs are reasonably sized cities (300,000 and 440,000, respectively). Both are milder, climate-wise, than many other parts of their states. In most people's minds, Colorado = cold, Alaska = extreme cold. But actually, the mountains and the water shelter Anchorage from the more extreme temperatures. Average winter temp is around 10 or 20 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Also, both cities tend to attract adventurous, outdoorsy people.

And - of course - both cities are located right next to a gorgeous mountain range.

I wish I could adequately explain how beautiful these mountains are.

One morning, we drove alongside the mountains to get to Girdwood, Alaska. From a distance, the contours of the mountains were like soft folds, the cover of greenery creating the illusion of a velvety texture. A gradient of earth tones, from the browns of the peaks above treeline to the rich greens of the vegetation. And, in the distance, a glacier.

In Girdwood, we hiked a trail called Winner Creek.

It felt so great to be out hiking and exploring after a few days of mostly sitting.

Another day we visited Anchorage's downtown market.

And sometimes we just played in the backyard.

Throughout the week, we were generously welcomed and cared for by the folks at Prince of Peace Mennonite Church in Anchorage. We spend multiple evenings in their homes, sharing meals and making new friends. And on Sunday, we joined their worship service in Resurrection Chapel.

It was so nice to be with them. It was easy to imagine how isolating it would feel to be the only Mennonite church in Alaska, so far removed from the broader church.

This is the view they get to look at during church.

I left Anchorage feeling re-energized for the year ahead. Grateful to be doing this for a second year. Excited to see what I can do better. A little bit daunted by what lies ahead...but well-equipped to handle it. Full of love and laughter from being surrounded by loving and hilarious friends. And thankful beyond words for the strength of the arms that hold me up.