Float Planes and Bicycles

On our recent trip to Alaska, I enjoyed learning about a very different culture of the state. Most of the population lives near the coastline. Unlike dry Colorado, there is plentiful rain, and lots of rivers, lakes, and ocean.

My first morning in Anchorage, our hotel was on a small lake that is an active aerodrome. Float planes had been landing and taking off from the water constantly the previous day.

The air was too foggy early the next morning to fly. The peaceful quiet was soothing. ​I was eager to explore, but my husband was still getting ready for the day.

I walked along the lake alone, breathing the humid air. Nothing felt like Colorado. That was a good thing. Why take a vacation to a place that's the same as your home? I'd seen float planes on TV and in movies, but had never seen one close up. I was enchanted, looking at the little airplanes with pontoons instead of tires.

In a state with few interior roads, airplanes are a necessary means of transportation. There are towns and lakes that cannot be reached by road. But my experience with the small planes was several days away. Our first adventure was on very conventional wheels.

We rode the hotel van to downtown Anchorage and wandered around. I had my first experience with halibut fish and chips for lunch. Then we met up with our bicycle tour.

A driver took us to our starting point. We were fitted to bikes and given helmets. Then we were off! For about ten miles over three hours, we learned about the Anchorage area, the plants, the sea life, and the history. 

​Of course Curious George went on the bike ride. 

I live in the land of mountain men and women. Cowboys and cowgirls. Hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners. Colorado has an outdoorsy vibe. We get near constant sunshine, and fight about access to water.

​Alaska has the same independent feel, but reminded me more of what Colorado used to be like. And it was wilder. Vast wilderness covers most of the state. There is an abundance of water.

​Our first full day was exciting. We had nearly two more weeks to experience. 

My Alaska trip will provide background for book three in The Tapestry Tales YA science fiction series, written with co-author Merida Bass under the pen name Ann Belice, coming in 2026. Books one and two are available now in e-book and paperback. Audiobooks are currently in production!
Broken Strands: book two
​Frayed Dreams: book one

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