Hearts of Alaska Series 2: Love & Alaska

NOAH

We kicked off our journey about fifty miles north of Anchorage, soaring above the breathtaking wilderness of Alaska’s National Natural Landmark, Lake George.

Winter paints a different picture here than summer or spring. The valley is blanketed in snow, glaciers melt at a slower pace, and water levels recede.

The landscape freezes over, revealing new areas ripe for exploration. Take Lake George, for instance, it transforms into a lake brimming with icebergs, allowing us to walk right up to the face of Knik Glacier and delve into the many cracks, caves, and tunnels that are inaccessible during summer.

You could easily lose track of time exploring parts of the glacier in the ice that remain untouched—and that’s exactly what I planned to do.

“Woooow!” Kiera’s eyes widened, her mouth agape, her face pressed as close to the helicopter window as possible. Her expression mirrored that of a child seeing Santa Claus for the first time, completely captivated by the magic of Christmas.

“This is Knik Glacier,” I explained over the microphone attached to our headphones. “It’s nestled on the northern edge of Alaska’s Chugach Mountains. It’s often referred to as Alaska’s sunny glacier.”

“Sunny? It must be freezing!” Kiera exclaimed, her gaze still fixed on the breathtaking views.

“Absolutely. The glacier is usually ten to fifteen degrees colder than the surrounding areas.”

Kiera looked at me, puzzled, probably wondering why the glacier is dubbed sunny. “Maybe on a hot sunny day it feels refreshing,” I teased, grinning at her.

“I can’t believe how massive it is,” Kiera said, her attention returning to our surroundings.

“Knik Glacier stretches six miles wide and spans over twenty-eight miles long. It’s one of central Alaska’s most impressive rivers of ice. A unique microclimate surrounded by snow-capped peaks, hanging glaciers, and waterfalls.”

“This is just absolutely incredible!” she gushed, and I found myself captivated by her enthusiasm.

I’ve taken countless tourists on sightseeing trips and watched them marvel at the beauty Alaska has to offer, but witnessing Kiera take in the splendor of my homeland was the most breathtaking sight I’ve ever seen.

“Will we be able to land on the glacier?” Kiera asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“There’s already a surprise waiting for you down there,” I replied, unable to hide the goofy grin spreading across my face.

I landed the helicopter at the base of Knik Glacier and helped Kiera disembark. We walked until the next part of our adventure came into view—two ATVs, parked and ready for exploration.

Kiera’s mouth fell open. “Are you serious?”

“I can show you how to drive if you haven’t been on an ATV before,” I offered, trying to reassure her, but Kiera just smirked at me.

“Please, this isn’t my first rodeo. LET’S GO!” she squealed, taking the initiative and hopping onto the machine.

Who the hell is this girl? I wondered, completely turned on by her audacity.

“We’ll cross the frozen Metal Creek and ride through a variety of frozen landscapes including forests, dried river beds, and meadows before riding over iceberg-filled Lake George and exploring up close to the base of Knik Glacier.” I had to raise my voice to be heard over the roar of the engines.

“The trail is quite rugged,” I warned her, but Kiera just revved her engine, seemingly unbothered by my caution.

“Are you done now?” she challenged, her piercing blue eyes the only part of her face exposed to the harsh weather.

“All right then. Lead the way, expert.” I barely finished my sentence before she was off, leaving me in a cloud of snow kicked up by her wheels.

Time seems to stand still when you’re out in the vast wilderness of Alaska. We spent hours riding for miles, exploring the Knik River, Pioneer Peak, Jim Creek, and Friday Creek.

Kiera stopped at every sighting of wildlife; from the common Dall Sheep and Bald Eagles to smaller creatures like Rabbits and Ermine.

Noticing the sun beginning to set, I realized our adventure was nearing its end. “Just up that way is the base of Knik Glacier,” I pointed out, stepping on the gas to lead the way.

When I looked back, I noticed Kiera wasn’t following. She was staring in the opposite direction, her attention caught by something else.

I turned my ATV around and pulled up next to her, spotting a large lone moose ambling across the valley in the distance.

“Can we get closer?” she pleaded, aware that we needed to head back, but I was wary of the unpredictable animal.

Many animals, including moose, deer, and elk, can be unpredictable and should be observed from a safe distance. Any disturbances could be fatal, especially during winter when they’re using all their energy to survive the harsh elements.

“Pleeeease?” she pouted at my silence.

“Not too much closer. And we have to be quick.” Before I could finish, she revved her engine and took off, leaving me to catch up.

Just as I was about to call out to Kiera when she reached the safe distance between our ATVs and the animal, the moose let out a deep moan as its legs gave out and it collapsed onto the icy ground.

“Kiera! No!” I shouted as she jumped off her vehicle and ran to its side.

I quickly dismounted and caught up just as she knelt down next to the animal, seemingly trying to figure out what was wrong.

“Kiera, we can’t be this close to a large animal. It’s not safe.”

“It’s hurt,” she said softly, gently stroking its coarse, heavy fur.

I sighed, kneeling down next to her, taking a closer look myself. The moose was panting heavily, clearly exhausted.

During harsh winters with deep snow and extremely cold temperatures, moose expend more energy than they take in and many often starve.

“What do you think happened?” Kiera asked me.

“I’m not sure. Moose usually stay close to the city during the winter to find food. They stick to packed trails or cleared areas such as roads and train tracks to conserve energy and avoid deep snow.”

“His eyes,” Kiera whispered. It was as if she had a sixth sense and could understand what the animal was trying to communicate. “He looks terrified.”

“Moose can run for hours if something startles them. Or if they’re”—a chilling howl echoed from the nearby valley—“being hunted.” I quickly rose to my feet. “We have to go. Now!”

“We can’t just leave him here. He’s still alive.”

“Not for long. Come on. We have to go.” I pulled Kiera to her feet, not giving her a choice, and led the way back to the ATVs.

I ensure she’s on her side, then I let her lead the way. I keep a watchful eye behind us until we’re safely back at the helicopter.

The helicopter ride is filled with silence, Kiera lost in her thoughts as she gazes out the window.

“Listen, I’m sorry, but my job is to ensure your safety.” Kiera remains unmoved.

“I regret that you had to witness that.”

“But isn’t it my future job to witness things like that?” Kiera’s voice is heavy with sadness.

“I wish I could have done something to help him.”

“We’re in the Alaskan wilderness. Out here, it’s every creature for itself, including the animals. Even wolves need to eat to survive.”

I lay out the harsh reality for her, but it doesn’t seem to soothe her.

“And I suspect that moose was already weak and malnourished. The fact that it wasn’t following the trails suggests it wouldn’t have survived the winter without starving.”

“There was nothing you could have done.”

“I understand. I just…I just question if I’m suited to be a vet if it upsets me that I can’t help every animal I encounter.”

I glance at her, my heart pounding wildly yet aching for her simultaneously.

“Based on what I’ve seen from you today—how you cared for that animal—I’m certain you’ll be the most compassionate doctor to any creature on this planet.”

I can’t help but watch her as she absorbs my words. Slowly, her perfect pink lips curve into a smile that instantly warms my heart.

“Thank you.”

“Of course. And I don’t make statements I don’t believe in,” I say with a confident smile.

“I promise, scout’s honor.” I place one hand over my heart and raise the other as if I’m swearing an oath in court.

Kiera finally laughs, and everything feels right again.

“All right, after the day you’ve had, how about some relaxation?”

“Ooh, okay. What are you thinking?” Kiera gives me a flirtatious look, her eyebrows wiggling suggestively, causing a stir in my pants.

I lose my train of thought, captivated by her mesmerizing arctic blue eyes.

I open my mouth to speak, but no words come out. Kiera bites her lip, trying to suppress her laughter.

“Ok, well, whatever it is, keep it a surprise. Lead the way, Mr. Jones.”