Alaska: The Midnight Sun in Denali

For as long as I can remember, my heart has been set on Alaska to experience the midnight sun. This year, our stars aligned and granted us the chance to witness this on summer solstice. The anticipation had been building all day as we indulged in backcountry ATV rides and white water rafting. But nothing could have prepared us for the incredible evening that awaited us.

As the sky began to turn shades of pink and orange, we eagerly set out to explore the town of Talkeetna under the never-ending light of the midnight sun. Our initial plan was to find the perfect spot for photos, but our curiosity led us down winding roads and we ended up at 49th State Brewing.

With a beer in hand, we anxiously watched the clock tick closer to midnight, we were relieved to see that it was a clear sky - a rare occurrence in Alaska. And then it happened - at exactly midnight, the sun still shone brightly in the sky, casting an orange and pink glow over everything in sight. We piled into our rental van with heads swiveling in every direction, trying to take in every moment of this extraordinary experience.

K2 Aviation: Glacier Landing in Denali

Airplanes and the vast wilderness of Alaska go hand in hand. And when you add the breathtaking experience of landing inside the Denali mountain range, all I want to do is hit pause and savor the moment a little while longer.

During our trip to Alaska, we had splurged on a glacier landing excursion with K2 Aviation. It was expensive, but it was worth every penny for the unforgettable experience it provided.

We began our day at K2 Aviation's offices in Talkeetna. After checking in and slipping on shoe covers, we climbed aboard the plane that would take us into the heart of the mountains. The weather was ideal - partly cloudy and calm air - setting the scene for a truly magical flight.

Following a brief safety briefing, we embarked on our journey from Talkeetna towards Denali. As we entered the mountain range, the views were absolutely jaw-dropping. The land below us was untouched and pristine, and we were fortunate enough to catch a rare glimpse of the peak of Denali.

Once we landed on the glacier, I was surprised by how warm it was - perfect conditions for an impromptu snowball fight with my 3-year-old son in just a t-shirt. We took some time to admire the natural beauty surrounding us before returning to Talkeetna airport.

Given the chance, I would happily repeat this incredible experience over and over again. The sheer awe and wonder of it all is something I will never forget.