Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, with its lake-dotted woods, summer mists, and peaceful waters, is just a 90-minute drive from Anchorage, via the Glenn and George Parks Highways. Most outside visitors to Alaska pass by with nary a backward glance as they race north for Mount McKinley, the tallest mountain on the North American continent.

For Alaskans, the area is a winter weekend paradise of a summer evening getaway. It does not have the grand drama or big views for which Alaska is so famous, but you will find it has a serenity and symphony all its own.

One of the nicest times to go to the recreation area is in spring. Bright green foliage is just stating to tinge the willows. The beavers are busy repairing their dams from the catastrophes of winter. And with a host of songbirds contributing the background chorus, the loons have returned to nest, casting their eerie calls back and forth to their mates.