Exploring Alaska
Alaska offers spectacular scenery, majestic mountains, fascinating wildlife and stunning glaciers. The experiences of this Great Land will make your vacation unforgettable. From the midnight sun to the breaching of whales, from the mighty grizzlies to the energetic huskies.
My journey began in Anchorage, beautifully situated on Cook Inlet and surrounded by the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage has everything from fine restaurants to frontier saloons to museums and art galleries. I was able to visit the Alaska Heritage Center, a fascinating gathering place where age-old tradition and Native heritage are proudly kept alive.
Motorcoach took me to Talkeetna where I got my first glimpse of Mt McKinley. The mountain is a magnet for world-renowned climbers who gear up for their ascent in Talkeetna.
Next stop, the ultimate wilderness of Denali National Park. This park of international significance was designated a Biosphere Reserve in 1976 and is home to spectacular flora and fauna. It is the largest natural ecosystem in the world. The Tundra Wilderness Tour travels through the best wildlife viewing habitat area and has stunning scenery.
From Denali to Fairbanks I was a guest onboard the historic Alaska Railroad. The natural beauty of majestic peaks, rugged river canyons and the impressive engineering of soaring bridges and mystifying tunnels will leave you with memories not soon forgotten.
Heroic characters and action packed tales breathe life into every adventure in Fairbanks. Born of the gold rush, Alaska’s second largest city has never forgotten its frontier roots. A few ideas to bring out the adventurer in you; a sternwheeler cruise, see a bush pilot in action, visit an authentic gold mine, rub elbows with prospectors, visit an authentic native village, try gold panning or attend a salmon bake. You may view the TransAlaska Pipeline that runs through this area moving oil from Prudhoe Bay in the north to Valdez in the south.
My journey continued with a flight to Anchorage and motorcoach to Seward experiencing lush forests and scenic Turnagain Arm.
I came face to face with gigantic Hubbard Glacier as my cruise began. A native speaker and onboard naturalist enlivened the experience. This glacier is a 5 mile wide giant that stands 40 stories high, a titan on the move.
The first port was Juneau, capital of Alaska. You can explore a national forest, visit rustic shops, or get out and kayak, dogsled, raft, whale watch, flight-see or fish. A tram ride to the top of Mt. Roberts provides stunning photo opportunities and a chance to learn about the area’s rich Native culture.
Skagway was known as the "Gateway to the Yukon" during the Klondike Gold Rush. The White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad follows the same route as the gold miners took in 1896-1897. Visit the nostalgic Trail of ‘98 Museum and enjoy the honky-tonk piano music at the Red Onion Saloon.
Sitka, where the United States took possession of Alaska in 1867, is a stunning seaside town. Get a close up view of the abundant marine life on the Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest. Discover the echoes of Alaska’s Russian heritage beneath the onion domes of St Michael’s Cathedral.
Ketchikan is a picturesque city clinging to the shores of Tongass Narrows. Main attractions are Tongass Historical Museum, Totem Bight State Park, Saxman Village, Creek Street, Deer Mountain Hatchery and an assortment of boat harbors, float planes and fishing fleets.
Misty Fjords National Monument, called "The Yosemite of the North" for its similar geology, is granite that has been sculpted by glaciers that gouged deep U shaped troughs. The walls of these valleys are near vertical. This is a remote area best seen by cruise ship or flight seeing. Western Hemlock, Sitka Spruce and Western Red Cedar dominate the prolific rainforest vegetation. Wildlife in abundance includes grizzly and black bears, whales, mountain goats, deer and many species of salmon.
Vancouver is a cosmopolitan city where you can enjoy world class art and entertainment, fine dining and great shopping. Spectacular scenery right up to my departure home!
I can help you plan your exploration of Alaska, the largest U.S. state!