Archive for February, 2008

Just as another four inches of snow piled up on the deck, I received my 2008 brochure from the folks at Brooks Lodge. That’s the lodge right at Brooks River, where all the bears gather at the falls to eat fish. And there are lots of fish.It’s also the headquarters for Katmai National Park. There’s lots going on here. Even though it’s snowing outside, you might consider planning your expedition right away.
When your floatplane lands form either King Salmon or Kulik Lodge, your first stop is “bear school”.

(Photo: Lodge owner Sonny Petersen pulls his plane up to the beach at Grosvenor Camp)

“Bear School” is run by the National Park Service and it gives you an overview of how to get along with the many bears that wander around the area. You know: don’t feed them. Things like that. Once you’re done with that you’re free to wander up to the viewing platform at the falls to see the bears. Half the show is watching all the photographers set up their fancy telephoto gear. Honestly, you do not need a telephoto lens to get pictures of the bears. Chances are you will stumble upon one as you get on the bus, round the corner, walk out of the lodge, etc. They’re all over. But-you know–the photographers are trying to match up that perfect shot of the bear chomping on the salmon which is jumping out of the water to get above the falls. Snap-snap-snap go the cameras. Chomp-chomp-chomp go the bears. Fun!
While you’re staying at Brooks Camp, make plans to go on the full-day tour to the Valley of the 10,000 Smokes. This is a must-see. MUST-SEE. You take this monster 8-wheel-drive super-mod school bus on the road up to an observation post overlooking the valley. You arrive just in time for lunch–a sandwich, chips and beverage. Then, you hike down to the Valley floor to the Ukak River. Learn about the incredible explosion of Novarupta Volcano in 1912–and how it formed the valley.  The entire valley is blanketed with lava and pumice–and it’s incredible to see how the Ukak River has carved a huge canyon through the soft rock.
Anglers love Katmai National Park. They call it “Angler’s Paradise”. Actually, Angler’s Paradise was there before the park. Sonny Petersen’s family has a collection of two lodges, in addition to Brooks Camp, where fishermen can hang out while casting for trophy rainbows, arctic char and a variety of salmon. 
Instead of “Angler’s Paradise”, I call it “Sunken Camera Paradise”. That’s because on two separate occasions, I killed my fancy digital cameras. Once I walked into the river with my camera in my pocket. Another time I went swimming–swept off my feet and rescued by my guide–with my camera in my pocket. 
HA! I remember after my brief swim,  I’d wrung the water out of my clothes while balanced on a rock at the top of a small island. I was in the middle of the river–and I knew I’d have to walk back across the same stretch. But my guide came back and said “Well, since we’re up here–shall we go find those rainbows?”
HA! Classic. These guys stop at nothing to help you get those fish!  Make plans now to visit Katmailand this summer.  

(Photo: Don takes us on a boat ride on Grosvenor Lake for some late-night fishing.) 

 (Photo: Don gets a nice Char on the American River in Katmai National Park.)

(Photo: Cocktail hour at Grosvenor Camp.)

(Photo: Scott gets a nice Char on the American River. )

Oh, all the fishing is catch-and-release, fly-only. Don’t worry: nobody goes hungry. Although state law says you can harvest a bundle of fish each day, the lodge folks remind anglers that these are “Native, Wild Fish”. The areas never have been stocked. So don’t show up with a pocket full of Pixies and expect to go to town slinging metal from your spinning rod. HA!
Actually, they’ve got plenty of fly rods available for guests–along  with guides to show you how they work. On a particularly blustery day, we even sat inside and tied some killer flies!  

We had a nice visit with Alaska’s Governor, Sarah Palin. She encourages Alaskans to come and see Alaska’s Capital City. Remember, your legislators want to hear from you, especially with so many important issues on the table!
Stay at the Driftwood Lodge for just $39 per night. Ask for the “Constituent Rate”. 
Or, stay at the Juneau Hotel for $69. Or the Frontier Suites out by the airport for $79 per night.
Alaska Airlines offers a “Constituent Fare” to Alaska residents. You can trim up to 40 percent off the cost of a three-day advance purchase ticket.  That makes it about $300 from Anchorage.   

Jamie at USTravel is busy digging up great cruise deals. This 10-day sailing on the ms Ryndam is nice:
Designed to carry fewer passengers than others in her class, the ms Ryndam is among the most spacious ships at sea and the perfect choice for those who wish to see the world in style. Guests aboard Ryndam encounter elegance at every turn - from a string quartet serenade in the splendid dining room to the two-deck Vermeer Show Lounge named for the master painter.
Ports include Cabo San Lucas, Loreto, La Paz, Topolobampo, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.
This cruise departs April 5, 2008. Rates start at just $699 per person, double. Important: Holland America now adds fuel surcharges, which are in addition to port charges and government fees. 
Check with Jamie, Laura or one of the other professional agents for all the best deals on this cruise and other cruise specials from USTravel. Give her a call at (907)561-2434 or toll-free (800)544-2217.
Meet your travel agent! USTravel is having an open house Wed., Feb. 20, 10a-6p at 999 E. Tudor Rd. here in Anchorage.  Fun for the whole family including refreshments, family photos, door prizes, and a coloring area for the kids. It’s a Disney-themed event, so come prepared to learn more about “Kids Fly Free” to Disneyland and other Disney-themed vacations! 

Be quick. This is a last-minute President’s Weekend special on Continental Airlines. You can depart on Sat., Feb. 16, returning Monday or Tuesday, Feb. 18 or 19. G-r-e-a-t way to spend the President’s Day weekend, eh? Remember: Continental advertises the price at $198rt. But it’s $212rt with taxes.

Must-have Seattle accessory: The Seattle TourSaver, the 2-for-1 coupon book for all the best accommodations, activities and attractions in the Seattle area. The book costs $79.95 and is available at Argosy Cruises on the waterfront in Seattle. There’s an online sale for $59.95, but you might not get the book in time to take advantage of this GREAT last-minute air fare sale.

Remember: you accrue Alaska Airlines miles with every flight on Continental Airlines! 

Here are my favorite coupons:

a. 2-for-1 Kenmore Air Flightseeing

b. 2-for-1 Argosy Cruises

c. 2-for-1 Taste of Washington wine tastings in Pike Place Market

d. 2-for-1 Savor Seattle food tour at Pike Place Market

e. 2-for-1 Delicious cooking and dining experience with Diane’s Market Kitchen in Pike Place Market! 

f. 2-for-1 Victoria Clipper fast-cat from Seattle to Victoria, BC! 

See you in Seattle! 

We’ve been waiting for these deals. Princess Alaska Lodges has some great bargains:

Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge: Next to the Copper River near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the Copper River Princess is just south of Glennallen near Copper Center. Early-bird specials start at  $99 per night rate on May 19, 20 and 21. Or, choose a special  $119 per night rate good on select Mondays and Wednesdays May 23-Aug. 31, Tue. May 27 and Jun. 3, 10, and 17. FREE wireless.

Kenai Princess: Each room as its own fireplace, with a view of Kenai Lake and the snow-capped mountains beyond! Below, the scenic Kenai River flows past. There’s great food–and plenty to do. Stay on select Wednesdays all summer long for just $139. 

McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge: I love the DECK at this place. You can sit back and watch Mt. McKinley change in the morning light. After all, it’s the closest hotel to the mountain–and Denali fills up the entire northwestern horizon! Stay here for just $129 per night in May! The special is valid on select dates betwen May 15-31. Remember, there’s a FREE shuttle to/from Talkeetna, FREE wireless internet and a great espresso stand right in the lobby! 

Princess’s online booking engine makes it easy to check dates and book your rooms.