There’s no better way to see some of the “real” Alaska than by ferry. The ferry maintains an extensive route network in Southeast Alaska, or the “Inside Passage”. I snapped this shot between Wrangell and Petersburg:
Check out some of the new options:
a. Golden Circle Route. This summer, the m/v Malaspina sails each day between Juneau, Haines and Skagway. It’s a great opportunity to build a road trip through the Yukon, including these two cities. Stop off in Whitehorse, the capital of Canada’s Yukon Territory. Visit Haines Junction in the midst of the Yukon’s wilderness. Continue Reading »
We showed up at the Anchorage airport for Era Aviation’s quick flight to Kenai the other day. Here’s a photo as we were approaching the Kenai Airport.
Quick–as in 19 minutes. That’s quick. The nice thing about Era is you can walk directly from the curb up to the boarding gate and onto the plane. You know–why fiddle with the T-S-A-? ACK-ACK! Anything to avoid that hassle! While you’re checking in, fill out an application for Era’s new frequent flyer plan, “Fly Away Rewards”.
I had a lunch reservation at Sockeye’s, the restaurant at Kenai Landing. General Manager James Rowell Continue Reading »
Okay, indulge me for a moment. We had a wonderful soiree yesterday evening at the house to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. Christy and I had a few friends over, some relatives, some kids, some dogs and a few hangers-on. A great time was had by all.
This week, I’ve been playing tour guide–showing off some of Alaska’s best country to our visiting relatives. We flew to the Ruth Glacier on Mt. McKinley with Talkeetna Air Taxi. We sailed into Kenai Fjords National Park with Renown Tours. Today? We’re headed over the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
These all are “must-see, must-do” experiences. Continue Reading »
Between now and May 31, prices are as low as $99 per night at McKinley Princess (near Talkeetna), Copper River Princess (just south of Glennallen) and the Kenai Princess in Cooper Landing. These are great prices!
The Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge is the closest lodge to the mountain. In fact, Denali fills up the entire northwestern horizon from the hotel! The new restaurant, “20,320″ offers hearty fare and there is a bundle of optional activities, including:
a. Flightseeing of Mt. McKinley. Check the photo below!
b. Jeep Safaris
c. Jetboat tours with Mahay’s Riverboat Service
Enjoy free Continue Reading »
Wow.
What a great cruise from Seward! We drove down this morning from Anchorage. I was a little nervous about the time to drive to Seward. We budgeted three hours, but got there in 2:25. Honestly, the road is swift and smooth. Keep in mind–Smokey is everywhere. There’s construction and plenty of crazies on the road. So–mind the speed limit. You’ll make it.
Our National Park cruise with Renown Tours departed at 11:30 am. They want you there around 11 am to insure an on-time departure. You can park in the EXPENSIVE city lot across from the harbor ($10/day). Or, if you get there early enough, there is a free lot adjacent to the city lot. We chose FREE. My favorite word. Here’s a shot of the boat, the Glacier Express.
Our captain, Eric Olsen, was born in Seward. He’s been taking wildlife tours for many years into Kenai Fjords National Park. He knows the waters–and he knows the animals. He was quick to point out some mountain goats on the shore before we got out to Bear Glacier. Also, there were plenty of harbor seals around. They sort of kept us company the whole day. More photos below. Continue Reading »
Don’t miss an opportunity to get high in Talkeetna. I mean really high. Like 20,320 feet high (Hmmm…..WHAT were you thinking???).
Of course, we’re talking about your up-close view of Mt. McKinley. In an airplane. Landing on a glacier. Getting down on your hands and knees in the snow and wondering why you’re not freezing on the glacier! Below, here’s a shot of the summit of Mt. McKinley taken from the front seat as we ascend to altitude above the Tokositna Glacier.
This is the magic of Talkeetna Air Taxi’s flightseeing trips. We took some more pictures. Very cool… Continue Reading »
