Archive for May 21st, 2008

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. (more…)

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… (more…)

I recently wrote to Steve Jarvis, an Alaska Airlines vice president, and told him I’d give him $10 if Alaska Airlines would fly to Minneapolis. Boy, I guess I’ll have to pay up.

Beginning Oct. 26, 2008, Alaska Airlines will fly twice-daily between Seattle and Minneapolis. I think this is going to be a big hit–both for the Seattle folks and for travelers here in Alaska. Introductory fares are available between Seattle and Minneapolis for $139 each way (for travel through Feb. 12, 2009). Taxes and fees are additional. Oh, there’s a double-miles promotion, too (for travel 10/26-12/31/2008). 

There’s more, though. 

Starting Nov. 17, 2008, Alaska Airlines will fly nonstop from Seattle to Kona on Alaska’s Big Island. With this new service, Alaska Airlines will serve four major Hawaiian Islands: Hawaii, Oahu, Kauai and Maui. 

Finally, Alaska is boosting its Anchorage-Maui seasonal service from Oct. 31, 2008-Apr. 25, 2009 from twice-weekly to three-times-weekly. That’s great news!

For Alaska Airlines frequent flyers, this is hot stuff. It means your companion tickets (which you get with your Alaska Airlines Visa Card) is worth more since it works to high-dollar destinations like Minneapolis and Kona. It also means there are more competitive fares–particularly to notoriously high-fare destinations like Minneapolis. 

Great news!