Posts Tagged ‘Skagway’

It’s hard to discern an “all star” list of must-do or must-see adventures in Alaska’s National Parks this summer, but I’m gonna give it a shot. Here’s the punchline, tho’: every single one of these must-see items is 2-for-1 ONLY when you have a copy of the Great Alaskan TourSaver (available online for $99.95):

Here’s a shot of me “on assignment” on the Ruth Glacier with my point-n-shoot camera. On the left is my sister-in-law, Kim. She cannot believe I’m actually “working”. HA.

10. Lake Clark National Park. Take the Turquoise to Twin Traverse with Alaska Alpine Adventures. Not only is the park a stunning slice of wilderness…Alaska Alpine Adventures is a nationally-recognized tour company. They really do a great job. Your adventure includes air fare from Anchorage, meals, accommodations and activities. Watch for wildlife, fish, explore, hike–this is an incredible trip. 2-fo-1 with the TourSaver coupon.

9. New lodge in Kenai Fjords National Park. Join Alaska Wildland Adventures in their all-new lodge near Aialik Glacier. Your trip starts with a glacier cruise. Then, you can kayak, hike, explore to your heart’s content in this incredible park. Meals, activities, accommodations and your boat tour are included. Wow.2-for-1 with the TourSaver book. Feeling crabby? Plenty of company at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward. Check this photo below. It’s a MUST-SEE prior to or following your Kenai Fjords National Park adventure.

8. Glacier Hike in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. This is the nation’s largest national park. St. Elias Guides takes you on a glacier hike right in the heart of it. (more…)

The FAA issued an emergency order shutting down Juneau-based LAB Flying Service. 

Until Thursday, LAB operated a gob of flights between Haines, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Juneau. Plus flights to Hoonah, Kake and a host of other small Alaska communities. Many flights were on Piper Aircraft like this:

I just read through the FAA’s emergency order–and there are serious allegations regarding the airworthiness of the planes including loose and missing rivets, oil, fuel and hydraulic-fluid leaks, worn brake disks, busted seats, rusted doors, frayed seat belts…YIKES.

This is a tough situation for the airline, the communities it serves and for regulators who are charged with monitoring the safe operations of air carriers.

We’re headed to Southeast Alaska next week. We’ll be watching to see who picks up the EAS (Essential Air Service) contracts to provide subsidized mail and passenger operations to these small Alaska communities. In Kake, Wings of Alaska is taking LAB’s passengers, according to local reports. 

Me? I’m going on the Alaska Marine Highway and Alaska Airlines.

Guest correspondent Alicia Amberg went to Skagway last week (Birthday trip with Mom!). Here’s her report:

I had the pleasure of staying in Skagway, AK before and after hiking the Chilkoot Pass with my mom last week. 

We took a five-day hike through the Chilkoot Pass (summiting in the RAIN!). Here I am at the top with my mom, Tammy Oswald. 

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