Alaska is notably a destination on many persons’ travel bucket lists. As noted in my last post, The Husband and I did a bit of traveling earlier this month, and boy, the last frontier did not disappoint.
There were big planes and little ones, long trains and short ones, gondolas to take us up the side of a mountain, and a giant zip line to bring us back down. And of course, there was a ship because one of the best ways to get the most out of a trip to Alaska is to do it on a cruise. But first, let me share some background.
About 7 years ago, The Husband and I had set a goal for ourselves of visiting/revisiting all 50 states. To give us a bit more added purpose for these visits, we decided to include stops at each of the state capitals. Up until this past trip, there’d been 4 (plus one that we had to cut short due to illness) and we’d been to 17 states/capitals. I chronicled all but one of the successful state capitals trips on the blog (see In Real Life: East Coast Travels, 21 In ’21: Highlights From A Road Trip, and What I Did Over My Summer Vacation: Family, Fun, & Food). So far, we’ve covered all of New England, most of the mid-Atlantic, and many of the westernmost states.
Left to right, top to bottom: Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts
Planning for our most recent trip began at the suggestion of a couple we are close friends with (photo on left below) and have traveled with previously. The suggestion came up in conversation in the early part of 2022 and went something like “Let’s go on an Alaskan cruise”. By Spring of that year, and after consideration of the many options available, we had our deposits in for adjacent balcony staterooms. When that couple told another couple they know (photo on right below) about the cruise, that couple asked if they go along as well and we became a group of 6.
We were booked for a 7-day cruise on the ship Jewel of Norwegian Cruise Line starting from Seward on a Monday and ending in Vancouver the following Monday. Initially, plans included a 1-day fishing trip for the other two men (my guy doesn’t fish) out of Anchorage so we’d be spending a few nights there before the start of the cruise. The fishing trip didn’t happen but we did fly up to Anchorage the Friday prior to the start of the cruise.
While we were in Anchorage, we stayed in a lovely AirBnB and our travel arranger (aka Michael) found an AirBnB-like car rental that fit our needs perfectly. The six of us filled our time over that weekend with a couple of day trips. On Saturday, we drove up to Talkeetna to see Denali up close and personal. We’d arranged for a flight tour with K2 Aviation (not sponsored, just sharing information) that included a glacier landing. Our original plans had been for the summit tour where you get to an altitude of over 20,000 and you can actually see the top of the summit. However, the plane that is equipped for that flight was out of service so we were given a different tour which was spectacular in its own right.
It is said that visitors of Denali National Park can be broken up into two groups: the 30% club and everyone else. The 30% club is made up of the people who were fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. Due to ever-changing weather conditions, 7 out of 10 days the mountains are out of sight because the Alaska Range is often shrouded in clouds. As you can see, it was a picture-perfect day for us.
The next day, we headed in somewhat the opposite direction with Whittier as our destination. Other than by water via the Prince William Sound, access to this tiny seaside town is through a controlled one-lane tunnel with alternating train and vehicle use. East-to-west traffic gets a 15-minute window starting on the hour and west-to-east traffic gets its 15-minute window starting on the half-hour. Trains are worked in in between. It was cool and blustery the day we visited but the small harbor was still a buzz with activity.
Bright and early the next morning, we were headed to the train station for the final leg of the trip that would get us to our ship in Seward. This was the only day we had any real rain as well. As advertised, the train was roomy and quite comfortable. There was lush greenery, streams and waterfalls, as well as glimpses of glaciers along the way. We learned about the history of the area and the construction of the rail route. The train ride was over before we knew it and then we got our first look at our ship.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. Today’s featured post from the last link-up, Green With Envy, was contributed by Melody over at her eponymous blog, Melody Jacob. I’m sure that you’ll agree that Melody looks stunning in this dress plus her choice of accessories is so on point for summer.
So that takes us through to day 4 of the trip and we’re not even on the ship yet. Of course, there’s still tons more to share about our adventures in Alaska. Be sure to come around next week for Part 2 plus an assessment of how well I planned and packed for this trip. What are your travel plans for this summer? Is anyone else heading to the last Frontier to chill out?
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.
Photo credits: MMPerez, myself, and a couple of nameless randos
20 Comments
I’m not going to say this is my dream trip because it isn’t. But, dang! It’s very close! I want to go to Alaska and Vancouver. The husband, however, is not so keen and definitely not on a cruise. He’s such a fuddy duddy sometimes. I can’t wait to read about the rest of the trip because this one was amazing! Thanks for the link party!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
I am exciting to read about this trip: I am hoping that hubby and I can do an Alaskan cruise for our 25th anniversary (in 4 years) so any info is going to come in handy! And it’s such a beautiful state!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
What an incredible trip! Alaska is on my husband’s bucket list so I hope to get here soon. Love all these amazing pics!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Oh, that would be a dream trip for my hubby and I. Lucky you! Thanks for the party.
We love traveling with friends, so much fun. My friend has mentioned visiting all 50 states, so much to see and do and so little time. These photos are breathtaking – I can hardly wait for part 2!
xo,
Kellyann
What a fun goal of visiting all 50 states. Your photos are absolutely beautiful! I would love to visit Alaska one day. Looking forward to part 2!
Jill – Doused in Pink
What a bucket list trip! This looks so incredible!
What a dream of a trip, so look forward to reading about the next part of the journey!
Pamela
http://www.style-yourself-confident.com
Wow! I’m more of a beach and sun person but Alaska always appealed to me. Because it is so different! Fabulous!
Reminds me of our trip to Alaska, probably my favorite vacation. I couldn’t get over the early sunrise and late sunsets-practically still daylight at 10 pm. Looks like you had a memorable time. Thanks for sharing.
Oh wow; your photos are incredible!! It sounds like the perfect start to your trip.
What a wonderful trip – Reminds me of our own Alaska cruise many years ago and still a highlight.
I have linked up this week with = 45+46.
If you have not joined us at SSPS yet, this is a personal invite to come and share your awesome post/s with us
You will find the linkup information (1) In the Top bar under Blogging: Weekly Senior Salon Pit Stop OR 2nd image In the sidebar.
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I love your goal of visiting all the states. And boy does Alaska deliver. Fantastic pics. Look forward to your next trip.
Alaska is a fantastic place to visit. My husband and I visited there about 5 years ago, and we loved it! It is so neat that you and your guy are visiting all 50 states.
What amazing views, it looks stunning there. Thanks for hosting the linkup, do pop by to #chicandstylish tomorrow. Jacqui x
My husband has always wanted to go to Alaska. I, on the other hand, haven’t, mainly because of the extreme cold and the wild animals lol!! But after reading your Part I, I think I’m changing my mind. It looks extraordinarily beautiful. I like the idea of a cruise, but not travelling on those tiny planes though lol!! I’m excited to read more, Rena!
Hugs
Suzy xx
First and foremost, I’d like to thank you for featuring me on your blog. You absolutely made my week, and it is for reasons like these that I continue to blog. I like the dress, and as you mentioned, it’s ideal for summer.
What a fantastic adventure, and what lovely images you brought back!
melodyjacob.com
Such a cool trip. What fun. Beautiful pics. What fun. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
Kudos to you for setting a goal of visiting all 50 states. I hope your future travels are smooth and enjoyable. The Alaska trip looks fabulous! Great pics! Thank you for sharing this post in the Talent-Sharing Tuesdays Link-Up 69.
Carol
http://www.scribblingboomer.com
What an incredible trip! I love beach holidays but Alaska looks amazing! Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com