Good Times …. and Weather!
Some years ago, we talked with the Pendleton’s, Morris’, and the Koobatian’s about going on an Alaskan vacation. After one postponement, it happened! This trip was the highlight of our year, with great friends and good times! We were told throughout our time in Alaska how lucky we were with the weather. It was sunny the whole time we were on the vacation … and it had rained non-stop for weeks prior.
Below is a summary and some photos. You can see more Alaska vacation photos on Flickr.
Anchorage
We flew into Anchorage two days before embarking on a southbound 7-day cruise. After arriving in Anchorage, we met up with Dave and Gay Morris.
We found a great restaurant with a view, where we enjoyed dinner that night. The next day, we drove up to Wasilla and learned all about sled dogs and cuddled with puppies! What an experience! What fascinating animals.
Later on, we met up with the Pendleton’s and Koobatian’s where we enjoyed time together at the “restaurant with a view” to hang out before heading back to our hotel. It was our only time with the Morris’ other than breakfast the next morning, as they were departing for a land tour and we were catching the train for Seward the next morning.
On the Way to Seward and our Ship
We enjoyed seeing the Spencer Glacier and Eagle’s Nest as part of our scenic rail journey. We arrived in Seward late in the afternoon, where we then boarded a Holland America cruise ship. Sailing began that evening.
The next day was an “at sea” day through Glacier Bay. Other than enjoying the beautiful scenery, we took a cooking class, had coffee on our veranda, and partied with our friends! Those that know us have a sense of what that is like!
Haines
Early the next morning, we arrived in Haines. We had all decided to go on the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari. It was pretty much an all-day trip that did not disappoint. We enjoyed a ride on a high speed expedition boat and paddled to the face of the Davidson Glacier on a 31-foot voyager canoe!
Juneau
We woke up the next morning in Juneau. Lynn and I had decided to go to the Mendenhall Glacier and Juneau Rainforest Garden. We walked the shores of Mendenhall Lake and took some trails to waterfalls and overlooks. The garden was a delightful experience, and we really liked the couple that guided us. We learned a lot about Glaciers in general, and about Southeast Alaska’s botanical world and the customs of the local people concerning their food, medicinal and cultural uses of the plants.
Ketchikan
We departed Juneau late in the afternoon and arrived in Ketchikan the next day. Our plans for the day included a Rain Forest Canopy and Zip Line Expedition. What an experience that was! There were hanging bridges, tree platforms, Alaska’s longest suspension bridge and nature trails. I was feeling pretty good about the ziplining, although I’m frightened of heights. This is because we’d done it in Maui a few years ago and really enjoyed it. But this was different. The ziplining itself was fine … it was standing on a very small platform that wrapped around a tree (and feeling the tree sway). Thought I wasn’t going to live through it 
My girlfriends encouraged me!
The next day we were at sea. We enjoyed a cruise of the Inside Passage and again … the weather was clear … if it was there, we were able to see it! Early the following morning, we arrived in Vancouver and the end of our cruise.
We would highly recommend this cruise and the Holland America cruise line. The food and service exceeded our expectations. We never felt claustrophobic or “packed in with people,” as there were plenty of spaces to go on the ship. Many “cruiser people” have said that Alaska is their favorite. We now know why.
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