 |
| Denali on a clear day (we were probably 60+ miles away) |
After one last pass through the buffet this morning, we disembarked the Norwegian Jewel. We took the train from the cruise terminal (Canada Place) to the airport. We have a few hours to kill before our flight to San Francisco, so I thought I would do a quick blog with a couple of reflections, as well as a few potentially helpful hints.
Alaska is big, bold and beautiful. The people who live in Alaska (as well as the seasonal help) are very friendly and helpful. They are happy to share information on where to eat and what to do. They also enjoy sharing stories about living in what is regarded as the "Last Frontier". As an example of how friendly folks can be here's a true story. We met a nice young couple in the pool/hot tub area at the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood. They actually live in Girdwood and have a membership to the fitness center for them and their daughter. He is an ER doctor in a small hospital near the Bering Sea. He flies over for 10 days at a times and lives in a yurt while there. We talked for about an hour about living in Alaska, families, being an ER doctor in Alaska (he sees some nasty stuff) and mission work that he does in India. As they were leaving they gave us their phone number and told us that we could borrow their extra car anytime we wanted it! Now that's true hospitality!
One of the many other stories we heard that is worth sharing is how the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage got started. The easiest way to share the story is by the link below:
Annabelle the Alaska Zoo Elephant
Here are what may be a few helpful hints (in no particular order) if you're going to be visiting this amazing state:
If you are going to be cruising to Alaska you will most likely start in Seattle or Vancouver. If you fly to either Seattle or Vancouver there is a train from the airport in both cities. It's the most affordable way to get into the city center.
Vancouver is an awesome city. If it's possible give yourself a few days to explore it.
The same can be said for Seattle.
Hotwire is a great tool to use to find affordable hotels in Vancouver (it's a fairly expensive place).
The weather in Alaska can always be tricky. Even though you may get them, don't expect sunny skies and warm temperatures. Remember you are in Alaska, not the Caribbean. Don't judge the day by the weather.
If at all possible, avoid June, July and August. These months are the "high season" months. This means bigger crowds and bigger price tags. The summer months also tend to be some of the rainiest months.
Cruises start in late April/early May and run through September. We've done early and late season cruises and they're both great.
If souvenirs are your thing, wait until the end of the season. A week or so after Labor Day you can buy practically anything you want with "Alaska" on it for around 50% off!
Rental car rates drop dramatically after Labor Day! One way rentals typically have large "drop off" fees. Hotwire works great for rental cars also.
The Alaska Railroad is a great way to get around. The routes will take you through some incredibly scenic areas.
Services around Denali pick up around the middle of May and start shutting down pretty quickly after labor day. There are a few places open all year but not many.
Although it's huge, there aren't many roads. If you spend some time on land you'll most likely be visiting Seward, Girdwood, Anchorage, Denali and possibly Fairbanks. They are all great!
The Alaska Tour Saver booklet offers some great discounts (mostly buy one, get one free) on attractions, rentals, etc.
Alaska Tour Saver
As for the Traveling Idiots...….it's on to San Francisco for us. We're looking forward to visiting with Sarah, Joey and Sweet Baby James for a few days.
We're putting the finishing touches on our next adventure, but that's for another blog!
I've added a few additional pictures to the two previous blogs if you're interested.
