Tag: Alaska

Back to Alaska part twelve

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Toward the end of my two week Alaskan cruise we visited Ketchikan again and explored the city taking in the beauty of this coastal town.

This included Creek Street which was highly recommended and it was easy to see why.

A top attraction in Ketchikan, Creek Street is a wooden boardwalk of brightly painted buildings resting on pilings perched over Ketchikan Creek. Though it’s best known for its history as a Red Light District, Ketchikan Creek has a rich and fascinating history. We found charming shops with lots of local artists represented.

The day started out cloudy and foggy but cleared up nicely and we walked a lot that day.

Arriving in Ketchikan
Another Princess ship in port
Like a parking lot for cruise ships
We disembark onto the pier
The Creek Street Red Light District
Shops built on pilings
Art
Ketchikan Creek

Back to Alaska part 10

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On the cruise ship Discovery Princess, you can count on delicious salads, starters, entrees and yes, the desserts. And some days a light breakfast of almond croissants fresh from the oven or my Brie croissant sandwich with arugula, orange marmalade and toasted walnuts. Chef’s kiss!

Back to Alaska part eight

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Our next stop was Skagway and we took one of their most popular excursions, the Skagway White Pass Railroad Summit Excursion

You board the train in Skagway and travel 20 miles from tidewater to the Summit of the White Pass – a 2,865-foot elevation.

Traveling in vintage passenger coaches you retrace the original route to the White Pass summit, passing Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch. We enjoyed viewing mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles, and historic sites along the White Pass Railroad. The railroad cars are each heated with a potbelly stove and we were comfortable.

Beginning
Great restaurant for lunch – food & service were superb
We were at the back of the train

Back to Alaska part seven

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Arriving in Juneau
Sea plane taking off
Skunk Cabbage
Glacier Gardens Rainforest
The views
One of many waterfalls
These parasols adorn the ceiling of the greenhouse
There’s a great gift shop here as well

Our second port was Juneau where we took a tour of Glacier Gardens Rainforest and the Whale Park.

Glacier Gardens Rainforest, a local gem established in 1998. Nestled within the heart of the Tongass National Forest is a floral sanctuary boasting a vibrant Alaska botanical garden. Aboard a covered tram we took a guided journey into the ancient splendor of Thunder Mountain’s old-growth rainforest at an elevation of 580 feet above sea level, overlooking Juneau.

Overstreet (Whale) Park, photographing the life-sized breaching whale statue and fountain, named Tahku, and the stunning views of the Gastineau Channel.

Whale Park

Back to Alaska part five

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Our first stop was Ketchikan, Alaska where we took a Waterfront & Wildlife Cruise. We saw a lot of eagles and these are some of my favorite photos from the day.

It started off cool but by the time we returned to the ship I was barefoot on my sunny balcony sipping prosecco!

Can you spot the eagle?
Can you spot the eagle?
Discovery Princess our home
Life is good

Back to Alaska part four

~ Spence's Girl ~ Leave a comment

This cruise I booked a full suite which came with so many perks – including a Concierge Lounge. It was literally across the hall from my suite. Over two weeks I was there every day at least three times as they change out incredible food offerings for breakfast, lunch and dinner bites of deliciousness.

Every Happy Hour my sister, brother-in-law and I would have drinks and enjoy the ambience, often including live music, before heading off to dinner. We played games there many afternoons, often as the only guests in the lounge.

The staff was exceptional, accommodating and fun. I already miss them.

The Suite life was sweet indeed.

Yes – it’s a Grand Piano
Prosecco for me
3 x a day – set up the most enticing snacks
Twice on the cruise after embarkation sweet guests get a complementary platter of canapés
Some days I made a little breakfast plate to eat in my room looking at the ocean

Ketchikan Alaska – Saxman Native Village

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Our last excursion on the Alaskan cruise was in Ketchikan. We took a city tour by trolley featuring the Saxman Native Village which boasts the world’s largest collection of totem poles. There are 32 of them scattered throughout the village. Our guide started with a presentation in a building where they are actively carving 2 new totem poles. She shared lots of interesting facts about the design of a totem pole and the significance of where to place each face, animal or bird to tell a story.

Glacier Bay Inside Passage – a day at sea

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This day fell midway through our cruise, sunny and still much warmer than we’d anticipated. As the Captain navigated the inside passage, we had the privilege of viewing the pure beauty of Glacier Bay. As we sailed, the ship made several very slow 360 degree turns so everyone had a chance to see the passage from all angles. While you can view from the open top deck, I found it too crowded. Instead I happily returned to my cabin to enjoy a few glasses of Prosecco on my balcony while taking it all in. It was a zen kind of day full of sunshine, blue sky, sparkling sea and glaciers. In a word, perfect!

Flowers in Alaska

~ Spence's Girl ~ 2 Comments

Whatever we expected of the weather in Alaska was completely different than our experience. Having packed layers, waterproof jackets and footwear, gloves, hats…..you get it. That said, the week we spent there was sunny, warm and perfect for enjoying the beauty around us and the flowers were thriving.