An Alaskan Adventure

Be prepared for stunning scenery, get up close to wildlife and pack for all seasons. We enjoyed a once in a lifetime Alaskan cruise in May and had such an adventure. Sailing from San Francisco our first glimpses of snow-capped mountains were on approaching Ketchikan, one of the most South eastern cities in Alaska. A town full of colorful buildings and a green forest backdrop, we were surprised at the bright, warm sunny day that greeted us. No thermals needed here. Seaplanes seem to be a popular mode of transport and a short drive out of town took us to our forest Zip line adventure. My first step off a 70-foot high platform was nerve wracking but if the 82-year-old lady in my group of 6 was brave enough to do it, then so could I! Soaring through the treetops was exhilarating. This is where we caught our first Bald Eagle sightings too. Did you know… Ketchikan has the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles? Well, you do now.

Juneau, the capital city of Alaska cannot be reached by road from the rest of Alaska due to the surrounding rugged terrain. Everything and everyone are transported by sea or air. We were greeted by rain and mist on a very gloomy day, thermals were needed as well as waterproofs! After a drive out of town, we were met by the amazing sight of the Mendenhall Glacier. It was here that we donned oilskins and wellies to climb aboard a river float to paddle closer to the Glacier and then a gentle river rafting trip through rapids whilst spotting eagles nests in the surrounding trees. I was looking forward to the hot cider and salmon dip at the finishing line!

Glacier Bay National Park – awesome! A national park on water and stunning up close sights of blue tinged Glaciers and silently floating icebergs. You can see the layers of ice (a bit like seeing the rings of a tree) rising above the crystal-clear water like an ice cliff. Park rangers explained that Glaciers are formed from layers of snow compressed over many years into thick ice masses. Unbelievably, they flow like very slow rivers, grinding rock from the land each side and below on its travels. The silence is stunning until a huge chunk of ice ‘calves’ away from the mass and crashes into the sea below. Can you believe that Glacier Bay is over 5000 square miles in area? Roughly the size of Connecticut.

Skagway – Gold rush memories were in 1 year, the town grew from a few tents to 20,000 gold seekers. The town's buildings replicate those from the Gold rush days along its boardwalk. A vintage passenger train winds around the mountain to the White Pass Summit. We took a ride out to the Yukon traveling through stunning scenery changes. Lakes, waterfalls, tree covered gorges and snow-capped mountains and the most stunning sight of bears, wandering along the roadside. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

Whale watching in Icy Strait Point - a breathtaking experience on the brightest of days. Bobbing up and down in the bay on a small, well-equipped boat then hearing and seeing the spout of a humpback whale surfacing right in front of my eyes. We spotted a mother and calf gently gliding through the water, then treated to the picture book sight of a huge tail fin disappearing beneath the surface. Glacier Wind Charters, a family owned and well-run tour company were our choice for this fantastic experience. This small town is simply stunning, a backdrop of towering rainforest and snow topped peaks. We saw (and heard) the world’s largest Zip Rider here, 300 feet above the ground and speeds of 60mph. Icy Strait is locally owned and operated by the Huna Totem Corporation with 1400 Alaska Native Shareholders. I recommend a nice cold beer at the Icy Strait Brewery.

We saw the green rainforests of Sitka on a gray day. They say you can experience all 4 seasons in one day here. A cultural and political hub of Russian America in the early 19th century explains the Russian influence here. A beautiful Russian Orthodox Church in the center of town with shops displaying Russian Dolls. Also the home of the Tlingit Native Americans, our guide was proud to explain her heritage and beliefs. Ornate Totem Poles towered above us, each telling a story. We visited the Raptor Centre with its modern raptor hospital – a center where injured Bald Eagles are treated and cared for, they are bought or collected from all over Alaska. Such majestic creatures. We also stopped off at Fortress of the Bear and saw up close the spectacular orphaned bears in its care. A one of a kind in Alaska.

All in all a once in a lifetime experience with some of the most picturesque scenery I have ever seen – a photographers dream and a must for any wildlife enthusiast. The cost of living is high, fuel and food expensive due to the cost of importing it but famous for Salmon and delicious seafood too. In every town, we visited we met with proud and helpful locals ready and waiting to share their knowledge. As I said at the beginning, pack clothes for all seasons. Layers are perfect and waterproof outerwear and walking shoes my best buys along with my trusty winter thermal undies! Alaska 2017.