We went on a two week trip to Alaska in 2000.  We spent one week on land touring
Fairbanks, Denali Park, Portage Glacier, Mt. Alyeska, riding on the McKinley Explorer train,
flying in a helicopter near Mt. McKinley, and finally cruising the beautiful Kenai Fjords.
In Seward, we boarded the Holland America Ryndam for a 7 day southbound cruise.
We cruised Glacier Bay, and visited Sitka, Juneau, and Ketchikan.

(To see any photo enlarged, just click on it.)

In Fairbanks, we took the steamboat Discovery on a nice cruise on the Chena River.
 The University of Alaska Museum is definitely worth a visit.

The Kenai Fjords area is just too beautiful to believe.  A trip on the Alaskan Explorer
or one of the other boats should not be missed.

These photos were taken while on the Alaskan Explorer.  We saw tons of wildlife, including a pod of Orca whales.
You can see and hear the glaciers calve.  It is really a fantastic experience.
Riding on the McKinley Explorer train is a great way to see the scenery, and also be comfortable as you travel.
 Be prepared for possibly long train rides if you travel on the Explorer.

Sitka is a small and beautiful Russian-Alaskan town.  There are many things to do,
and you can walk most anywhere you want to go.  Shopping is fun in Sitka.
 Try the Russian American Company for beautiful gifts.  I took the photo of
Mt. Edgecome from our window seat as we were sailing away from Sitka.

The Taku Glacier Lodge was built in 1923.  We took a seaplane excursion here.
 The lodge faces the "Hole in the Wall" Glacier.  The setting is one we will never forget.
 It is isolated and so beautiful.  The salmon bake was delicious.
For more information and wonderful photos of Taku Glacier Lodge, click here.

Ketchikan is great fun.  We loved walking to Creek Street
on a warm day in late May with not even a jacket.  We were told it really rains a lot in Ketchican
so we were very fortunate to be there on a perfect day.  There are lots of wonderful sidetrips available.
To learn more about Ketchikan, click here.

Sailing on the Ryndam was a 5* experience.
 We also took the option of  "Renewing our Vows."
 You'll find some photos here of our experience plus some other
photos that were taken during the cruise.

Links that you might enjoy:
www.alaska-online.com/travel/trslst.htm
www.alaskahelicoptertours.com/
www.touroptions.com/
 

If you would like to  read more about our trip,
please be my guest and visit my profile page at www.epinions.com.