Alaska – Thrills, Spills and Stunning Scenery
As we explore the south pole, we decided to share our experience from the other end of the world. No, we didn’t quite make it to the North Pole, but we did have the chance to explore much of the northernmost state of America, Alaska.
It is a dream to think that we have made it to both Alaska and Antarctica in 2 years time. Both destinations have been places that we had dreamed of visiting for years and now with a little luck and a lot of hard work, we have managed to make our dreams come true.
We are putting together our stories, photographs and videos from Antarctica right now, but as we make you wait for commentary from our greatest adventure yet, we bring you down a trip through memory lane of our favourite moments from Alaska.
1. Ketchikan Zodiac Adventure
If you want a real Alaskan Adventure, the Ketchikan Zodiac tour is amazing. We manned our own zodiacs through open water witnessing whales and bald eagles in their natural habitat. We zipped and whizzed through the choppy waters and felt the thrill of speeding along the rugged Alaskan coastline. During the tour we stopped at a bush camp for hot chocolate and marshmallows as we warmed our chilly fingers by the open fire. On our way back we stopped to see the totem poles on display in the town of Ketchikan and dodged out of the way of a float plane coming in for a landing. I have never had so much fun on water. Find our more information at Ketchikan Outdoors.
2. Heli, Hike and Rail in Skagway
Being let off at the wilderness trail in Skagway
For a little taste of everything at once when visiting Alaska, we found the Heli Hike and Rail trip to be the perfect sampler. The tour starts off with a helicopter ride flying through the mountains and diving down towards the glaciers for a birds eye view of the Juneau Ice Fields. We were then let off at a wilderness trail where we took a nature hike to learn about the flora and fauna of the Tongas National Forest. It’s a long way back to Skagway, so instead of having the choppers come back out to get us, we hitched a ride on the Historical White Pass Railway that comes all the way in from the Yukon Territories.
3. Flying Over Mount McKinley
I don’t think that I have witnessed as spectacular scenery anywhere as we did from the plane circling Mount McKinley. In a tiny 9 seater 9-seat 1966 De Havilland Beaver bush plane we set off for our tour around North America’s highest mountain. This has to be one of the most scenic flights on earth and the ride will give you a little bit of a thrill as you fly so close to the mountain you feel as if you could reach out and touch it. Although our pilot Jim told us that it is an optical illusion, we were actually much farther away than it looks. For more information visit Fly Denali
4. Cruising Through Glacier Bay
There is only one way to witness the glaciers of Glacier Bay and that is on a boat. We had the luxury of being on Princess Cruises and we booked a spot at the sanctuary at the back of the ship where we could witness the scenery in comfort and away from the crowds on deck. The ship spends the day circling in the middle of the bay to give you views of all the surrounding glaciers. We heard the sound of glaciers breaking off and falling into the water and we saw a grizzly bear walking along the shore. To witness Mother Nature at her mightiest is an awe inspiring sight.
5. Horseback Riding
On a Trail Ride at Mount McKinley
You can’t go to Alaska and not explore it the good old fashioned way, By horse. I imagined what it must have been like for early settlers to ride their steeds through the untamed landscape. As I day dreamed of being a real cowboy and wondered what it would be like to take part in an early wagon train or trail ride, old ranch songs played in my head. Get Along Little Doggies, Dave and Deb are in Alaska.
6. Whale Watching
The Fluke of a Humpback Whale
You are almost guaranteed 100% to see whales when whale watching in Juneau. You are almost guaranteed 100% to experience rain when visiting Juneau as well, it’s the wettest place in America. So, this is a good place to go and see some whales as the excursion goes no matter what the weather. Juneau is the best place on earth to spot Humpback whales and we saw plenty of them. We also saw Harbour seals and plenty of Bald Eagles, Amazing.
There are so many more things that you can do in Alaska. We visited Denali National Park, we panned for gold, took a river boat cruise and road ATV’s. For a real rip roaring adventure, Alaska is the place to go.
Alaska and Antarctica have been a dream and we couldn’t have done either without the help of Quark Expeditions and Princess Cruises and are forever grateful.
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Alaska is such an amazing state – the diversity is stunning, and it looks like you were able to capture a lot of it on your trip. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks John. We were very lucky to be able to take part in a bunch of excursions and dream adventures. I’d love to go back to Alaska and spend some extended time there to explore some more.
Thanks John, we agree. Alaska exceeded our expectations. It’s pretty awesome and we were lucky to be able to see it from above, from the water, on zodias, trains, planes and ship. WE definitely had the opportunity to make the most out of our time there.
You picked the “top of the crop” of Southeast Alaska for your post! Except for the more sporty activities in your selection I have done all of them and can definitely vouch for them being absolute must sees and must dos in Alaska.
My favorites where whale watching from Juneau – I have never seen whales anywhere else in the world being so active breaching, bubble netting and showing their flukes while diving. It is a great outdoor adventure. Then of course the flight over Mt. McKinley! I’ve done that flight several times and the best of them included a landing on the glacier – being on such a high mountain in the middle of nowhere is an awe inspiring experience. My third highlight is Glacier Bay – the only advice I can give there: take your time and try to get out in a kayak – this is nature at its best. And don’t miss the fabulous glaciers at the end of Glacier Bay. I’d also recommend an overnight stay in the Lodge at Bartlett Cove, if you are into beautiful sunsets. But there are also some really nice B&Bs in the area.
That is very cool that you’ve done them all and you made my day that we have your stamp of approval. We loved everything that we did in Alaska. It’s a different world up there and its a world that we like very much. We were just in Antarctica and saw some incredible whale activity, but Alaska was definitely a close second when it came to whale watching. Sounds like you had a great trip on your excursion. Ah, I would love to kayak Glacier bay. WE kayaked in Antarctica and agree, getting out on a kayak is a zen like experience. To have glaciers calving all around you while sitting in silence on a tiny vessel is like nothing on earth.
Hi debndave! It was the best article which i read. Exploring the beauty of the nature is also an art and only those people can do that which love tourism!!
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Thanks Asif. Alaska was awesome and it was seeing its natural beauty that was awe inspiring, especially witnessing so much of it from above. Absolutely breathtaking.
You’ve captured some great photographs! I love the one with the helicopter; it almost looks Photoshopped! Haha! Aren’t the glaciers in Alaska just amazing? Did you have the opportunity to see any calving glaciers while there? I know you mentioned hearing them crack and fall.
Thanks for a great post!
Laurie
Boat Charters Alaska
My dad went on a sailing trip a week ago and look at these amazing Dall’s Porpoises he saw!:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozM_0wkrfX4