Debra and me at Hubbard Glacier
I’ve been fascinated with Alaska—it was a bucket list destination for many years—since my first visit to The Last Frontier, an early 20th century nickname used to describe the state’s wild, untamed nature. On that trip, in May 2010, Debra and I cruised the Alaskan Panhandle—the state’s southeastern coast—with port stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, and a transit through the inside passage.
I had great expectations, and without a doubt, that cruise delivered what I had hoped for and more, from breath-taking scenery to memorable experiences! (Click HERE to read more.)
As we approached the end of our trip, I remember thinking I’ll be back one day. Little did I know, though, that it would be a dozen years before I returned to Alyeska, an archaic spelling of Alaska from the Aleut language that translates as ‘The Great Land.’
In September 2022, daughter Jill and I Went Up to Alaska—an epic, land-based adventure from Seward to Fairbanks, which included a two-night stay in Denali National Park, overnight lodging in an igloo, and a day trip to the Arctic Circle. We had an awesome time!
Less than a year later, in June 2023, Jill and I embarked on a tour of Alaska By Land and By Sea, which started in Fairbanks and ended in Vancouver. Although I previously visited many (but not all) of the waypoints along our route, most every experience I had was new to me—and so I added to my collection of great memories of and from Alaska.
With these three trips, I felt confident I had seen and/or experienced as much of the northernmost American frontier as I likely would in this lifetime. Still…
I had great expectations, and without a doubt, that cruise delivered what I had hoped for and more, from breath-taking scenery to memorable experiences! (Click HERE to read more.)
As we approached the end of our trip, I remember thinking I’ll be back one day. Little did I know, though, that it would be a dozen years before I returned to Alyeska, an archaic spelling of Alaska from the Aleut language that translates as ‘The Great Land.’
In September 2022, daughter Jill and I Went Up to Alaska—an epic, land-based adventure from Seward to Fairbanks, which included a two-night stay in Denali National Park, overnight lodging in an igloo, and a day trip to the Arctic Circle. We had an awesome time!
Less than a year later, in June 2023, Jill and I embarked on a tour of Alaska By Land and By Sea, which started in Fairbanks and ended in Vancouver. Although I previously visited many (but not all) of the waypoints along our route, most every experience I had was new to me—and so I added to my collection of great memories of and from Alaska.
With these three trips, I felt confident I had seen and/or experienced as much of the northernmost American frontier as I likely would in this lifetime. Still…
American Child, there's a burden inside you
That calls you away through the cold
To come back again to all that you've been
Can't you see it's time to come home
That calls you away through the cold
To come back again to all that you've been
Can't you see it's time to come home
~ John Denver, American Child
Yep, one year later, Alaska beckoned to me yet again...and I answered the call.
Debra and I celebrated our Golden Anniversary in June 2024, and as part of our year-long celebration, we booked a two-week cruise aboard the luxurious Crystal Serenity—a decidedly stylish experience “in a world of comfort and sophistication” for our once-in-a-lifetime event.
And so, for a fourth time I was Alaska-bound—bound as ‘in going’ and as ‘in doing.’
I again experienced the majesty of Alaska—one awe-inspiring site after another—as we sailed roundtrip from Vancouver with stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, and Seward—each port of call, surrounded by incredible scenery, was unique and interesting—and a transit through the wild landscape of Hubbard Glacier.
Debra and I had a grand time, and truth be told, I was as awestruck on this, my fourth trip to Alaska, as I was on my first! I look forward to sharing our experiences and my memories with you.
Debra and I celebrated our Golden Anniversary in June 2024, and as part of our year-long celebration, we booked a two-week cruise aboard the luxurious Crystal Serenity—a decidedly stylish experience “in a world of comfort and sophistication” for our once-in-a-lifetime event.
And so, for a fourth time I was Alaska-bound—bound as ‘in going’ and as ‘in doing.’
I again experienced the majesty of Alaska—one awe-inspiring site after another—as we sailed roundtrip from Vancouver with stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, and Seward—each port of call, surrounded by incredible scenery, was unique and interesting—and a transit through the wild landscape of Hubbard Glacier.
Debra and I had a grand time, and truth be told, I was as awestruck on this, my fourth trip to Alaska, as I was on my first! I look forward to sharing our experiences and my memories with you.
My Stories, One Port at a Time
Fair Winds and Following Seas
Juneau: On a Photo Safari by Land and by Sea
Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier
Juneau: Whale Watching
Icy Straight Point: My Walkabout
Hubbard Glacier: A Scenic Cruise
Seward: On Foot in Downtown Seward
Hubbard Glacier: It Creaked, It Groaned & Then…Boom!