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Up To Alaska!

9/22/2022

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Chugach Mountain Range, Girdwood AK

Alaska (September 2-14, 2022) ‘Ping!’ went my phone one evening in May. A new text, I thought. Sure enough – it was a message from daughter Jill.

“Hey,” she wrote, “I just got invited to Alaska.”

“Oh, fun!” I replied.

“Would you like to go?” Jill asked.

“YES!!” I typed as quick as I could.

“Ok,” she shot back. “I’ll give my contact the go ahead. We probably won’t hear anything for a few weeks.”

As a journalist for many national magazines and publications, Jill covers a range of topics, including health and nutrition, science, finance, and food. Her favorite topic, though, is travel...and with her reputation in this space, she is often invited on press trips to destinations across the United States, Europe, and elsewhere. Sometimes Jill travels alone, but oftentimes she is able to bring a guest…and this was the case with her invitation to tour Alaska.
​
We’ve gone on a handful of daughter-father trips the past several years, including Ireland, North Dakota, and New Mexico. Each trip was an adventure, and so I had no doubt that this one would be as well.  
Well I’m goin’ up to Alaska,
I’m gonna have myself some fun
Yes, I’m goin’ up to Alaska,
Gonna have myself some fun,
A little change of position,
Cheechako in transition,
Ain’t gonna bother anyone.
~ The Alaska Song by Lacy J. Dalton
A month went by and then one morning, ‘Ping!’ – this time, it was an email from Jill. She wrote, “Here’s the preliminary itinerary. We have some choices to make, so please review and get back to me later today.”

She didn’t have to ask me twice!

Our 12-day Alaskan adventure would start in Seward (by way of Anchorage) and end in Fairbanks. Pinch me now, I thought as I scanned the itinerary. On tap was a scenic cruise through the Kenai Fjords, a two-night stay in Denali National Park, overnight lodging in an igloo, a reindeer encounter, a day trip to the Arctic Circle, and more.

This was the return trip to Alaska that I dreamt of ever since Debra and I cruised the Alaskan Panhandle in 2010.    

I called Jill that evening to discuss optional activities at a few of our stops, and quickly discovered we were of like mind. With that, our trip was set. And oh (!!), what a trip it was.

I look forward to sharing our experiences with you.

My Stories, One Day at a Time
I will post stories about our trip, with a new story every month or so.

Alaska Starts Here
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​Jill and I went on an exhilarating cruise through Kenai Fjords, where we explored the world of whales, wildlife, and glaciers. It was spectacular!
READ

Alyeska's Jaw Dropping Scenery
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Jill and I spent a relaxing day at Alyeska Resort, where we rode the aerial tram up Mt. Alyeska - great scenic views from the top - and luxuriated in the resort's Nordic spa. We loved it! 
READ

A Close Encounter With The Bearded Ones
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Jill and I enjoyed a unique experience in Palmer, Alaska - a close encounter with Phoenix, Sage, Bumble Bee, and other musk ox as we toured The Musk Ox Farm. What fun!
READ

Talkeetna: A Turn-of-the-Century Town
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Jill and I had two memorable days in Talkeetna, as we explored the historic downtown district and cruised the Susitna River. Fun, fun, fun!!!
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Tundra Wilderness Tour
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Jill and I explored Denali's unspoiled wilderness, where we saw iconic wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery. Fantastic!
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Denali's Sled Dog Kennels
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Jill and I enjoyed two freebies in Denali this morning - the Visitor Center and Dog Sled Kennels. Both rated two thumbs up!
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The Wonderous Lights Unfurled
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Jill and I shared a bucket-list goal: to gaze upon the aurora borealis.  Well, tonight, the northern lights entertained us with a spectacular show!
READ

A Reindeer Meet and Greet
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It  was an extraordinary moment in Alaska for me - a meet and greet with three reindeer at Borealis Basecamp.  My encounter was fun and education, and I had a great time!
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The Golden Heart of Alaska
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I panned for gold and walked with the reindeer. What a fun day I had in Fairbanks, the Golden Heart of Alaska!
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I Crossed the Arctic Circle!
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The Arctic Circle was a bucket list goal...and I reached it on a day trip from Fairbanks. I felt like I was on top of the world!
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The Museum of the North
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​On my last day in Alaska, I visited the Museum of the North. It was a capstone learning experience to my 12-day adventure through Alaska with Jill!
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