| Rusty's Final Alaskan Travel Log (part 12)KWTX Blog Listing | ||||
|
Recent Blog Topics
|
|||
Save
Email
Print
|
All good things must come to an end. So goes this daily journal describing what for Ann and me was a trip of a lifetime. This amazing two week vacation has been shared by 47 individuals and couples, some of whom were at first strangers, now a group of somewhat homesick friends.     This twelfth day began like so many others, a gathering for breakfast and then a loading onto the motor coach for sights unseen.
         After less than an hour on the Alaskan highway with stunning views of Turnagain Arm, we pulled into a rest stop in the ski resort town of Girdwood, located south of Anchorage. Everyone was eager to take in not only a great little bake shop, but a collection of flowers that would make any Texas gardener’s jaw drop!
  Before boarding the motor coach, the ladies took in an on-sight jewelry shop specializing in Jade. Hellen Sullivan, who just happened to be celebrating a birthday today, took time to see what the counters had to offer!
     Another stop along the beautiful stretch of Cook’s Inlet and Turnagain Sound, offered not only more amazing scenery, but a chance to see how cold those waters were. Our traveling friends included several natives of Minnesota who demonstrated how to enjoy a barefoot dip.
  Finally, it was back on the motor coach headed for our destination, the port town of Whittier, Alaska and a cruise on the protected waters of Prince William Sound.
   We arrived on the dock with a little time to spare before boarding our vessel, so we roamed the busy port with its fleet of pleasure and fishing boats and even took in a few gift shops.
      Soon it was time to board what is billed as “The Fastest and Most Luxurious Catamaran in Alaska…The Klondike Express.” This vessel would take its passengers on an afternoon cruise of 26 glaciers! Along the way, cameras were clicking as harbor seals, sea otters and even a pod of Dall Porpoises made appearances alongside our ship.
         The highlights, of course, were the amazing glaciers which put us in awe as The Klondike Express glided through the pristine passages of Prince William Sound. We were so fortunate to actually see what is known as “calving” at one point. This is where the glacier’s thick ice sheets collapse into the cold waters below making an explosive sound!
 Needless to say, our 14 day Alaskan experience was one that none of us will soon forget and the friendships we’ve made will be cherished for many years to come! Thanks for your many comments to this set of blog entries. I hope that many of you will someday follow in our footsteps and take in the breathtaking beauty that our 49th state has to offer!
Rusty's Entire Alaskan Travel BlogPart 1 - Seattle |
| Post Your Comments |
|
|
| Read Comments |
|
Posted by: Kristy Location: Belton
Rusty, loved the pictures and blog of your and Ann's trip to Alaska. In 2010 will there be another trip planned? My husband Jim and I will be celebrating our 30th anniversary. We would like details where we could see all the wonder that you and Ann saw. We can't wait to see it ourselves. Thanks Posted by: Shirley Location: Temple Wish I had signed up to go with you. Reminds me of my time in Anchorage for the Mayors' Midnight Marathon. Liked the pictures of you and my friend Ann.l Posted by: Ron and Barbara Thompson Location: Waller, Texas Hi, We are friends with your daughter Debra and she provided the link to your blog. We just returned from a 2 `1/2 month foray into Canada and Alaska. We recognized many of the places that you visited. What a breathtaking place they are. We actually went up to the Arctic Circle and stood inside it. What an experience. Found out first hand how dangerous it can be on those gravel roads with those Hauler trucks coming at you at 70mph. My little Jeep would cringe. Lost my windshield and three head lights and two fog lights. In Canada had my radiator punctured by rocks and also my hose connection to the hydraulic oil cooler was broken and had to be repaired twice. Still it was a wonderful trip. Wouldn't trade that experience for anything. I took the 26 glacier cruise also. Those ice glaciers were something else. I might go back some day but I think I will fly up and rent someone else's vehicle to get destroyed. LOL. Glad you had such a great time. Regards, Ron and Barbara Posted by: Harold Location: Flat Tx The pictures you took are indeed breathtaking . THE FLOWERS ARE BEAUTIFUL I didnt realize they grew flowers that beautiful up there. Glad to see you home to do the wheather. Posted by: Loreta Wells Location: Killeen, Texas I just had a chance to look at your Alaskan Journal and relived the wonderful trip all over again! Rusty, thank you for posting the photos! It was a wonderful trip with a bunch of very nice people that we will not soon forget. We are looking forward to another trip! Our best to you and Ann. The Wells Posted by: Beatrice W. Thompson Location: Harker Heights, TX 76548 Beatiful;looks like a trip to die for!!!! Posted by: Richard Location: Gatesville News 10 team sends him to Alaska to get us some cooler temperature and he returns with nothing more than some great pictures and a smile. Posted by: Janice Location: Buffalo Rusty and Ann, Thank you for inviting us to share your trip to Alaska. We had the trip of a lifetime and after reading all the comments, I am so glad you shared it with all your viewing area so they could feel that they were with us all the way. I also had friend and family that kept up with us and they really enjoyed it too. Wehad a wonderful group of travelers and our tour director, Tonya Carlson, was the greatest. Thanks Again!!! Posted by: Linda & Sue Location: Rockdale Rusty, We just wanted to thank you for all the work you did while on vacation. We enjoyed the trip so much and the blog made it possible for our family to travel with us. Everyone was great and we hope to see them again sometime. Posted by: Bob & Hellen Sullivan Location: Harker Heights Rusty it was great getting to know you and Ann during our wonderful vacation. Hope to do it again someday. The people on the trip are the greatest. You did a great job keeping everyone back here informed. Posted by: Judy C Location: Harker Heights, TX WOW! What a wonderful vacation. Rusty, you and Ann made it special for all of us on the trip with you. Thanks for all the memories and, most of all, new friendships. Posted by: Lupe Location: Gatesville Rusty, I might never go to Alaska, but I enjoyed every one of your pictures thanks for sharing your vacation with us. Welcome back. Posted by: Enriqueta Location: Bruceville-eddy Rusty, thank you for all the pictures and truly wonderful details of your trip. May you have a great homecoming. Posted by: Heather Location: Hastings, MN Rusty, thank you for blogging your trip. I have been to Alaska and it is one of my most memorable vacations. I enjoyed all your pictures - it brought back great memories. Also, thank you for taking pictures of the other vacationers - it was great seeing pictures of my parents and their friends. Posted by: Deborah Location: China Spring Thanks for sharing your vacation with us. We enjoyed reading and seeing all the places you went to. Looks like fun! Welcome back to the hot month of August in Texas. Posted by: Kris Location: Waco It's almost like my own vacation is over! I really enjoyed all the pictures (even of the food, yum!) and seeing how much fun everyone was having. See ya soon, Rusty! Posted by: Walter and Janet Location: Temple Rusty, we enjoyed all the pictures and the info you posted, thanks. Have a safe trip home. Posted by: Larry & Janie Location: Waco Dear Rusty & Ann, Thank-you so much for the wonderful blogs everyday. Our nightly ritual for the last 11 days was to check out your blog before retiring at night. We took an Alaskan cruise three years ago but the areas your group traveled to and experienced added a new sight seeing adventure for us. It has been all-inspiring! Thank-you for blessing us Texans with your travels. Posted by: Mary Location: TX Hill Country Thank you for the awesome pictures. Really enjoyed going on vacation with you and getting to see a little bit of Alaska. What a beautiful state. Have a safe trip home. Posted by: Marilyn Location: Temple Thanks for taking us along on your trip. The pictures were awesome. We will be anxious to hear your comments when you get back to Texas. Posted by: Margaret Location: Copperas Cove,Tx Rusty, THANK YOU for alll the fine pictures of Alaska and all nature has to offer. The Otter you took pictures are so cute...thank you for taking their pictures and putting them on your blog. Thank you for taking us along with you on your vacation and letting us enjoy them all. Your loyal listener Margaret A. Miller Posted by: Annie Location: Temple Thanks again for giving us the great Alaskan tour with you. It has been great! I will never get to go in person, but it has been a remarkable experience doing it this way with your help. God bless you and bring you back safely. Posted by: LaVelle Location: Temple, TX Beautiful pictures. I'll be going to Alaska in a couple of weeks, this will help in knowing what to wear and things to do. I have been told I'd love the trip and your stories and pictures have confirmed their comments. Welcome home! Posted by: cherie Location: humble wow rusty waht a trip you have taken us on thank you so much for your daily entrys take care and have safe trip home tell JoAnne hello for me Posted by: Jack Location: Waco Thanks for your story and great pictures. I'm sure that you, by now, are saying that you want to go back again. We have been three times and still feel the urge to return. Should you go again, consider renting a car and driving for a couple of weeks. Being able to go where the natives go and not having a rigid schedule is a refreshing difference. Thanks agin! Posted by: Jan Location: Salado Thank you for the wonderful trip in our minds! We really enjoyed it and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to Texas! Have a safe travel home. |
Job of the Week
Associate/Agent - Are you ready for a opportunity to change your life? Join Alfac, a fortune 500 company, as a insurance professional in the Central Texas area! Aflac gives you flexability with family and unlimited income potential. Aflac pays you what you are worth.
Also, take a look at the most recent jobs posted to Job Board TV at KWTX.com:
Submit Photos or Video
|
|
Latest Video
