Highlights
- Stunning Alaskan scenery with literally at times, a glacier around every corner. The fjords are beautiful as the mountains plunge into the sea. Yes, we have a little bit of this in NZ but not on the same scale! The easy access in Alaska is great too, particularly to the tidewater glaciers.
- Float plane ride -standing on the float in the middle of a cold deep fjord, stunning view and staying upright!
- Going backcountry and appreciating the remoteness of some communities ( and there was still internet!)
- Alaska Rail -yeah for great trains and views.
- Sea life. Whales, porpoises, orcas, otters, jellyfish, sealions – a delight to spot and watch especially in the inlets and bays.
- Expanded minds and greater understandings of history and culture, colonisation and struggles to retain traditional old ways and native languages. Reflecting on the changes in our lifetime and similarities the world over. Dinnertime discussions.
- The weather. We did have rain but only when we were either in a train, bus or boat and it always stopped when we needed it to. Cold at the glaciers but otherwise mild and we were generally overpacked for the cold we experienced… it could have been so different. Some bluebird days and tee shirt times and a very warm finish.
- People. Met some wonderful new friends, one of the joys of travel. Some fabulous people out there.
- The extensive first aid kit and medical insurance not needed.
- A few good coffees ..be pleased to be home for more!
