Members and friends of Let’s Travel enjoyed Collette’s Land and Cruise tour of Alaska June 28-July 9.
As is usual this time of year, the travelers never experienced real darkness while visiting Alaska. Everyone seemed to get sleep each night anyway. The calendar stated that sunrise was at 3 a.m. and sunset at 12 p.m. The days were busy and by nighttime the group was too tired not to sleep.
The first adventure after awaking in Fairbanks, was to board the Sternwheeler Discovery for a journey on the Chena River. Several stops were made to view wildlife, a training location for dogs involved in pulling sleds during the Iditarod. The travelers visited sites onshore where they learned of the lifestyles of the Athabascan Indians who were the original inhabitants of the interior of Alaska.
While onboard, the travelers had the opportunity to sample ocean-caught salmon that had been smoked. Several travelers purchased cans of the salmon to enjoy at home.
The next adventure was to board the motor coach and begin the trip to Denali National Park and settle in at the McKinley Chalet Resort.
Everyone was entertained at dinner at the Alaska Cabin Nite Dinner Theatre.
ENJOYING THEIR TOUR OF ALASKA are (left-right): Ray Kent, Judy Wardle, Sherry Kent, Margaret McAfee, Mary Small, Gordon Small, Diana Bradley, Rose White, Sally Wilkerson, Sur Terry, Terry Hancock, Carolyn Hancock, Kim Hancock. Chris, the guide through the wilderness in Denali National Park gladly photo-bombed the group. (Courtesy Photo)
The full day at the park began with a Tundra Wilderness Tour. This tour had a beautiful beginning as the travelers were treated to their first sighting of Denali Peak (20,231 feet above sea level). Even though the snow-covered peak was 80 miles away, it glistened in the sun and was a beautiful site. There were many views of Denali Peak as the bus toured the wilderness. Thanks to the guide and several passengers, the travelers enjoyed sightings of a Ptarmigan (Alaska state bird), caribou relaxing in the snow, a raven along with many waterfalls.
The next day began with a scenic train ride to Talkeetna. The domed cars allowed travelers to enjoy the beauty of the area. One spotting was made of a moose with two calves. The Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge is located with a beautiful view of Denali Peak (only 40 miles away this time). The peak continued to be visible the remainder of that day and the next morning. The travelers felt very special because many people travel the same path without being able to see the peak because it is often covered with clouds.
After stopping in Anchorage for lunch, the next stop was at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. The 200-acre rehabilitation site cares for orphaned and injured animals. The travelers saw caribou, grizzly bear, black bear, eagle, and many other species being cared for.
Then, it was time to cruise. Everyone boarded the Holland America Noordam at Whittier and began the trip southward toward Vancouver. The ports visited were Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Both Collette and the cruise line offered excursions at each port. The travelers enjoyed touring, whale watching, dog sledding, walking the towns, shopping, eating Alaskan crab legs, viewing and getting history of totem poles, and more shopping. Eagles were sited off/on and everyone enjoyed the new adventures.
The 7-day cruise allowed visitors to enjoy more of the beauty of Alaska. The delicious food onboard added to the pleasant experience of cruising.
The last day of the tour was spent in Vancouver. Several of the travelers toured the town while waiting for the flight back to DFW.
Those who participated in this land and cruise of Alaska were: Rose White of Groesbeck; Carolyn Hancock of Mexia; Sally Wilkerson of Thornton; Terry and Kim Hancock of Denton; Judy Wardle of Streetman; Diana Bradley of Waco; Ray and Sherry Kent of Tyler; Margaret McAfee of Waxahachie; Sue Terry, Gordon and Mary Small, Jerri McBay of Fairfield.
Let’s Travel has a few more tours scheduled for 2023. A tour of Scotland departs August 13. A 12-day tour of National Parks departs on September 5, followed by a Southern Charm tour departing December 3. The National Parks tour will visit six national parks beginning with the Grand Canyon and finishing at Mt. Rushmore. The Southern Charm tour will include two nights in Charleston, two nights in Savannah, and two nights on Jekyll Island. If you are interested in more information about any of these tours, please contact Jerri McBay at 903-388-2243.
There is one tour scheduled for 2024. The group plans to visit Israel on a 9-day tour April 1-9, 2024. The slide show presentation and discussion of this tour is scheduled for Tuesday evening, August 29 at 5:30 at Sam’s Restaurant in Fairfield. Please notify Jerri McBay if you are interested in attending and/or participating in this tour.
