Alaska Part III

Alaska 2019

We arrived in Juneau early and we departed the ship to board our float plane taking us over several glaciers. To say it was awesome and breathtaking as we soared in a 10 person plane (with Papa as the co pilot) was an understatement. The view. The glaciers. They were stunning. The ride was smooth and the view magnificent. The landing was better than any runway landing too. Nice and smooth! The kids really enjoyed themselves and I didn't make a big deal out of the small size of the airplane or the fact that two float planes had crashed earlier that month in Ketchikan either (although Disney did end up canceling our float plane excursion there and after going there, I can see why).

So after a quick lunch back on the boat, we embarked on our dog sledding adventure. This was the highlight of the trip for my kids. The two older ones had studied the Iditarod (the famous Alaska dog sled race) in 2nd grade. Peyton especially was obsessed with it so she was really looking forward to seeing the dogs and how they train in the summer. Our guide, Julie Scarema, is an Iditarod hopeful and one of the prodigies of a former Iditarod winner. She mushes his dogs. She also raced against/knew Peyton's favorite Iditarod mushers, Kristy and Anna Berington. Whatever question she asked, Peyton knew the answer to. Even the fact that the mushers had to live in a tent (remember summer camp last year) did not deter Peyton from wanting to be a musher! We got to learn more about the Iditarod, go for a summer dog sled ride and visit the pups. It might've been the highlight of the trip for our kids.

Pure joy!

Mushers are awesome!

After our excursions, we walked around Juneau which was probably the biggest of all the cities we visited.

Next up was Ketchikan. We had to trade in our float plane adventure here for a boat excursion through the Misty Fjords. The scenery was once again breathtaking. Lots of wildlife was seen like seals, bears and bald eagles. Papa didn't see the whales like he hoped and we did when we were coming into Dawes Glacier that morning. But it was a great way to end the trip before sailing back to Vancouver and ending our Alaska voyage.

It was a great trip that we will remember forever. Breathtaking scenery that is unparalleled. I think the reason why I found it so stunning was the combination of the trees, mountains and the water. What other elements can make something so magical? And it was just that. A vacation to remember for sure. Thanks Papa!

Having fun!

Namaste! Til next time!

On our way home. It's like 11pm!