Chicago to Woodbury - OK, I never have to do an overnight flight again. Although the flight was smooth, 6 hours is along time to sit in your seat, and try to sleep! 
On the interstate headed home. It's a beautiful day, at the end of a wonderful trip. We reached so many of our goals(wishes) on this trip. The guys fished, each catching salmon, we got to see dall dolphins, both killer(Orca) and humpback whales, sea lions, otters, bald eagles, trumpet swans, Dall sheep, moose, bear, caribou, reindeer, spruce grouse, one friendly Alaskan squirrel, took a flight around Mt. McKinley, a a riverboat cruise. The only misses were no glacier landing and we didn't get to see the Aurora Borealis. Something to look forward to when we go again!
My thoughts:
1) Everyone should see Alaska. Don't wait until you are older, you will be able to see and do so much more now!
2) I would do the land portion first, finishing with the cruise. There's a little more effort in unpacking/repacking, when you move every couple days, and you're already starting to wear down.
3) Princess is one well oiled machine. They have this down to a science! You are provided all info needed, itinerary, excursion tickets, and room keys at every stage. You never have to check in at a resort, as it's already been done for you. Makes it super simple to go straight to your room, and find your luggage already waiting for you. You literally only handle your bag, to place it in the hall for pick up. Sweet!
4) Food- be willing to try new foods! It doesn't cost you anything, while on the ship. If you don't like it, they'll bring you something else.
5) Be aware that alcohol, soda, and specialty coffees, etc., are NOT included in your cruise price. Also the same applies to any land portion, as well as no food. You must purchase all of your food on land. It's a little pricey, but you're on this vacation of a lifetime, so it shouldn't come as a shock.
6) Timing - Be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of when you schedule your trip. Every time has something that would make it special, and maybe, not so special. Early trips, cooler weather, and possible rain, summer, get to experience those super long days, but mosquitoes are said to be horrendous! Late fall, rainy season, but no mosquitoes, and better chance of seeing the Northern Lights. The other downfall, is that things are starting to close down. We were on the last trip of the year, and found some restaurants were closing, and several local gift shops had closed for the season.
7) Attitude - In my opinion every trip is what you make of it. You can always find something to be unhappy about. I choose to enjoy myself. Don't dwell on the negatives. We all understand that nothing is going to be perfect. Just go and enjoy!
I hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy the beauty of this wonderful country we live in, whether it be Alaska, or some where else. Get out and explore!
Thanks for following along with Dave & I on our adventure! I hope you've enjoyed it, as much as I enjoyed posting.

Fairbanks, AK-Final Day

Fairbanks, AK - final day in Alaska. Able to print boarding passes and check our luggage right at the Fairbanks Princess Lodge. Super convenient! Left our carry on at the hotel desk, an caught the downtown shuttle. Walked the river walk, and went to eat at Big Daddy's BBQ, which was featured on TV's Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. Food was excellent! Walked some more, then caught the shuttle back to the lodge. We get another shuttle to the airport from there. Short flight to Anchorage, then leave for Chicago, to arrive around 8:30. tomorrow morning. My first time being on a plane overnight! Hope I sleep!

Fairbanks, AK

Fairbanks, AK - Another long day of traveling! Motorcoached up the George Parks Highway, a scenic drive, that would have been wonderful if the sun was shining. Our driver talked the entire trip, around 3 hours. We did the Discovery Riverboat excursion, which is an antique sternwheeler. About an hour downstream, getting local history, then stopped at an Athibascan village replica. Narrated by native college students. Very interesting! Back upriver, and back on the bus to our final lodge. Checked in, and found out our tour for tomorrow is cancelled. Don't fly home until 7:45. Not sure what we will do all day! I'll let you know!

Denali National Park, AK-SUPER FANTASTIC DAY!

Denali National Park, AK - WHAT A DAY!!!! First, the sun is shining! Second, we went on our park tour. 30 miles into the park. Super day for animal sightings! We saw maybe 7 moose, both cow & bulls, a grizzly, a caribou, and a spruce grouse. Whoo hoo!!
And guess what?! We booked another flight tour for this afternoon! No landing, but it sunny, so we should get a chance to see Mt. McKinley.
OK, let me just say that an hour long flight in an 8 passenger plane, with the sun shining, is absolutely amazing! We took off on a gravel run way. I wasn't quite sure that we were going to lift off! Skies were full of white fluffy clouds, and the snow glistened! It was gorgeous! We got to see both, the North and South summits. Full video and pics for everyone to see. It's hard to get a perspective of size from the air, but the South summit is at 20,320 feet. Our pilot Dan returned us safely (after a little turbulence, which I was thankful for my seatbelt!). We were the last flight of the season. Could only have been better, if we could have landed on a glacier!
Got back to the lodge just in time for the Music of Denali dinner show. Great food and fabulous entertainers. Walked to the river view for some last pics, then to the room to pack up again. Off to Fairbanks in the morning.

Denali National Park, AK - Left Mt. McKinley Friday morning via the Alaska Railroad again. This time we have the glass dome rail car, seating on top, with unrestricted views, and dining below. This trip was even prettier than the first. Food was great! Saw eagles nest, beaver lodge, but no moose, bear or caribou.
Arrived at Denali lodge. It's alot larger and more compact. Buildings are close together, but it's still very nice.
Went for pizza and a drink after. Another early morning tomorrow with our Denali Park tour.

Mt. McKinley, AK

Mt. McKinley, AK - Not so good today. Rain this morning, which cancelled our flight seeing tour this morning, trying again this afternoon. Had a phenomenal breakfast at the Roadhouse, where you could shower in the bathrooms, for $4, $5 with their towel! Strolled around some more shops, and a museum, waiting on the weather to turn. John bought a fishing license, and took off for the river with his pocket fisherman!
Continued to rain, so we were unable to do our flight. Many of you were aware that I shipped a bowling ball to Alaska, so that Dave could bowl on a glacier. Had to tell Dave about the whole thing, he was surprised and then disappointed that it didn't work out. Good folks at Talkeetna Air Taxi will keep the ball for our next trip up here! A big THANK YOU to everyone involved in getting the ball and banners from the bowling ball companies, to me!
Took the shuttle back to the lodge, and saw another moose! Driver slowed to a crawl so we could all get pictures.
Planning on a nice dinner tonight, then back on the road in the morning. Heading to Denali Lodge.

Talkeetna, AK - Mt. McKinley

Talkeetna, AK - Had to be up at 5 this morning to disembark the ship. Our Alaska Railroad train pulled out at 7:10. 4 1/2 hours to Talkeetna. Raining when we left, but stopped shortly thereafter, remaining cloudy all day. Beautiful scenery, once again. A couple of moose sightings, which I missed. Saw a group of hunters with a fresh moose kill, alongside the tracks! Then saw a dead moose in some water. He will be bear lunch, soon. Got off the train, boarded a motor coach, the 3 miles to Talkeetna. Ever see the show Northern Exposure, in the early 90's? This is the town it was based on. I think 400 residents, one main street and a couple of side streets. On the bus, we finally saw, and got pics of a female moose, on the side of the road. Mark another item off the list!
Ate at the Twisted Creek Restaurant, and then hit the shops til we could catch a bus to McKinley Wilderness Lodge. Another hour ride, and we finally arrive. This is my kind of place, very rustic decor, northwoods, etc. So far, Mt. McKinley has stayed hidden behind the clouds.
Tomorrow is our flight seeing! I'll be in touch after that.

Skagway, AK

Skagway, AK - Went on the White Pass & Yukon Railroad this morning. 3 1/2 hour train ride through gorgeous country. Started out cloudy, but cleared off nicely. I think we went over 3000 total pics!
Went back to ship for lunch, then headed into town. Did a little more souvenir shopping (need another bag to carry on for the trip home!). Stopped at the Red Onion for drinks. Very cool place, an old brothel, where the waitresses and bartenders dress the part. Decor is a collection of antique bed pans! Rest assured, there are pics!
Then went to Skagway Brewing company for chili cheese fries and drinks, before returning to the ship.

Glaciers!

Glacier Bay, AK - very foggy/low cloud cover all night. Every time I woke up, I couldn't see beyond the balcony! Woke up to much clearer skies. Sailed into Glacier Bay mid morning. Spent our time on the Lido deck, running from side to side, and front of ship. Stood out in the cold and rain. Margorie Glacier was very close, and was calving small pieces, pretty exciting!
Last formal night, and photos. They turned out so good!

College Fjord, AK - saw all of the glaciers named after ivy league colleges. You can see one after another! It was another dreary day, rain and clouds, bit simply amazing!
Went to another presentation by the onboard naturalist (seems to be where we catch a quick nap!). Then finalized our packing.
Last dinner in dining room, took pics with our waiters, and had baked Alaska for dessert.
Off the ship at 6:10 in the morning!

Juneau, AK

Juneau, AK - What a day! First, forecast for showers, and mid 50's. Nope, we have clouds with a bit of sun peeking out off and on. We were layered up, just in case, and ended up sweating our butts of while in town.
The absolute highlight of the trip so far was whale watching! We saw about 8 or so Orcas, watching them for along while. THEN, Humpbacks! Huge groups of them! 7-8 at a time, several tail flaps, one breaching! Absolutely amazing!!
Mendenhall Glacier was next. Impressive, but I'm sure what's to come will surpass that. Followed that with some shopping, and a stop at the world famous Red Dog Saloon. Had appetizer and a glacier martini. The guys seem to enjoy the Alaska Amber, locally brewed.
Back to the cabin early evening, ate supper on the lido deck, and watched a movie under the stars, until we were frozen.
Tomorrow is Skagway. It will be a couple days of us being off-grid, so I'll be in touch on Wednesday! Pics to follow on Facebook.

Ketchikan, AK - what a glorious day! This place gets more rain than anywhere else in the US. We had sunshine and temp was 67. Didn't need the long underwear that I had on!
Dave and John had their salmon fishing tour, while Teresa and I shopped & did some sightseeing. The guys caught 3 nice size salmon, which are on their way to Illinois. Teresa and I left ship at 8:30. Needed a place with WiFi, so we could update everyone. First place we saw was The Asylum, a bar, which we decided would work fine. A great Bloody Mary, a group of America's sailors on leave, and we thought about just staying there! But, we had things to see and gifts to buy!
Went to Creek Street, which is where the ladies would try to "sell their affections" in the days of the gold rush. All of the old bordellos are now gift shops. The actual creek was filled with dead salmon that had swam upriver to spawn. It did not smell good!
Had to be back onboard by 1:30, so we started back. Stopped by the bar again for a Duck Fart shot! Crown Royal, Kahlua and Baileys, wow. When I get a chest cold, this is what I'm drinking, just saying!
Met the guys onboard for lunch, and another beverage. Today's special is the Grizzly Bear, and I liked it! Went to the naturalist talk on whales, then got ready for dinner early, so we could be on deck for whale sightings. I didn't see too much, the back of one as it broke water, but it became quite comical to watch people run from one side of the ship to the other! Just point, or holler, and ever one would come running!
Another great dinner, then saw the comedian, who was really good. Heading to bed, but they announced that the northern lights might be possible to see. Spent an hour waiting on deck, freezing to death, before we gave up.
Tomorrow is Juneau, and our whale watching tour. Supposed to be cloudy and chance of rain, but we've been lucky so far!
Tomorrow is our last stop before a couple days at sea. I'll try to update then.

We have arrived!

We are here! Raining when we left Chicago, but ended up being a good flight. A couple "beverages" later, we were in Vancouver. Shuttle to cruise terminal was informative, it's a beautiful city. And then there's the first sighting of the Island Princess, and she is impressive! Straight to our mini-suites, to check them out. Very nice! Balcony is bigger than anticipated, but I think the best part is this huge balcony on the front of the ship, which no one seems to know about. We are the third cabin from the front of the ship, so we check out this area every morning and evening.
Weather, so far has been great! Low 70's, sunny, light breeze, beautiful evenings, and a gorgeous moon last night. Tomorrow it's supposed to be 55 and cloudy, but no rain forecasted, yay!
This morning we had our first wild life sighting! Stepped out onto the balcony at 7:04 (just missed sunrise by 10 min) and saw several Dall porpoises playing off the starboard side. Very cool! Then this afternoon we saw a couple sea lions.
Dave has enjoyed the dining room more than I expected. The dressing up is a whole  other thing though. Thursday evening was our first formal night, with portraits prior. That also wasn't his favorite thing, but he did it for me 😊!
Saw our first show in the Princess Theater, then to bed. Early morning in Ketchikan on Friday. Guys are going fishing and we are touring/shopping. I'll update you Saturday, when we get to Juneau.
Can't get my pics to pull in from the phone, so I will post them direct to Facebook.

Ready, Set, Go!

Alright, a little over 12 hours from our flight. Bags are packed and we are ready to go! All luggage is loaded in the car, and each one is well below the weight limit, yay!!

We are on the road to Chicago. Flight out of O'Hare to Vancouver, tomorrow morning, then sailing on the Island Princess for 7 days, followed by a 5 day land tour in Alaska.

Sailing all day Thursday, with our first stop at Ketchikan, Friday morning. I'll check in then!

Mini Trip

So, here we are, a short 5 days from the vacation of our dreams. We have to finish packing, close the pool, empty the fridge, take out trash, pay bills, etc. But first, we are getting bowling lessons and trying out new equipment. (I know that means new equipment in the Eskew household soon). Traveled to Sheboygan last night, so we could participate in the lessons being given by Hank Boomershine, Lindsey Boomershine and Chris Schlemer, at Odyssey Fun Center. Steve Richter, thank you,....seriously! I do enjoy our trips to Wisconsin.

Packing

How many clothes do you need for a 14 day trip, when you need dress clothes, warm clothes, layering clothes, rain coats, hats, gloves & scarves (2 sets because they're going to get wet!), snow boots, etc., etc., etc???!!!

We have a banquet table set up in the spare bedroom, as a staging area. The dress clothes, jeans, long sleeves shirts, long johns (or base layer pants, as they are now called) are already stacked up in piles. It's the last minute things that worry me. What all will I forget? I'm sure I don't want to purchase anything in Alaska!

We're allowed 2 suitcases each, 50# per bag. 200# of luggage/clothing, you would think would be God's plenty! Amazingly enough, I don't know if it will all fit! Don't forget all the bathroom necessities, and a fan for sleeping! And then there's the electronics; Notebook, cell phones, kindle, small camera, large camera, extra lenses, chargers for all, binoculars........that backpack is going to be very heavy, hope Dave doesn't mind carrying it!

Finally - Alaska!

After 7-10 years of attempting to get this trip planned, we have finally done it. Made the big commitment around February of this year. Dave & I are traveling with my usual cruise buddy, cousin Teresa Mugavero & her husband John. What started out to celebrate our 23-25 year anniversaries is now a celebration of our 30-32!

We fly out of Chicago on 9/10, and sail out of Vancouver that same evening on the Island Princess.

Our cruise is 7 days, with 3 stops, Ketchikan, Juneau & Skagway, Alaska. The rest of the days are at sea, with two days traveling through the glaciers. The cruise is followed by a 5 day land tour, staying at different Princess lodges along the way.  We have several excursions planned, including whale watching, salmon fishing, a flight seeing/glacier landing tour, Denali National Park tour, etc.

Weather is supposed to be in the mid-50's, and rainy. From what I have read, the sunrise/sunset will be similar to what we are used to at home. We do have a greater chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis, by going this late in the year.

Now to determine what to pack...........