Today was the last day of this trip. After an excellent night of rest at the Sheraton Anchorage, I started looking for some flight seeing tour departing from Anchorage, after the failed attempt two days ago. There are several plane companies, but three of them seem to be the ones offering standard tours:
I called with very short notice as I needed a tour for the afternoon. Unfortunately, most of them were sold out already. For Rust's, I found a 10% discount coupon on one of those Alaska travel magazines (I don't recall the name) that I picked up from the airport upon arrival. I didn't find any discount for the other two companies. However, after a few calls, Regal Air was the only one with a tour available. They would take two passengers if each one paid $40 extra per ticket. I think that most of these flight seeing tours have a minimum requirement of 3-4 passengers in order to break even. It's pretty expensive to operate a plane. Several companies are charging 2-5% fuel surcharge. The flight seeing tours aren't cheap, but they seem to be well worth the price.
Regal and Rust's have seaplanes (did not check others), departing from Lake Hood at the Anchorage International Airport, which is just 15 minutes away from the hotel (about 5 miles). But before arriving to Lake Hood, the wind started blowing, and they told us that although we could fly safely, it would be very bumpy. Bummer ! They said that we wouldn't probably enjoy the flight, and offered to call later if the weather improved, which didn't happen.... I'll have to leave this ride for next time. In this trip, I've been able to confirm how unpredictable Alaska's weather is.
The entrance cost might seem a little bit high, but not bad considering this rich source of information, and that they offer a free shuttle to the hotel. Alaskan natives are available inside the place willing to tell their stories and answer questions. I recommend visiting this Center, and take the time to visit the reproductions of native Alaskan homes, which are not commonly seen at other places, and in particular, listen and talk to the natives. They told us super interesting stories about their ways of life.
Alaska Native Heritage Center
Alaska Native Heritage Center
Alaska Native Heritage Center
Afterwards, we headed to the Botanical Garden. It is a nice optional place to visit if time is available. It has tons of plants with their corresponding name tags. This visit took about 30 minutes, just a quick walk as there wasn't anything in particular that caught the attention (perhaps because I'm not deep in this topic, or perhaps this isn't the best time of year to visit).
Alaska Botanical Garden
From the garden, we drove to downtown. Close by, there is a small park called Resolution Point. This place has breath taking view of the mountains. In clear days, Mount McKinley can be seen. Although today wasn't one of those clear days, the view was still great. A life size bronze statue of captain Cook stands in the middle of this view point. After taking several pictures and some fresh air, we headed to downtown for a coffee... what an unsuccessful enterprise. All of them were closed by the time we arrived (probably 8pm). There were lots of bars and gift shops open, but the mood was for coffee. I would think that hotels were still serving coffee in their lounges, but we didn't try this option and decided to visit once last place before driving back to the airport.
Resolution Park - Anchorage
Captain Cook
Earthquake park is very conveniently located about 15 minutes away from downtown, and 10 minutes away from the airport. The park is small and it only takes 15-30 minutes to visit, take a look at the awesome views, and read information about the terrible earthquake and tsunami that hit Alaska in 1964. I also recommend this park for a quick relaxing and informational stop.
Earthquake Park Anchorage
The airport wasn't crowded, and going through security was pretty fast. I printed the boarding passes in the machine located at the front of the rental car office (very convenient!). I could get lounge access in this return leg, which is of course a nice way of waiting 4-5 hours before boarding.
Lounge in Anchorage - Alaska Airlines
The lounge of Alaska Airlines offers little food (some cheese, vegetables, and chips & salsa), but they offer very good wine and beer (limited to 3 free glasses). The bar has 3 or 4 different types of Alaskan beers, all of them outstanding. The lounge includes free WiFi, as I think all of them do. However, it is kind of loud (the door to the hall was open) and it might be difficult to sleep there. Still, I enjoyed staying there for such a long wait.
Anchorage Airport at 11:30pm (notice the daylight)
In Seward, there are two main companies that give tours on the Kenai Fjords area. I've read only good comments about both of them. So it's matter of reading what they offer and picking based on individual tastes.
Kenai Fjords tours
I decided to use Kenai Fjords Tours, and the experience was excellent.
Kenai Fjords Tours
It's very recommended to take the longer tours, that go deep into the park. The shorter , 4 hours, tours just stay on Resurrection Bay. The 7 to 10 hour tours are very well worth the time and money spent. The captain was very knowledgeable, telling about the sealife and animals all the way back and forth, and adding a lot of very good humor to the story. Also, he gets very close to sea animals, and to interesting places.
Resurrection Bay - Bald Eagle
Kenai Fjords - Wale
Kenai Fjords - Puffin
Kenai Fjords - Sea Otter
Kenai Fjords - Mountain Goat
Kenai Fjords - Seals
Kenai Fjords - Bear
Kenai Fjords
Kenai Fjords - Puffins
Kenai Fjords
The ship stopped very close to the glacier, less than 1/2 mile away, giving a very nice opportunity for taking pictures and enjoying the view. Also, at this point, the wind stops and it doesn't fill so cold.
Kenai Fjords - Glacier
In order to enjoy the tour as much as possible, be ready for cold weather. Dress in layers, and take winter clothing and gloves. The weather at Seward port and Resurrection Bay is milder than closer to the glaciers, where it gets quite cold with frozen wind. Free coffee is available inside the ship, it's a nice resource.
One of the tours includes a 1 hour stop at Fox Island for a great dinner of Ribs and Salmon... all you can eat!
The first town to visit was Talkeetna, about 120 miles north of Anchorage (2.5 hour drive). The road was very nice, surrounded by pines of all tones of green.
Talkeetna Historic District
US Post Office - Talkeetna
Tip: Public restrooms are available at this place
Talkeetna Air Taxi
Art shops in Talkeetna
TIP: If you're looking for souvenirs, always check the country of origin. As everywhere in the USA, most cheaper stuff is made in Asia. There are beautiful crafts from local artisans, more expensive, but since we're in Alaska the idea is to get native artwork. Some nice and less expensive native souvenirs can still be found.
Talkeetna is a small town, but there's quite a lot of people walking around. Probably because lots of tours to Denali depart from this location. If somebody is looking for a flight seeing tour, this is probably the best place. There are several companies to choose from, and most of them offer some kind of discount (either through their web site or free travel magazines). The weather changes very fast, and the flight seeing tours will be cancelled if the weather isn't optimal (refunding the deposit).
Talkeetna has some good beer, it's a good place to have a beer and a meal. People is also very friendly, as in most of the other places we visited in Alaska.
The Seward Highway
After a few hours in town, it was time to continue to the next destination, Seward, 5 hours driving to the south of Talkeetna. After passing Anchorage, the Seward highway has magnificent landscapes and view points. There are lots of places to see, and thanks to the long Summer days, it's possible to be driving late at night and still be able to enjoy all views.
Seward Highway
Indian Valley Mine
Indian Valley Mine
Indian Valley Mine
Indian Valley Mine
The Indian Valley Mine is a good stop on the way. The people who own the place are very friendly, they invited us some tea and told their stories. It's a good place to stop by. The entrance fee for their small is only $1. They can also teach how to pan gold (didn't have time to try it, don't know the cost).
Bird Point
Bird Point - Seward Highway
Seward Highway
Seward
We reached Seward after 10pm. Hungry, but all restaurants were closed. Fortunately, the supermarket (Safeway) is open until midnight, which saved our dinner.
Safeway at Seward
The hotel for Seward's night was the Harborview Hotel. I would categorize it more than a Motel rather hotel. But the price is good (compared to the other options), located about 5 blocks of the port. The hotel is safe, clean, offers free WiFi and free parking. However, it will be kind of noisy after 7pm, when guests start waking up and turning on showers.
At the airport, I rented a car. Something to note is that rental car companies have to charge high taxes at the airport. I've heard that it is cheaper to take a cab to the hotel (about $20), and rent a car in Anchorage city where taxes are lower. But I couldn't find a rental car agency that was open on Saturday evening.
The first night, we'll stay at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa. Alaska hotels are more expensive than in the rest of the US, and they get even more expensive the farther we get from Anchorage and Fairbanks.
Sheraton Anchorage
The hotel is very nice, but it does neither include free parking nor free Internet WiFi. However, some Starwood membership levels (SPG) include WiFi for free and complimentary lounge access. The lounge is small, but it has very nice views of the mountains and is open between 6am and 9pm, serving breakfast, finger foods, and drinks. The hotel parking is $10 per day, but during the weekend, the car can be parked on the street for free. During weekdays, on street parking is free between 6pm and 9am (just in case, read the notes on the meter!)
This Sheraton is very nice and comfortable, with ample room and good views. The downtown is an easy walk of 3 blocks.
Sheraton Anchorage room
Sheraton Anchorage room
Here's a sky view of Alaska at 9pm.
Alaska - sunlight after 9pm
At the time of this writing, it 12:30am and it is just starting to look as sunset, but not dark yet...
Late, I paid attention to the holiday schedule and noticed one coming up by the end of May... cool opportunity for a long weekend trip. I've been thinking about traveling to Alaska for a few years now, and this time I'll stop postponing it and just do it. The weather should be pretty good at this time of year.
As usual, I like to prepare my own tour and learn about the place before going. The reference material I'm using is the following:
Books:
Alaska for Dummies , Wiley : Very good source trip planning. Not only gives it a lot information about Alaska, but the author takes the assumption that Anchorage is used as a base for traveling to other places, which is exactly what I was planning to do.
Alaska Ports of Call , Fodors: This book is mostly for Cruise travelers, but has a good and useful brief description from each town and short activities that can be done.
Alaska , Lonely Planet : Nice book, also good size for taking it on a trip. It includes a lot of good information for trip planning, but also a few pages with Alaska history and some other information. I'll take this book on my trip.
DVD:
Alaska, Spirit of the Wild : Mostly about nature. Not very for trip planning but good to understand the majesty of this place.
Alaska, Globe Trekker: More useful for adventure travels. Shows different towns, that I won't be able to visit due to lack of time. But still informative to get an idea of how Alaska is.
Alaska Travel information Web sites:
Alaska.org : Very informational, with up to date schedule and prices.
Fjord Tours from Seward: (I've ready very good reviews for both companies bellow, so it's seems that the choice is related to what the traveler wants to do)
Alaska.org deals : This page contains many discounts that are free to use.
Alaska Tour Saver :
This is a book with coupons that can be purchased. Check the coupons before ordering, as they provide full information online. Some coupons are valid during certain days only, or are restricted. They could help saving hundred of dollars, if they match the plans of the traveler. The book sales for $99. It can be returned if unused.
I haven't paid much attention before to the different type of seats available in American Airlines planes. Today I took a few minutes and cleared my doubt.
SEATING OPTIONS
American Airlines has enhanced its seat choice offering to provide a more customized travel experience.
Pre-Reserved Seats
You may select an available seat based on seat inventory when you book your flight or any time prior to departure at no charge
If there are no seats available or you choose not to
select a seat, you will receive an automatically-assigned seat at no
charge at check-in as early as 24 hours before departure
Preferred Plus Seats
Reserved exclusively for premium* and full-fare customers,
Preferred Plus seats are window and aisle seats toward the front of the
aircraft and include exit row seats
Preferred Plus Seats offer the same number of desirable
seat options as always and are set aside at no charge for premium and
full fare customers
Preferred Seats
For customers interested in desirable seats near the front
of the main cabin, Preferred Seats are available for purchase when you
book your flight, up until the airport check-in cutoff time, beginning at $4 USD per flight
Preferred Seats can be purchased through AA.com, AA.com mobile, Self-Service Check-In machines and AA Reservations
Premium and full-fare customers have complimentary access to Preferred Seats
Preferred Seats are also complimentary for active U.S.
military and their family members traveling on a military or government
fare in the same reservation. If not traveling on a military or
government fare, active U.S. military can request a Preferred Seat from
an airport agent if available.
We're excited to provide you with even more options to customize your travel experience based on your needs.
Want more information about Preferred Plus Seats and Preferred Seats? Check out our frequently asked questions for details. Terms and Conditions
*AAdvantage Executive Platinum®, AAdvantage
Platinum® and AAdvantage Gold® members, as well as AAirpass®, oneworld®
elite customers, and their traveling companions on the same reservation.
Also, Alaska Airlines MVP® Gold and MVP® Gold 75K members.
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.JPG "Alaska Native Heritage Center")
.JPG "Alaska Native Heritage Center")
.JPG "Resolution Park - Anchorage")
.JPG "Captain Cook")
.JPG "Earthquake Park")
.JPG "Resurrection Bay - Bald Eagle")
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.JPG "Kenai Fjords")
.JPG "Kenai Fjords")
.JPG "Kenai Fjords")
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.JPG "Kenai Fjords - Alaska")
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.jpg "Anchorage")
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.JPG "Seward Highway")
.JPG "Indian Valley Mine")
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.JPG "Bird Point")
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.JPG "Seward Highway")
.jpg "Sheraton Anchorage")
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.jpg "Sheraton Anchorage room")
