Alaskan Adventures
Within the last few years, a number of seniors have visited Alaska. Everyone came back with stories, souvenirs, pictures, and the desire to tell anyone who would listen about "the last frontier". So, they were given an assignment to write about "What I did on my Summer Vacation". Following are some of their comments and a few pictures to prove how much fun visiting Alaska really can be.
"Our trip to Alaska in 1995 (by car and
trailer) was a real adventure! The beauty of this 49th state was breathtaking
– from the abundant wildlife (including Humpback whales in Glacier Bay) to the
glaciers, the gorgeous flowers and the majestic mountains (Denali was "out" and
we saw it!). With Christmas approaching, we have what we think is an appropriate "Did
You Know?" for you. Did you know that the only difference between a caribou and a
reindeer is that a reindeer has a job! For example: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet,
Cupid, Donder, Blitzen and of course, Rudolph are all employed caribou!" - Chuck
and Barbara
"Alaska is as nature created it – words cannot express its beauty – man has not spoiled the natural beauty and the animals are unusual. Need more time to enjoy the adventure in the wild." - Jim
"No doubt "the people" made the beautiful scenery really shine! What a wonderful group. The scenery was all Alaska – cold, ice, mountains, etc. A second such trip would make it all more practical." - H.H.
"It was a wonderful experience to see the creation which our loving God has provided for our enjoyment. Also, it was very special and a privilege to travel with a group of Christians." - Lola
"What more could one ask for – breath taking scenery, gorgeous beautiful flowers everywhere, and wild life (moose, bald eagles, Dahl sheep, bear, etc.). Fjords and glaciers (some calving), the helicopter ride to the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier. The food aboard the Carnival was the greatest! It was all garnished with sculptured fruit and vegetables. The entertainment was good clean fun which brought down the house. One hundred sixteen whales were spotted and a hundred and fifteen-foot water slide – the list is endless." - Anon.
"Being on a large, comfortable ship was great. It was a thrill to be able to
go ashore on excursions. I especially paid attention to the wild life. It was incredible
to see large whales in the environment – and eagles! I enjoyed learning about the
local Indian cultures, and the history of the 1898 Alaska Gold Rush. It was good to see a
part of the world very different from where I had been before – and it was good to
get back to Alexandria and to live here." - Lenyette
"While we were on the inland part of our trip, we took a cruise on the Chena and Tanana Rivers on a sternwheeler. We got to see a bush plane take off and land, meet Susan Bucher (a 4 time winner of the Iditarod), visit an Indian Village, and watch a beaver at work. Later, we went to Gold Dredge Number Eight and panned for gold. When we did not strike it rich, we got on the cruise ship Noordam and started south. Since this was our first cruise experience, everything was exciting – the ship, the food, the entertainment, the new friends, and the beautiful sights." - Jean and Vern
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