Vancouver to Victoria

Flying from Anchorage to Vancouver presents some truly spectacular mountain vistas from the plane windows. A fond farewell and reminder of the majesty we've witnessed these past few weeks.



Vancouver is really lovely and seems like we've been away from here so much longer than the only two weeks it's been since we sailed. Our dear friend, Kimberly, is flying in from Orlando and meeting us this evening. We are so excited to have her join. Dinner in downtown Vancouver at a recommended pub begins our "catch up" session and the three of us rest extremely well this first evening after all of our long journeys to reach each other.


Morning brings more beautiful skies and the 1 and 1/2 hour ferry ride to Victoria is absolutely breathtaking. Mountains reign all around the crystal clear waters of the Sound and Orca whales are spotted often. A good sign of what's in store.


We are all in awe of the beauty surrounding us everywhere. The excitement is mounting as we plan for our fun week ahead!

Bridges to Denali

The grand finale has arrived! We board the train to Denali this morning. This is what we've truly been waiting for.











The train is all it's been promised to be. Our little group has an entire car to ourselves and the glass domed windows gives all of us an amazing vantage point, as well as a very comfortable ride. We will be on board for about 4 hours. The rain that has been threatening seems to be keeping at bay. We're ready for an amazing time!










Bridges abound on this particular rail section, making a beautiful route even more scenic.







Our train hostess keeps us informed of areas to take particular note. It's all beautiful, however.




Breakfast is served in the dining car below and we enjoy one of my truly favorite luxuries. Dining rail cars are just fun! And, the food served is very good - a bonus! A salmon burrito seems like the thing to have and it does not disappoint whatsoever.





Back in our domed seating area, our friendly bartender is serving Bloody Marys, spicy and delicious! Really, is there anything better than this? Oh yea, the destination is Denali!!!




Celeste continues to balance photography shoots inside and out the car, she and Stephen having particular fun today. He poses with his famed Mackinac Island hat (which, unfortunately, he loses en route.)


As we near the park, the last hour is a spectacular gorge. A section closest to our end point boasts rafters, who wave to us from our towering ledge. We will be in their seats tomorrow morning!

As the train makes it's final turn into the station, we are afforded a sneak peak of our lodge. It's been a beautiful trek in and we can't wait for what this amazing wilderness has in store.

There are pictures galore on this post, but it's the true feel of what we experienced and I want you all to enjoy, as well!

Taylor Highway

The long day's journey is only halfway fulfilled at this point. Lisa and Matt arrive with our coach to whisk us up the very desolate Taylor Highway. (Note: This highway will wash out four days after we traverse and be closed for the duration of the season. Similar happenings have been in our wake this whole course across America. Should we be noticing something here?)






















The washboard 100-mile highway will bring us to our resting destination this evening in Tok, Alaska. We have our personal pilot car riding a bit ahead of us, radioing of any specific road issues or the occasional approaching traffic. Celeste is coveting this luxury, considering the many back roads we've taken on our own. Some of these mountain roads get a little winding and steep, needless to say. To have Lisa at the wheel and Scott guiding ahead puts all our minds at ease and leaves us wide open to fully take in and appreciate the amazing sights. There is a reason we're traveling this deserted road, it's absolutely breathtaking.

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.