Sea Trek II - The Wrath of Alaska

[andy.capitan]

Love Sitka and the Raptor Center and is one of the reasons we chose this cruise. Curious to see if my crystal ball is working. Did you do the Klondike, Suspension Bridge, Salmon Bake thing?

[Captain Carnival]

Love Sitka and the Raptor Center and is one of the reasons we chose this cruise. Curious to see if my crystal ball is working. Did you do the Klondike, Suspension Bridge, Salmon Bake thing?

 

You'll have to wait until tomorrow - same bat time same bat channel!

[Captain Carnival]

Welcome To Skagway

 

With the majestic beauty of Glacier Bay behind us, but still frozen in our memories, we sailed onto our next Port of Call – Skagway and what was supposed to be our first (River Rafting) excursion that was to take place the next morning at 9AM however when we returned to our stateroom after dinner we found a note in our mailbox (yes there are mailboxes on Spirit Class ships) that advised that for a variety of reasons the new time for the tour would be 7AM.

 

After giving this news some due consideration (around 30 seconds) we went down to guest services and made arrangements to go on another tour featuring a trip into the Yukon Territory and the Klondike to cross a suspension bridge followed by a salmon bake in Liarsville afterwards. It just so happened that Angie and Greg were also going on this tour as well.

 

There are two ways of getting up to the Yukon area, one on a coach style bus and the other on a “thin/narrow gauge” railroad train that literally hugs onto the side of the mountain side providing great views and perhaps a source for cardiac arrest that actually pulls up right next to the ship in port around 200 feet away. Playing it safer this time we chose the bus.

 



 

She’ll Be Coming Around (Or Down) These Mountains When She Comes!

 

On the way up through the mountains our driver gave us some pointers and historical information about the area, the gold rush era, and about how in those days the miners would overload their horses with so much gear that many would die along the way due to exhaustion or…wait for it…suicide. Yup, he said suicide (horsey-side); I would just love to have read some of their farewell letters!

 



 

A View Of The Train From The Bus Crossing Above A Water Fall Along The Steep Mountain.

 

To me one of the more interesting pieces of note was just how prone the area was to earthquakes which made me question the relative safety of taking a train along a steep and sloping mountain face risking a 6.7 magnitude earthquake and crashing down to the Horsey-side graveyard below!

 

After having breakfast in the MDR we headed off to the Phantom Theater where we met Angie and Greg and headed out to our respective bus and began our journey up to the Yukon Territory and crossing the border into Canada requiring us to take our passports. Once we arrived over the border we made a quick stop at the Canadian Customs post where our passports were given a quick look see before heading out again for the Yukon/Klondike area that is also the inspiration for Jack London’s famous book “The Call of the Wild.”

 



 

We Made It – With Hair & Makeup Still Looking Good!

 

As I recall the journey took roughly 90 minutes or so until we reached the Yukon River and of course the suspension foot bridge that crosses it.

 



 

A View Of The Bridge From A Safe Distance.

 

For some, crossing this relatively small suspension bridge really wasn’t any big deal, to others like my Bride it was a harrowing ordeal. Actually compared to some other suspension bridge experiences, like the one on Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina, this one wasn’t too high, wide, or generally menacing looking so she managed to get across with just a few Hail Mary’s, and Our Father’s thrown in for good measure.

 



 

A View From Mid-Span And In Between Multiple Amen’s!

 



 

A Look Of Relief Approaching The Other Side – And I’m Not Talking About Heaven.

 

More To Follow…Soon!

Edited October 7, 2014 by Captain Carnival

[Captain Carnival]

So Much For Retirement!

 

 



 

What The Hell – It’s Only Five More Years!

 

 



 

Just When I Thought I Was Out They Pull Me Back In!!

 

 

 

[andy.capitan]

Talk about a photo bomber. Wait for it... Wait for it...

 

[YOUTUBE]FM71HlXPZMA[/YOUTUBE]

[Captain Carnival]

Talk about a photo bomber. Wait for it... Wait for it...

 

[YOUTUBE]FM71HlXPZMA[/YOUTUBE]

 

HOLY CRAP - AWESOME!!!!

 

I'm A Star!!

 

I just need to learn how to embed a youtube video here!!

Edited October 7, 2014 by Captain Carnival

[andy.capitan]

HOLY CRAP - AWESOME!!!!

 

I'm A Star!!

 

I just need to learn how to embed a youtube video here!!

 

When composing a post there is a Red button that will put Youtube brackets in your post and then you put the video number (not the whole URL) in between is one way,

 

 

[nybumpkin]

 

 

 

 

 



 

A View Of The Train From The Bus Crossing Above A Water Fall Along The Steep Mountain.

 

To me one of the more interesting pieces of note was just how prone the area was to earthquakes which made me question the relative safety of taking a train along a steep and sloping mountain face risking a 6.7 magnitude earthquake and crashing down to the Horsey-side graveyard below!

 

LOL - We opted for the train.:p We had wonderful views and champagne when we reached the top.:cool: However, your tour really looks great - despite my vertigo, I probably would have given the bridge a try. (Okay, maybe after the champagne.:p)

[Hogladyrider]

Really enjoying your review......first discovered your talents on your review of your mediterranean review!

 

Oh how I love Alaska! Did the same cruise on Spirit in 2009 with my mom and we returned this past July for a 10 day land trip that was hands down the best vacation ever and I am a cruise junkie.

 

Cruising Alaska just wets the appetite for Alaska one must visit the interior to truly understand the vastness of this amazing state.

 

One interesting thing about Alaska they go from summer almost right into winter, by Floridian standards. Meaning 60-70's to 20-30's the end of Sept first part of October.

 

Looking forward to the remainder of your review.

 

Susan

[Captain Carnival]

When composing a post there is a Red button that will put Youtube brackets in your post and then you put the video number (not the whole URL) in between is one way,

 

THANKS!!

 

[YOUTUBE]DEgHgwYq37g[/YOUTUBE]

 

Now Let Me Toot My Own Horn In Appreciation!

[Captain Carnival]

Talk about a photo bomber. Wait for it... Wait for it...

 

[YOUTUBE]FM71HlXPZMA[/YOUTUBE]

 

Touché

 



 

So Who's The Photo Bomber Now?!?!?!

[Captain Carnival]

Some More Yukon Bridge Photos

 

 

Our Tablemates and Friends - Angie and Greg Crossing The Bridge.

 

 

 

My Bride Loves Alaska Beary Much!

 

 

 

An Example Of A Gold Miners Cabin - The One On Stilts Held Their Food Provisions Up High From Bears.

 

 

 

The Perfect Location For a Snowbird Summer Home!

 

 

 



Hello Kitty!

 

 

 

Someone Just Figured Out Where We Sailed To!

[andy.capitan]

Touché

 



 

So Who's The Photo Bomber Now?!?!?!

 

Touche or Tushes?

 

I think I kind of blend in with the fall foliage. :D

[Captain Carnival]

LOL - We opted for the train.:p We had wonderful views and champagne when we reached the top.:cool: However, your tour really looks great - despite my vertigo, I probably would have given the bridge a try. (Okay, maybe after the champagne.:p)

 

Sounds like a plan but still don't look down- cheers!

[Captain Carnival]

Yukon(t) Get Enough Photo’s

 

The Voyage Home - Back Across The Bridge

 

Even Though I Walk Over The Valley Of….

 

 

Someone Looks A Bit More Confident Now!

 

 

Who Needs A Bridge When You Have Angel Wings!

 

 

Looks Like I Could Use Some Wings Right Now!

 

 

We Made It Back Safe And Sound!

[ragethjj23]

Is there a better side of the ship to have a balcony on, especially in glacier bay?

[Captain Carnival]

Is there a better side of the ship to have a balcony on, especially in glacier bay?

 

In the end it maybe a matter of personal preference, however we always book on the starboard (right) side of the ship and in this case, and as seen in many of our photos, we had spectacular views of the coastline both going to and from Alaska.

[Captain Carnival]

Touche or Tushes?

 

I think I kind of blend in with the fall foliage. :D

 

I'll stick with touché, however this is an incredible coincidence with you filming me and my Bride taking a picture of the actual event; talk about kismet!

[sjcruiser]

Loving the review and photos!!!! Thanks for posting, and what a great way to spend an anniversary and to start retirement!!!! Thanks for your service!!!!

[Captain Carnival]

Welcome To Liarsville

 



 

During the gold rush era in the Yukon not only miners flocked to the area seeking a claim and striking rich but many journalists who were also seeking a rich story also arrived in the area as well. Now for many, if not most, their interests in getting a 24-karat story didn’t include risking life and limb by heading on up into the Klondike just to interview a miner so they set up camp and waited for their return and hopefully a gold nugget of a story.

 

Using a little creative writing skills many of these “on the scene” reporters would often stretch the truth just a wee bit by claiming that their interviews took place way up in the frozen and dangerous Yukon rather than from the safety of their sheltered encampment. As a consequence the reports base camp became known as “Liarsville” and remains so today; kind of like MSNBC - Bazinga!!!

 

Now on our visit to Liarsville we didn’t see or meet any reporters, however we were treated to a fantastic salmon bake on the same grounds that included a generous supply of all you can eat salmon and sides that really hit the spot after our journey up and down the mountainside, even if it was on a coach bus!

 

 

The Liarsville Salmon Bake

 

 

The Serving Line

 

 

Somewhere Between A Full And Empty Plate

 

 

One Of The More Colorful And HUGE Residents – Lucy, An Enormous Dog Who Weighed In At 165 Pounds!

 

 

We’re Happy And Also Quite Full Too!

[Captain Carnival]

Really enjoying your review......first discovered your talents on your review of your mediterranean review!

 

Oh how I love Alaska! Did the same cruise on Spirit in 2009 with my mom and we returned this past July for a 10 day land trip that was hands down the best vacation ever and I am a cruise junkie.

 

Cruising Alaska just wets the appetite for Alaska one must visit the interior to truly understand the vastness of this amazing state.

 

One interesting thing about Alaska they go from summer almost right into winter, by Floridian standards. Meaning 60-70's to 20-30's the end of Sept first part of October.

 

Looking forward to the remainder of your review.

 

Susan

 

Thank you ever so much for your compliments and I am glad you enjoyed our Mediterranean Adventure and now our Alaskan one too. I really enjoyed telling more of a story rather than posting a garden variety style review - there's still more to come!

[Captain Carnival]

Loving the review and photos!!!! Thanks for posting, and what a great way to spend an anniversary and to start retirement!!!! Thanks for your service!!!!

 

Thank You Very Much!!! :D:D:D

[andy.capitan]

I'll stick with touché, however this is an incredible coincidence with you filming me and my Bride taking a picture of the actual event; talk about kismet!

 

I concur. Small world.

[Captain Carnival]

Just an observation....

 

Right now this thread has over 5000 views yet only 72 posts, including both my own, comments, and replies that only comes to 1.42% of posts to views.

 

It just seems odd.....:confused:

[pb19]

Just an observation....

 

Right now this thread has over 5000 views yet only 72 posts, including both my own, comments, and replies that only comes to 1.42% of posts to views.

 

It just seems odd.....:confused:

 

 

Some of us are just lurking and enjoying!

We're planning for Alaska in 2015 and some of our ports will be the same so I'm soaking up all the information I can get from your review.

Did the same thing last year with your Med cruise. We followed a similar path on the Sunshine in Sept 2013. By the way, I cried through those first few post with you telling about how you surprised your wife. My hubby would look at me like I'd lost my mind so I'd read it to him and he'd continue to look at me like I'd lost my mind. HA HA. I recognized you both as soon as I saw the photos on this thread. I've been enjoying following along. Thanks for sharing!

Denise