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Let's Compare Fjords
  • Jane Kipp
  • Jane Kipp

Let's Compare Fjords

I was in Norway for the fjords last year, let's see how good the Alaskan fjords look. Read more
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  • Trip start
    May 23, 2025
    Jane KippLet's Compare FjordsTraveler
    Tourist shot
    Tourist shot1. Ountains in Anchorage airportThis is what greets you at the airport in AnchorageMore stuffed wildlife.1Northern lights walkway.1Landing in VancouverMountains in Vancouver airportThey had a tail camera on the fist flight.Vancouver airport sculptureGotta wet your whistleLunch at Vancouver airportBreakfast at Toronto lounge

    North to Alaska...

    May 23, 2025 in Canada 🌧 8 °C

    I am back with another adventure. This time, I'm off to Alaska. I have 3 days in Anchorage before heading to Whittier for a cruise.

    I was up early at 3 AM for a 4:30 pickup. The weather is rainy and cool. The drive is quite pleasant. I use Airport Limousine for travel to and from the airport. They haven't let me down in over 5 years. At the airport, I am through security and into the lounge by 5:45. My flight doesn't take off until 8:30, so I have plenty of time for some breakfast and coffee.

    This is not a direct flight, unfortunately. I fly to Vancouver, then have to go through security again to fly to Anchorage. I should get there by 4:00 PM. I have a rental car waiting at the airport for the next 3 days. I have booked an Air BnB while I'm in Anchorage.

    A smooth first flight to Vancouver. My flight to Anchorage is delayed by half an hour. I have plopped myself in another Priority Pass Lounge with comfy chairs, food, and wine.

    I lucked out with the second flight. We had an empty seat in our row. This was a 3÷ hour flight, so it's not so bad. This is a small airport but with interesting displays. Check out the airport pictures.

    I pick up my rental car. It was supposed to be an SUV, but I ended up with a Malibu that doesn't even have a GPS. I am disappointed. It is only for a couple of days, so I'll live with it.

    It only takes about 10 minutes to get to my Air BnB. So far, from what I have seen of Anchorage, it is a little run down. My place is on a quiet side street so that is good. I'm on the second floor, which means I'll be getting my exercise with the stairs.

    The next adventure was getting groceries for the next couple of days. I found the local grocery store, Carry, and just got some buns, meat, and cheese. A few other things, but the bill was $60.00 US for too small paper bags. Ouch! Good thing I'm heading out the cruise Monday, and they can feed me!

    I head back to write this up and will have an early bedtime. I'm working on an 18-hour day so far. See you tomorrow.    Read more

  • Jane KippLet's Compare FjordsTraveler
    Lazy bearYou see a lot of sea planesSeward harbour1

    Let's Explore...And Not Get Lost

    May 24, 2025 in the United States ☀️ 15 °C

    Day 2 starts with a cup of coffee after a very restful sleep. The place I'm in is very nice for a few days, (even a week if you want). It is clean, quiet has a good mattress. there is off street parking but no view or outdoor space. Everything seems to be working well as far as the water pressure, fridge, coffeemaker.

    I'm going to pack a little lunch and head off today out of Anchorage. I think I will head to Seward. Today is a beautiful day for a drive. Clear skies and a temperature of about 19C. (68F)

    Do you know how you turn a 2.5 hour drive into 4 hours? You stop to take pictures! Then you see a wildlife conservation center. Then you take more pictures along the way. My drive to Seward was along the scenic drive Hwy 1. This reminded me so much of Norway last year. The mountains and lakes and streams and marshes were beautiful. Since the car doesn't have a GPS in it, I use my phone to navigate. I always buy an e-sim when traveling. I use an app called Airola, but there are many out there.

    Traffic is good getting out of Anchorage, and the highway is one lane but opens up with passing lanes quite frequently. There are also pull offs for picture taking as well. Way to go Alaska road works! The amazing thing that I noticed was the colour of the water. It is an amazing glacial blue green colour. I don't know if that is from the plankton in the water or the way the sun is hitting. Check out the many pictures below. I didn't see any wildlife in their natural habitat, but I did come across the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. (www.alaskawildlife.org) Entrance fee is $27.00. It is open all year, and they have many enclosures with different types of animals from foxes to elk, from muskox to black bears. You can walk the 1.5 mile path or you can drive. I chose to walk because I so need the exercise! Once again, check out the pictures. After my walk, I get a ginger ale and have my sandwich.

    On the road again, I head to Seward. Of course, I have to stop and get some more scenic shots along the way. I finally make it to Seward. Seward is a fishing town south of Anchorage situated on the Gulf of Alaska. It is on the east side of the Kenai Peninsula. They do have a Main Street shopping area, but I didn't venture down it. I head down to the water to find the Alaska Sea Life Center (www.askasealife.org). Entrance fee is $40.05. This one has tans filled with everything sea dwelling. They have starfish, lobsters, crabs, sea urchins, Alaskan skate, salmon, and of course seals! It was harder to get shots through the tanks, but I tried. They also had sea birds like puffins, elders, and ducks. More picture opportunities!

    Okay, time to drive back. The drive down took 4+ hours, I tell myself that the drive home will be shorter. I do make it back in about 3 hours. I stop at Carrs (grocery store) and pick up a pre-made soup for dinner. I have sandwich stuff and potato salad to go with it.

    I will sleep well again tonight. Tomorrow is another day.    Read more

  • Jane KippLet's Compare FjordsTraveler
    Wooly beast
    Wooly beastMommas and babiesTwo of the babies.Musk Ox SkullOLD Glen Hwy

    Wooly Beasts

    May 25, 2025 in the United States ☁️ 14 °C

    Today is overcast, and I have had some light to moderate rain on my travels today. The temperatures are in the 10-15 C (50-60F) range. You can't guarantee the weather, so you dress appropriately. I had another great sleep. Must be the fresh northern air. Another thing to mention is the amount of daylight they have here at this time of year. the sun rises at 4:49 AM and doesn't set until 11:04 PM. The place I'm in has good black out blinds, so I have no issue sleeping.

    After a good breakfast of yogurt and melon with a banana muffin, I pack my sandwich and head north. I am heading to Palmer today. As I am driving, I see a cutoff for Old Glen Hwy. Well, anything old must be good (kind of like me!) So off I go. It is a windy two lane road that goes through some beautiful forests. Check out the picture below. It may take a little longer, but I have time.

    I pass the Git n Go liquor store. I kid you not! I couldn't make up that name. I am out in the backwoods, and it shows. I'm hoping to see a moose or bear or something, but no luck. I do find the Musk Ox Farm (www.muskoxfarm.org) I wanted to check this place out. They are a farm that actually harvests the Qiviut from the musk ox and spin it into wool. Qiviut is the undercoat that the musk ox shed in the spring after the cold winters. It is what gives them that shaggy look in the pictures. After they gather it, they send it to Peru to have is carded, washed, and spun into wool.

    We head out to the pastures where the musk ox are in different enclosures. There are 3 mommas with their babies in one. The youngest is a week and a half old. They are about 15 pounds when they are born and gain about 10 pounds per week. They have other enclosures with musk ox at different ages. The tour takes about 45 minutes. They are closely related to goats, just bigger and lazier.

    Inside they have wool and knit wear made from them. I, of course, have to check it out. Their wool is not good for socks, but it is good for scarfs, hats, and leg warmers. It is a very fine, lace weight yarn. One skein that may do a small scarf is about $180.00 - $200.00. A little rich for my blood. It is very soft, but I'm not paying that much for wool. The wool stays here.

    I did drive over to the Reindeer Farm, but it looked more like a petting zoo, so I came back instead. The drive back is just as nice.

    I have to pack up tonight because tomorrow I'm heading to the cruise. It has been a fun couple of days here in Anchorage, and I would recommend it to anyone. You would have to rent a car to get anywhere.

    I will post tomorrow from the ship!    Read more

  • Jane KippLet's Compare FjordsTraveler
    It doesn't get old
    It doesn't get oldThat's our tunnelNo wonder it's one way only!Home for the next week.Spinnikar loungeBustling town of WhittierThey let me on...

    Cruise day!

    May 26, 2025 in the United States 🌧 5 °C

    I have checked out bright and early at 9 AM. The rental car is returned. I have checked in with Norwegian for the bus to Whittier. I am aboard, and all is good. It is an hour and a half trip to the cruise port. Let's enjoy.

    The drive to Whittier is very scenic. We stop at a rest area to check out the mountains and the glacial waters. It has turned overcast with intermittent drizzle. It is what it is.

    To get to Whittier, we have to go through a tunnel. This tunnel was built during WW2. It was built so the army could get supplies to Whittier in case of attack by Russia. The tunnel is 2.5 miles long and is used by the train as well as vehicles. This tunnel only runs one way at a time. We have to queue up for our ride through. Fascinating. Just on the other side, the port. There's my ship!

     I'm on board in no time at all. I hit the muster station to check in. Then up to the buffet for lunch. Sorry, no picture, I was hungry. After dropping off my carry-on luggage, I head up to the Spinnaker lounge for some peace and quiet.

    The rooms are finally ready! I head down to unpack my carry-on and set up my C-PAP machine. My luggage hasn't arrived yet, so I may be having dinner in the clothes I worn this morning.

    I head to the Spinnaker lounge for the solo traveler's meeting. The advantages of this group are that you get to meet other solo travelers, and the host will get a group reservation at one of the restaurants for dinner. There are a surprisingly large number of Canadians here. I'd say about 1/3 of the group. Several are from British Columbia about 5 from Ontario and one older gentleman from Newfoundland! That was a far trek! We head down for dinner and get to know each other.

    When I get back my room, my luggage is there. So, I unpack and head to bed. It has been a long day for some reason.    Read more

  • Jane KippLet's Compare FjordsTraveler
    On our way to the Hubbard Glacier
    On our way to the Hubbard GlacierHubbard GlacierSea lions basking in the sunYum

    Iceburgs Ahead!

    May 27, 2025 in the United States ☁️ 6 °C

    This morning, after a wonderful night's sleep, I head to deck 7 for a walk outside. It is about 8C (46F) outside. The waves are rolling, and the day is overcast. There is also a brisk wind. Perfect morning for a walk! 3 laps of the ship equal 1 mile roughly. So off I go. I try to get 3000 steps before breakfast. That way, I can justify desert.

    I head down to the restaurant for breakfast. Some oatmeal, fresh fruit, cranberry juice (no vodka yet), and coffee. I will get food pictures tonight.

    Back to the room for a shower, and then I'll see what happens.

    There are plenty of activities today on board. However, the big attraction today is the Hubbard Glacier. As we approach, you can see ice chunks in the water.

    The Hubbard Glacier is south of Anchorage. It is the longest tidal glacier in North America at 122 km (75 miles) long and 200 m (655 ft) tall.

    The sun has decided to come out just in time for some good shots. It is amazing to see but not the best all and end all. Back down to the bar for a chocolate martini.

    After another amazing dinner, I take in a show called Blazing Boots. It is a pop country tribute. The show was meh. Time for bed.    Read more

  • Jane KippLet's Compare FjordsTraveler
    Azamera restaurant
    Azamera restaurantBeautiful scenery but not much to do in Icy Strait Point

    Lazy Day in Icy Strait Point

    May 28, 2025 in the United States

    I slept well again. Seems to be a norm when I'm on a ship. Maybe I should just stay?

    I wake to a drizzling hazy day. I head out for my walk on deck. Deck 7 is covered, and it goes all the way around the ship. A nice 3 laps, and I'm ready for breakfast.

    Now Icy Strait Point is in the Hoonah area in Alaska. It is home to the largest Tlingit tribe of First Nations people. It is famous for whale watching. We have tendered out since there are 3 ships in today. I am not going on shore with 10,000 other people in a town that literally closes at 5:00 PM.

    So, I stay on board and relax. I have a nice breakfast and then go reading. After lunch in an uncrowded buffet, it is nap time.
    The starkness of the area and the weather give it a beauty all of its own.    Read more

  • Jane KippLet's Compare FjordsTraveler
    Totem pole on the warf
    Totem pole on the warf1I see you...1Mendenhall GlacierJuneau harbourMy benefactor of tonight's dinnerLamb chopsChocolate goodness

    Birthday Celebration in Juneau

    May 29, 2025 in the United States 🌧 5 °C

    Today is my birthday, I'm 64 today. It is overcast and drizzling again today. Seems to be the norm for this trip. However, I have a tour to go see the Mendenhall Glacier and a whale watching trip. One of the ladies from the solo traveler's group is going to head out with me. Teresa, who lives in Peterborough, meets me for breakfast, and then we head off.
    Juneau is a booming metropolis with 31,500 people in residents. Alaska itself only has 741,000 people living there. Juneau is so big that it actually has a Costco! It is also only 8 miles from Canada.
    Our tour leaves at 11AM. We have some time, so we walk the main drag. There are plenty of shops here and I think the ratio is 2 jewelry stores to one souvenirs store. I do get a couple of Christmas decorations and a hoodie.
    We pick up the bus and head to Mendenhall Glacier. There are several trails, and we pick the lookout point. Here we see the glacier and a nice waterfall. I also spot a juvenile bald eagle in a tree. They don't get their white feathers until they are around years old. We have about an hour to explore before the bus picks us up to go to the harbour.
    Once on board, we head out to find some whales! The weather isn't the greatest, but that is out of our control. Out on the water, the wind and rain make it much cooler. Even with double layers, hat, scarf, etc., it is still cold. We do start to see water spouts from the whales blow. We head over and see some of them crest the water. These are grey whales. Some of the mom's even have their babies. We do see on tail fin, but it is slim pickings today.

    Teresa invites me to one of the specialty restaurants o board for a birthday dinner. Teresa has dinner passes to use up. We went to the French restaurant called La Bistro. I have the French onion soup and the lamb chops. (I got food pics this time) we have a nice bottle of wine, and she managed to get a birthday cake in there as well. It was so nice of her to through all this trouble for someone she had just met.

    It has been a full day, so it's time for bed. I have excursions for the next two days as well, so stay tuned.    Read more

  • Jane KippLet's Compare FjordsTraveler
    Old fashion trainView down to the harbourMounted Police StationLet's not take this oneBlack Cross marking where 2 men were crushed by the rock it sits on.

    Railway Trip in Skagway

    May 30, 2025 in the United States ☁️ 6 °C

    I'm feeling a little off this morning. I think I have a chill from yesterday. It is a good thing that my excursion doesn't start until 11:30 this morning. I have a late breakfast and then get my start for the train.

    The trip today is on a rail system that was built in 1900. This was built through the winter, and many men died in the building due to the harsh conditions. The train was built for the gold rush and connected Skagway with Whitehorse.

    The train accents almost 3000 feet, through mountains and valleys. We can see Skagway through a valley and clear down to the harbour where our ship is. We actually briefly cross the border into Canada. You can see the outpost of the North Western Mounted Police.

    The scenery is outstanding but devoid of wildlife. Apparently, fish don't like the silly, winding river, and therefore, there are no eagles or other predators.

    Tonight, I'm dining the Alazar restaurant. I put a photo of the restaurant in a couple of days ago. It is a smaller restaurant with the same menu as the Grand Pacific. Tonight's dinner started with a 3 cheese ravioli, baked halibut for the main, and a fig and apple cobbler for dessert. I have no idea who is cooking for me like this at home.    Read more

  • Jane KippLet's Compare FjordsTraveler
    The Norweigian Jade
    The Norweigian JadeView out to seaWelcome area at portI found a flower1Creek Street, a street of ill reputeLobster BisqueA baked potato!1Heaven on a plate

    The Tour That Wasn't

    May 31, 2025 in the United States 🌧 9 °C

    Today, I was supposed to go on a tour, but I woke up feeling unwell. It is raining again, and I didn't think a 1.5-mile hike through the nature preserve was a good idea. I have some breakfast and then head back to rest.

    I did make it off shore around noon. It was still raining, but a tourist must prevail!

    Ketchikan is an island. The airport is on a separate island. So, if you come in by plane you have to catch a ferry to the other island. Therefore, everything here has been brought in by boat or plane. If you want to take your car off the island, it is a 1.5 day ferry ride to Juneau or 2.5 day ferry to Washington state.

    I spent a couple of hours walking the streets of Ketchikan and got some good pictures. I also found a drugstore to get some cough drops. Hopefully, they will make a difference.

    Dinner tonight is at another specialty restaurant named Cagney's. It is the steak house for Norwegian. I have a cruise credit, so it costs me nothing. I start with the Lobster Bisque, then an entree of petite filet mignon with a baked potato and broccoli. This is the first time I have seen a baked potato at any of the meal options. I know where to come for my potato fix! Desert is a 7-layer chocolate cake that melts in your mouth. Yes, I have pictures of all.

    Tomorrow is a sea day as we head back to Vancouver. That means I am drawing to a close of my vacation.    Read more

  • Jane KippLet's Compare FjordsTraveler
    Sailing the inside Strait off of British Columbia.
    Sailing the inside Strait off of British Columbia.Cagney's SteakhouseRibs at Jasmine restaurantSea bassMango pudding

    Last Day on Board

    June 1, 2025 in Canada ☀️ 12 °C

    I'm still not at par. It has turned into a head cold now. Yuck! Good thing there is nothing to do today but pack up to go home. I have breakfast at O'Sheehans because I was too late for the Grand Pacific. Breakfast was my usual oatmeal and fruit.

    I spent some time up in the library reading after breakfast. The sun had come out today, and people were in the hot tub and pools. The temperature is only 12C (10 F), so that is a little too cool for me to play in the water. My head is still stuffed, and I'm not feeling like the hot tub.

    Teresa came up to join me at the library with a surprise birthday gift. When she was in Skagway, she found a quilt store. She bought a couple of fat quarters of Alaska material. One with bears and one with whales. It looks like a batik material. Looks like I have something to play with at home.

    I head back to the room to pack up my stuff. I manage to get everything packed and only have my toiletries and C-PAP for the morning. I hope they don't weigh my carry-on. I also checked in for the flight online.

    Teresa and I headed to another specialty restaurant tonight called Jasmine. This is an oriental restaurant. I'm not into sushi, so I have the soup and ribs with the sea bas for dinner. It was okay but not really good. The situation of the restaurant allows for the music from downstairs lounge to come up. It is distracting. Dinner is good, and I can see Teresa and I getting together again after the cruise. We have the same flight home as well.

    We are passing through the inside strait, and the scenery is beautiful. I think we have crossed over into Canada now.

    Tomorrow is a travel day, and I have to disembark early to get the shuttle to the airport.    Read more

  • Jane KippLet's Compare FjordsTraveler

    Our Time Has Come

    June 2, 2025 in Canada ⛅ 12 °C

    Well, it's time to leave. It has been an enjoyable trip as always. I'm up early at 6 AM to finish packing my personal bag. I meet Teresa at 7 AM for breakfast. We are off the ship, through Customs, and on the bus to the airport by 9:05. I am taking the shuttle that the cruise line offered to keep things simple.

    We reach the airport about 40 minutes later. Teresa has a bag to check before we head through security. The security line was very quick with no removal of shoes or unpacking electronics.

    We head to the first Priority Pass Lounge, and it is nothing more than a snack area. No washrooms, limited seating, etc. It's totally disappointing. The second lounge is better. They have a small buffet, bar, more comfortable seating, etc. We can spend a couple of hours here before boarding. Our flight is delayed (Surprise, it's Air Canada), so we are getting in an hour later. It's not a big deal for me, I have a car picking me up. The flight is 4.5 hours, and I should be home by 10 PM.

    The flight is bearable. It used to be that flying was an enjoyable event, but now it is a means to an end. The enjoyable part was that because I was flying domestic, I did have to go through customs in Toronto. I also arrived right where I was supposed to be for the limo to pick me up. I had a very nice young man who drove me home. We chatted all the way, and the time flew by quickly.

    It is nice to be home. Time to unpack, do the laundry and plan the next trip!    Read more

    Trip end
    June 2, 2025