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Around the World 2023
  • Hen Tours

Around the World 2023

A 262-day adventure by Hen Tours Read more
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  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Homer Spit

    June 5, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    This morning we walked around to the deep water dock oh Homer Spit, where the crab trawlers were tied up. Very interesting.

    We then walked back to the spit and stopped for coffee and a soft pretzel. It was ok but I wouldn’t have one again. We slowly worked our way back towards the hotel, looking in shops as we went.

    Back at the hotel we got in the car a drove to a couple of places recommended for wildlife, both had nothing to be seen. After popping in the supermarket for yogurt and blueberries we were back to the hotel and parked the car.

    We walked back along the spit to find lunch. I had some delicious fish and chips.

    After an afternoon nap we went for a late afternoon walk around the spit and then back to the hotel for dinner. Having a room looked out across the end of the spit was interesting as all the boats had to come by as well as birds and otters. No whales.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Homer

    June 6, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    After breakfast we drove to the Alaskan nature centre to go for a walk. Just as we left the car park, a group of people approached and told us not to go down the path as there was an aggressive moose with a calf. We walked up higher and could see the moose on the path. A ranger came out and said it was ok to go but we decided against it. Moose are dangerous. We watched the moose for a while and then went to look around the visitor centre.

    We then drove around the town and up onto Skyline drive to look down on the view of the spit.

    We returned to the hotel and made a picnic lunch which we had on a shelter near the dock. After a last walk around the spit, we gave ourselves an afternoon off and watched TV.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Homer to Palmer

    June 7, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    Time to move on. After packing everything into the car we set off northbound. After a few hours we stopped at the Sunrise cafe for a break. Good coffee, diabolical service, it’s a wonder we aren’t still there!

    We continued north and stopped at Walmart in Anchorage for the things we forgot on the way down.

    Another hour north and we reached the Big Bear campground in Palmer. We put the tent up and then headed towards Hatcher’s Pass.

    The pass was still closed because of snow but there was a car park at the end of the road for Independence Mine. We parked up and walked up the closed road for a mile. We then had to get in the snow to walk around the mine buildings. On the way we saw some squirrels and an Alaskan marmot.

    On return to the campground, we made stir fry for dinner and into the tent just before the rain started    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler
    1

    Palmer to Valdez

    June 8, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 9 °C

    A not too bad night in the tent and everything packed up and off. We started along the Glen Highway and drove the scenic, if sometimes bumpy, route to Glenallen. We saw the Matanuska glacier along the way.

    At Glenallen we stopped at the supermarket and got bread and cheese for sandwiches which we ate in the car before continuing.

    We joined the Richardson Highway and headed down to Valdez. We saw the transalaskan pipeline a few times along the way and hit a couple of patches of major roadworks. Just before Valdez we climbed one final pass and then plummeted downhill.

    We arrived at the KOA and checked in. The lady told us we could see some bears at the salmon hatchery so we headed there. No bears, no sea lions 🦭. Nothing. Again. No surprise.

    We decided to drive to town and find where our trip leaves from tomorrow. Looked like a nice little town, but was cold and wet so we decided not to stay today.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Meares Glacier Part 1

    June 9, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    Up and into Valdez (the campground is a few miles away from the town). We checked in for our Stan Stephens Cruise and at 8.30am boarded. After freezing to death last week, I found a table inside and settled in for the day.

    At 9 am we headed down the Valdez arm towards Meares glacier. On the journey we saw a humpback 🐋, porpoise 🐬, a black bear 🐻, sea otters 🦦 and birds. They gave us morning tea and lunch and as much coffee as we could drink.

    Fortunately the ocean was calm and we had a good day. We spent about 30 minutes at the glacier before heading back to port. On the return journey there was a huge oil tanker coming in and we got up close to that. After the Exon Valdez disaster, there’s a requirement that each tanker is accompanied by tugs with spill equipment and that can stop a tanker almost instantly. The captain told us about the terminal at the end of the pipeline in Valdez. It looks pretty big and not very beautiful.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    A day off in Vadez

    June 10, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 7 °C

    A lazy start before driving to town. We had a quick walk around but Simon’s back was hurting again. We popped into the supermarket and then drove to Solomon Gulch fish hatchery. Still no bears. We returned to the campground and had a day off from touristing but watched movies instead.Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Valdez to Fairbanks

    June 11, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    That was a drive! Up and off before 8am. We climbed up the pass out of Valdez and out of the rain. We had a stop at Glen Allen for coffee and continued north, following the Alaska pipeline.

    By lunch time we reached Delta Junction and stopped for burgers. We got back on the road, continuing north until we reached North Pole, where we went to Santa’s House. We had a look around the Christmas shop and saw 🎅. We walked across the car park to see Rudolph and his friends as well.

    We then got back in the car and drove the last few miles to the campground. We set up the tent and had a coffee by the Chena River.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Something I’ve learned

    June 12, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    When we set out, I didn’t know how to use the gas burner, I’ve never had to.Now I can use it to heat up water for my morning cuppa. I don’t particularly like using it and I won’t connect or disconnect the canister and the stove but some progress has been made.

    And my coffee smells good.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Chena Hot Springs

    June 12, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    After borrowed headed north, to Chena Hot Springs. An hour’s drive later we were as far north as we are heading this trip , and as far north as I’ve ever been. We found the entrance to the pools and spent some time in the hot springs relaxing.

    Once out and showered we heated some water and had noodles for lunch. We had a look around the other buildings before driving back to Fairbanks.

    Next we went to Pioneer Park and looked at some older contraptions and buildings. We planned on having dinner at the salmon bake but they didn’t have any veggie option so back to the campground for dinner.

    Just as we finished dinner the rain hit so we had an early night.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Around Fairbanks

    June 13, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    We drove to downtown Fairbanks for a look around. This is a lesson learned, downtown USA doesn’t have shops, there was nothing so we drove on to the supermarket and got a few extras for dinner.

    We then drove to the Museum of the North at the university of Alaska Fairbanks. There were a few eclectic exhibits.

    When we left we pulled in and had a potential view of Denali but we couldn’t be sure.

    We went back to the campground and had lunch sitting in the sunshine. As it was such a beautiful afternoon we decided to relax in the sunshine for the rest of the day.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Fairbanks to Denali

    June 14, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C

    An earlier than planned start due to the guy next to us packing his camp up super early.

    We started a leisurely drive towards Denali and stopped at the shops just before the park entrance.

    After second breakfast, we checked in to Riley Creek campground at the mercantile and went to find a site. Once we found the site we put the tent and tarp up and then looking Ed around the park buildings and information centre.

    We then took a drive down the 15 miles of paved road and saw 3 grizzly bears 🐻 in the distance.

    Back at the campground we were just doing a few jobs when the camp host appeared and told us we couldn’t stay on that site. After much discussion, we took everything down, found a new site and put everything back up. We were pretty tired by now!    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Denali National Park

    June 15, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C

    Up at 4.45am in 1°c so that we could catch the 6am East Fork Transit bus. The trip lasted just under 5 hours and went out to the furthest point possible on the Denali road. Due to the pretty rocks land slide this is a long way from the end of the road but they aren’t planning on clearing it until 2026.

    On the journey we saw lots of wildlife:
    Dall sheep🐑
    Moose 🫎
    Caribou
    Snowshoe hares
    A Grizzly 🐻
    Harlequin duck

    Oh, and Denali mountain in full, unobstructed view. Welcome to the 10% club, said the bus driver.

    When we got back to the bus depot we got our things and headed for a shower. We then set out to dry he 15 miles of paved road again but didn’t see any wildlife.

    In the evening we did camping chores and had dinner before bed.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Denali to Talkeetna, an unexpected journ

    June 16, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Up at 4.45am again and on the 6am East Fork Transit Bus. The wildlife seemed a little quieter today with only a hare and some migratory sheep seen for 95% of the outbound distance. Then a male moose with 2 antlers on one side. And a Grizzly just metres away from the moose.

    We watched the drama unfold. The Grizzly sniffing the air, knowing the moose was ahead of it. The moose watching the direction the bear was in and retreating. Who would win? What would happen? We’ll never know but it was probably a stalemate. Moose are dangerous and can kick a grizzly to death. Grizzly’s learn this early and unless there’s a calf, they don’t attack. Male moose, no calf so they probably just ignored each other.

    The rest of the journey was uneventful. We arrived back at the bus depot and drove back to the campground. We realised how tired we were and decided that we wanted to move on. While we had allowed time to see Denali, we had been fortunate and seen so much in 2 days we could see more of Alaska than planned if we moved on.

    We packed our campsite up and bought some souvenirs. We then headed south to Talkeetna. On the way we had some good mountain views.

    We checked in to the talkeetna inn and sorted the chaos of the car out. We then walked to downtown Talkeetna and looked around the shops. We tried the famous spinach bread, which was ok.

    We had dinner at the Denali brewery and then relaxed in our tiny room.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Talkeetna to Wasilla

    June 17, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    After a good night’s sleep, despite the blood on the bed sheets (used my sleeping bag instead), we drove to the flying squirrel for a delicious breakfast. Back at the Talkeetna Inn, we packed everything up and then continued south. We stopped at the birch syrup shop and had a tour of things but didn’t buy any syrup, although it was tasty.

    Just outside Wasilla, we stopped at the Iditarod headquarters and watched an interesting film about the race and the dogs. Outside we saw some sled dogs but decided against going on a sled ride.

    We then drove to our hotel and started the mammoth task of repacking everything ready for Brooks Camp. They limit luggage so we had to sort everything into what we needed and what we would leave. And we had to plan and prepare all the meals we needed while we were there.

    We had a quick trip to Walmart to get the last few things and accidentally 😉 picked up a couple of pizzas 🍕 for dinner.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Wasilla to Anchorage

    June 18, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    We had a slow start and finished the task of repacking. Although some more work was needed, we should be ok.

    We then continued the journey south towards Anchorage and made a full circle as we passed the Big Bear campground we stayed at a few weeks ago.

    The day was warm, it reached over 70°F for the first time since Joshua Tree, it’s nice to see blue skies after all this time.

    We did a few chores in Anchorage and then checked in to the hotel.

    We spent the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the sun and views.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Anchorage

    June 19, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    We drove to the city for breakfast. The restaurant we wanted had an hour’s wait so we went next door and it was tasty.

    We then headed down to Potter’s Marsh, at the top of the Kenai Peninsula. We spent some time walking around the reserve but there wasn’t a lot of wildlife to be seen.

    We continued south, stopping at Beluga Point where we saw some Dall sheep. We drove down as far as Girdwood and the filled the side road to the Alyeaska Resort. We were going to catch the cable car up the mountain but it was too expensive. Instead we drove back to downtown Anchorage and had a look around the shops.

    We then popped into Walmart for last minute essentials and new headphones to replace my broken ones, before going back to the hotel to finish sorting everything out.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Anchorage to Brooks Camp

    June 20, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    A really early start, the alarm going off at 3.45am. We packed everything into the car and drove to the airport. We returned the rental car and then checked in for our Aleutian Airways flight to King

    We then found the baggage storage and left our spare things

    The flight to King Salmon took about an hour. When we arrived, we were met by a Katmai Air representative who transferred us to the float plane depot. We checked in again, including being weighed for the second time today, and after a short wait we boarded the float plane. The flight from King Salmon to Brooks camp was about 20 minutes.

     We landed and clambered out of the plane onto the beach. We were sent straight to bear school, where we watched a video about how to behave around the bears.

    We then checked in for our campsite and went to put up the tent. Once everything was sorted, we walked to the falls platform and looked at the view. Suddenly a female m, 909, and 2 cubs appeared on the opposite bank. They looked around for a while and the climbed down the bank and crossed the river, swimming right towards us. They came and ate grass right under the platform where we were standing and we watched them until they walked off into the bush.

    We then went back to the campground and had noodles for lunch.

    After lunch we sat and watched the fishermen for a while and then went into the lodge to avoid the light rain.

    We spent the rest of the evening relaxing at the campground.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    The Valley of 10,000 Smokes: Novoerupta

    June 21, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    In New Zealand, it’s the shortest day. Hooray, we’re missing the dark winter. Here, it’s the longest day. Except, I’ve realised that in 24 hour day light there isn’t really a longest day. It’s only a thing when you have decreasing darkness and we haven’t had darkness since southeast Alaska, and that was brief.

    After breakfast, we walked to the far side of the bridge and got the bus for our day trip to the Valley of 10,000 Smokes. We set off at 9am along the single track road. We stopped at a couple of view points along the way.

    As we rounded one corner there was a Lynx in the road I had a good but short sight of it but no time for a photo. It had a short stubby tail and was a similar colour to the bush around. It was smaller than I expected but bigger thanks a house cat.

    We also saw snowshoe hare, a moose and some spruce grouse.

    Around 11.30 we reached the visitor centre at the top of the valley and had some lunch, sandwiches and crisps. We then set of on our tramp to the bottom of the valley, about a mile and a half/ 2 miles down. In the bottom we got a good impression of the size of the pyroclastic flow caused by the enormous eruption.

    After spending a little time at the bottom, we began the tramp back up. Once back in the visitor centre we dried off and had a sandwich.

    We then hopped back on the bus for the return journey to Brooks Camp. On the walk back from the bus to the campground we saw a porcupine up a tree! After a change of foot wear (shoes and socks soaking wet after the walk to the valley) we went to the lodge. We had a beer in the bar and then had dinner in the restaurant.

    After dinner we spent some time on the bridge watching the birds and had one last look at the porcupine before bed.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Bear sighting 3

    June 21, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Well, I was lying in the tent thinking about the day when I heard rushed, stomping footsteps outside. Now, yesterday I wouldn’t have thought twice as our tent cul-de-sac was full but everyone cleared out this morning and our tent is at the end.

    Who or what ever was coming was aiming directly for me!

    Jenni, there’s bears on the beach!

    Phew! Just Simon dashing to tell me about bears.

    So, in my primary nightie and target pj bottoms, I walk through the campground to the beach. The mosquitoes 🦟 had a field day.

    But, there was 901 and her 3 cubs. They were far away but we could see her through the binoculars. The cubs must be this year’s and very dark brown.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Around Brooks Camp

    June 22, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    After a pretty good night’s sleep (except for the rain), we got up and had the first shower in 2 days. I don’t think I’ve ever walked so far for a shower, past so much bear poop before 😬.

    After breakfast we walked to the falls platform and sat for a while watching for bears. After an hour or so we returned to the ranger station without seeing any but the sun was out and drying my shoes.

    We had lunch at the ranger station picnic area and then back to the campground for a little afternoon nap.

    We then went to the lodge to charge some devices and have a cuppa. We walked out onto the bridge and down the peninsula with the barge. The mosquitoes were pretty bad so we worked our way back towards the lodge. We saw a group of people on the beach and went to see which bear they were looking at, 901 and her cubs.

    We then went to the lodge for a beer before returning to the campground for macaroni cheese for dinner.

    After dinner we went to the beach and watched 90/ and her cubs again before bed. The cubs were cavorting and playing, which was great to watch.    Read more

  • Hen ToursAround the World 2023Traveler

    Bear sighting 4

    June 22, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    We were just coming in from a walk across the bridge and saw a group of people. We headed towards them and saw a telescope. Right out on the end of the peninsula, just visible through the binoculars, was 901 and her 3 cubs. No photos as they were so far away but still a sighting 😊🐻Read more

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