Travel always has a way of shaking things up for me. I recently took a whirlwind trip that started in Orlando, then headed to Seattle, and finally ended with an amazing Alaskan cruise. It was one heck of a journey, and along the way, I learned a couple of valuable lessons—well, I re-learned them:
Lesson 1: My brain often thinks I can do way more than my body can actually do. Duh…I knew that!
Lesson 2: Stacking three trips back-to-back might sound adventurous, but it’s also a surefire way to get sick. (Case in point: I spent most of our Alaska cruise unable to taste the food!)
But despite the hiccups, this epic journey was nothing short of incredible.
Reconnecting with Loved Ones
Our adventure began in Orlando, where Chris and I reconnected with some of our dearest friends from California. We even had the joy of watching the Paris Opening Ceremonies with my Auntie, making for a wonderful start to the trip.
Next, we headed to Seattle to meet up with family—my brother, sister-in-law, her sister, and a bunch of our lively nieces and nephews. There’s something magical about spending time with family, especially when surrounded by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. And after a few heartwarming days in Seattle, it was time to set sail for Alaska.
The Wonders of Alaska - An epic journey
The Alaska cruise was truly a highlight. We had the privilege of sharing dinners filled with laughter and bonding over games like Seven Wonders (I proudly taught Hiro and Vrendan to play so well, they managed to beat me! 🤣). But it wasn’t just the company that made the trip special—the experiences we had were beyond anything Chris and I could have imagined.
In Juneau, we took the Goldbelt Tram up to a breathtaking vantage point overlooking the fjord and then set out on a whale-watching excursion. I’ve never seen so many whales, glaciers, and sea lions in one day. The sight of dall porpoises racing around us at lightning speed was an unexpected thrill, and that night, the Northern Lights graced the sky—checking off a long-held bucket list item for me. Seeing the Aurora Borealis in the summer was something I never expected!
Note: The photos (video captures) don't do this justice, but luckily, I got lots of video footage!
Skagway offered its own unique adventure. Chris and I embarked on an excursion up the Klondike Highway to the Yukon Suspension Bridge, which hangs majestically over the Tutshi River. The scenery was simply breathtaking—pristine, untouched nature at its finest. (And on our excursion, I got to hold an adorable iditarod trainee!)
Our time in Sitka was more relaxed. While the rest of our family visited the National Historical Park, which we had explored on a previous trip, Chris and I chose to rest and recharge. But the group did get to see the thousands of salmon swimming upstream—a sight that never gets old.
Finally, as our cruise neared its end, we made a stop in Victoria, British Columbia. Butchart Gardens was a picturesque way to end our journey, with my brother adding a special moment by re-proposing to his wife in the Italian garden. It was one of those rare moments that you want to bottle up and keep forever.
To top it all off, the weather was remarkably perfect. I’m talking clear skies, sunshine, and 70-degree temperatures—an absolute rarity in the world’s largest temperate rainforest!
See More Photos from Our Adventure
If you’re curious to see more of our amazing journey, including videos, you can check out the footage in my Facebook album. For another trip to Alaska, including footage of our visits to the Chihuly Museum in Seattle and the ports of Ketchikan, Sitka, and Icy Strait Point, have a look at this album from our 2021 trip.
Plan Your Own Alaskan Adventure
If this journey has inspired you, why not plan your own Alaskan adventure? Whether by land, sea, or a combination of both, Alaska offers endless opportunities for discovery and connection. The breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and unique experiences await you.
Ready to start planning? Schedule a discovery call with us today by clicking here. Let’s make your dream Alaskan adventure a reality!
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