We are Sam and Kim Wilkins and we are retired full time RVers in search of 70 degree weather. Our home is now a 42-foot fifth wheel.
We sold our home and most of our belongings in order to see what this great United States has to offer by way of beautiful scenery. Along the way we have met some of the nicest people.
Last month was filled with a whirlwind of our Alaskan Cruise but left a few things out. The biggest of which was Denali. Once in the McKinley Lodge we had a perfect view, from the back deck, of Mount McKinley, which the natives renamed Denali, meaning “the high one” or “the tall one” because it is the tallest mountain in North America at 20,310 feet. This mountain has its own weather system which causes either good or bad views. We were blessed with seeing the base of Denali but not the entire mountain. Seeing this mountain is a bucket list for everyone who visits Alaska so seeing any of it was a gift.
Glacier National Park had some phenomenal views of glaciers, otters, seals and whales. We sat out on our balcony on a beautiful sunny day and were witnesses to all of this beauty together with our friends on either side of us. We took turns pointing out these sights while taking pictures and videos. There was a National Park spokesman who came aboard and gave so much information about all the glaciers. Ours was one of the first ships to be able to travel up the pass because of restrictions for larger vessels which made the trip such a blessing.
The first port, called Icy Straits, was at Hoonah Alaska, we rode a tram up to a salmon cannery and saw beautiful sites such as eagles nesting and villages of the workers.
The second port was Jueau and it was very rainy. We disembarked and walked around to see downtown but got soaked so back on the ship we went.
The third port was Ketchikan which was filled with history. Our excursion there was a Lumberjack Show. We have been trying to attend one of these shows in earlier travels with no luck so seeing one in Alaska was so special and entertaining. There were two teams and we were rooting for one of them until I was almost horse.
Then once we were back on the ship the rest of our journey was at sea landing in Vancouver Canada to catch our plane home.
Yesterday I was able to conquer climbing Cranny Crow Trail in Lost River State Park. At 65 years old I’m a lot slower but the group I was with was so patient with me. The wooden part of the building at the top was burned with the fires earlier in the year but was already rebuilt. The views of 5 different counties were still very spectacular and well worth the climb. Thank you Amy Fansler and family for including me!
Blessing till next time.
Kim
