DougS Loc: Central Arkansas

I should add Tracy Arm, out of Juneau (before Denali).

DJphoto Loc: SF Bay Area

We have not been to Alaska yet. However, we had a Princess cruise to Alaska from San Francisco booked for last summer, but decided we didn't want to be on a ship with 2,600 people. We cancelled and got our deposit back (thanks, Princess) and booked a cruise on Viking from Bergen Norway to the Arctic Circle, Scotland and London. It was the best vacation we've ever taken. We ran out of superlatives early into the cruise and booked another Viking cruise while on the cruise. Their ships are smaller (930 passengers), casual, elegant, uncrowded, all cabins have a veranda and nobody under 18 is allowed on the ship. We will go to Alaska, but on Viking on their 11 day cruise from Vancouver to Seward. You pay more on Viking, but we believe it's a good value and worth it.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

There have been a few suggestions regarding driving up here. If you have the time and inclination, and a long driving trip doesn't bother you, do consider this. It's not cheap, but neither are cruises, but you are on your own time table and you can take as much or as little time as you want to see what's there on the way. I recommend driving the Alaska Hwy one way and driving the Cassiar Hwy the other. Canada has so much to offer, photographically and otherwise, that it's worth it, even though gasoline is expensive in Canada. Any of our western Canada UHH friends can advise how much per liter gas is now. Once in Alaska you will have the opportunity to see whatever you want and whatever the budget can afford. I can make some recommendations and you can PM me for more information if you're interested.

There is so much to see up here that you can't possibly see it all and do it all in one visit unless you move up here, but you can certainly decide what you want to do, and on your own schedule. The biggest negative is the time factor. The drive up here will take a minimum of 7 days, possibly more, depending on where you are coming from, but I doubt you will ever have such an adventure again. I've driven and ridden on a motorcycle the Alaska Hwy numerous times, and it is spectacular. Yes, weather can be a factor, so you need to be prepared for rain. Just so you know, the Alaska Hwy is all paved and good high speed highway. Again, it 's an adventure and one you can talk about for years.

By the way, we are having a very nice summer this year. it got off to a rocky start, but we've been having some very nice weather, and the temperatures have been into the 70's on occasion. Just a thought regarding a different way to experience Alaska.