So I pick my tour up tomorrow in Copper Centre just outside of Glennallen Alaska. I will be taking over from Colin as they are already going to be into day 4 of the tour. This is one of the tours that my company, Midnight Sun markets themselves and I will be entertaining six guests from around the world, I belive I have 2 from Denmark and at least one Australian, maybe a couple from the US. Below I have included a tour itinerary for those of you that are interested. The good thing is that the remainder of the trip is only 10 days and then I get to make the drive home. I should be home on the 1st of September and am planning some sort of get-together on my return. Maybe a camping trip/ Salmon bake at French Beach or Sombrio if the weather is still good.
I'll see you soon.
Cheers
Dave
Day 4 & 5. Valdez, AK.
Valdez is located on the north shore of Port Valdez, a deep water fjord in Prince William Sound. It is the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska oil pipeline. The Richardson Highway, Alaska's first road, passes through the magnificent scenery of the Chugach Mountains. On route we visit Keystone Canyon. On day 5 travellers have the opportunity to do a cruise out into Prince William Sound or to try some great sea-kayaking among the glaciers and “iceberg bits” known as “burgies”.
Day 6. Anchorage, AK.
The drive to Anchorage is punctuated by numerous scenic stops, including the Matanuska Glacier and the Palmer Valley. Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and is situated at the headland of Cook Inlet. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, Anchorage makes a great stop to re-furbish our supplies before we head out to Denali. While in Anchorage passengers can visit the world famous “Chilkoot Charlies” rustic saloon, and sample a bit of the traditional Alaskan nightlife.
Day 7 & 8. Denali National Park, AK.
We drive the scenic George Parks Highway with spectacular views of Mt McKinley en route. Later we visit the information centre at Denali National Park and pick up our park and bus tickets. Our tour leader orientates the group to the park area. On Day 8 we spend a full day in the park. This tour includes bus tickets to Eielson visitor centre. From here we can explore the vastness and true wilderness of Denali National Park.
Day 9. Arctic Circle, AK.
From Denali we head north through the city of Fairbanks and along the Elliot Highway (a single lane gravel road) to the isolated tundra of the Arctic Circle. Here we will experience almost 24 hours of daylight. Our campsite is very rustic, and passengers should be prepared to really “get away from it ALL.” Great views of the Brooks Range.
Day 10 & 11. Chena Hot Springs, AK.
From the Arctic Circle we drive southeast to the scenic resort of Chena Hot Springs. Your tour includes entrance to Chena Hot Springs where passengers can enjoy a soak after their night on the tundra. These mineral based hot springs include two indoor whirlpools and large swimming pool, and a large outdoor rock lake pool and whirlpool. Optional activities include, bike and ATV rentals, horsebackriding, or pampering yourself at the resort with a relaxing massage.
Day 12. Delta Junction, AK.
Leaving Denali National Park we make our way to Fairbanks where we visit downtown and the University of Alaska. After touring Fairbanks we drive east to Delta Junction, the official ending of the Alaska Highway.
Day 13. Dawson City, YT.
After the descent from the Top of the World Highway we reach the Klondike gold rush boomtown of Dawson City. Our camp overlooks the Yukon River and Dawson City. In Dawson City passengers have the option to visit the abandoned Gold Dredge #4, pan for gold and enjoy the nightlife at Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Saloon. Free time is given to explore local hiking trails, a sternwheeler graveyard, the Palace Grand Hotel, Gaslight Follies and the Klondike Goldrush Museum.
Day 14. Whitehorse, YT.
We leave Dawson City to make our way south to Whitehorse. At Moose Creek Lodge, an original roadhouse built during the gold rush years, we visit an authentic trapper's cabin. We also stop at Five Finger Rapids for a short hike down to the Yukon River, where dangerous rapids made it difficult for the sternwheelers to plough the waters. We arrive in Whitehorse at approximately 5:00 PM.
Oh and BTW, check out my pic I finally have on the MSAT website:
http://www.midnightsuntravel.com/guides.html
