Talbot Tour



Sunday 10th June 2018
Cruise tour booked on the Golden Princess. "Voyage of the Glaciers Northbound" followed by an "Off the Beaten Path Tour" of Alaskan National Parks.

Flights booked to Vancouver Canada and back from Anchorage Alaska USA.

Hotels before and after our cruise tour booked.

Monday 20th August 2018

With our cases packed and the house secured we were picked up by Martin's workmate, Chris and driven to the Premier Inn hotel on the Bath Road at Heathrow. Checking in we visited Costa for a coffee and muffin.
Having settled in and had dinner before an early night.

Tuesday 21st August 2018

Up at six and checking out we waited for the shuttle to the terminal. Five pounds each got us to Terminal 2. The driver was jolly and cracked what were probably his usual jokes. Inside the terminal we found an automatic check in machine and printed out our baggage tags. Then we joined the queue for the bag drop. Then through security we found a resteraunt. Chatting with a couple from San Francisco whilst we ate made for a pleasant meal.

After breakfast we picked up some Canadian and American dollars before starting the 15 minute walk to our gate. Boarding our Air Canada Boeing 787 Dreamliner we settled in for the nine and a half hour flight to Vancouver.

Getting off of the plane we got through immigration using the automatic passport readers and collected our cases. Leaving the terminal we found the car rental garage and collected our Chevy Cruze.

After getting lost and heading towards the USA border we sorted out Google maps and drove to the Chipmunk Caves. There are no signs to tell you where they are but we found directions on the internet. Parking the car next to a barrier we walked down a track towards the river. The track started off vehicle width but got progressively smaller. Turning left at the river we walked along the bank dodging the Poison Oak.

Finding the caves we climbed the rickety ladder up for a look. Returning to the car we came across a Garter Snake. Very pretty black and yellow and about 18 inches long. It slithered off back into the undergowth.

Driving into Hope we found our hotel and then went out for dinner before retiring for the night after a long 22 hour day.

Wednesday 22nd August 2018

Up and out at eight o'clock we stopped for a coffee and bagel for breakfast. Just outside Hope is a place called the Othello Tunnels. These are disused railway tunnels and trestles. A nice two kilometre walk through the old tunnels and alongside the river was spectacular.

At the far end we found a sign that said 2km back to the carpark or an alternate route of 3.2 km back. As we had plenty of time we decided on the longer route by way of a scenic outlook. You would think that by now we would have learnt that "Scenic Lookout" means up hill. The first two kilometres were narrow steep twisting up hill switchbacks.

Unfortunately the scenic lookout was a little disappointing as due to the bush fires in the area the whole of the Vancouver area is shrouded in a blanket of smoke. We could see enough to now it would have been a wonderful view.

Stopping for a rest at a historic marker we chatted with three local ladies who were walking the other way round. According to the marker we were walking the mule track that was in use before the railway was built. After a nice twenty minute rest we completed the downhill section back to the car park.

Driving on we joined the Coquihalla Highway (as seen on the Discovery channel "Highway through Hell"). We stopped in Merrit for lunch at a local bakery and shopping for provisions. Leaving town we drove on and found our accommodation for the night at Lac Le Jeune Resort. Checking in we entered our room to find three, yes three double beds. We will only use one tonight.

We decided to go for another walk down along the lake. A short fifteen minute walk brought us to a boat ramp and recreation area. We sat at a picnic bench in the shade and watched the goings on for a while before walking back to our resort for a shower before dinner.

Thursday 23rd August 2018

Checking out we left Lac Le Jeune and re-joined the Coquihalla Highway heading towards Kamloops. In Kamloops we got coffee and fueled the car for the next leg of our journey. Out on the Trans-Canada Highway to Cache Creek where we followed the BC97 and BC99 to Pemberton. The road was quite twisty and popular with motorcycles. After two and a half hours we arrived in Pemberton and grabbed some lunch.

At just after two we arrived at the motel to check in only to find we were too early as check in was from four PM. So we drove out of town to a recreation area called Owl Creek to chill out and kill time until four.

At 16:00 we checked in to our motel for coffee and chill. Dinner and sleep.

Friday 24th August 2018

Leaving Pemberton we took the 99 to Whistler and stopped for breakfast and coffee in town. The sight of the 2010 Winter Olympics, it's easy to see that this is a ski town.

Heading down the "Sea to Sky" Highway towards Vancouver we came across an accident. A group of supercars were stopped at the side of the road with the police.
Lamborghini Gallardo
Corvette (C7) Z06 Convertible
Porsche Cayman GT4
Ferrari 458 Italia
Audi R8
Unfortunately the Lamborghini was stuffed into the wall. Hope the driver took out the $90 unlimited loss damage waver when he hired it. If he didn't, he's got a huge bill coming.



Dead Lamborghini



Stopping at Brandywine Waterfall we took the short hike to see the view. Later we stopped at Shannon Falls. We are obviously having a waterfall day.

Arriving in Horseshoe Bay we grabbed coffee and sat watching the boats and ferries in the harbour. Later we checked in to our motel for our last night in Canada.

Saturday 25th August 2018

Fisherman's Breakfast at Trolls in Horseshoe bay. OMG those fishermen must be hungry.

Driving south we were soon in Vancouver again. Stopping in Stanley Park. Even though it was raining we visited the Totem Poles. Then getting petrol for the hire car we dropped our bags at the cruise terminal. After getting lost in the underground carpark we finally got to the street the car rental was on. Three circuits of the one way streets we eventually spotted the return car rental sign in anothe underground car park. Returning the car we treated ourselves to a coffee and chill bafore walking to the Gastown Steam Clock.

Checking in as Priority passengers went smoothly until we hit US Border Security. Suddenly a hall full of rows and rows of passengers sitting in chairs waiting their turn. We took a seat and waited an hour until we were called forward. Rejoining the queue we waited anothe 45 minutes before we finally cleared immigration.

Boarding the Golden Princess we found our cabin and unpacked before dinner. After watching a comedian we retired for an early night.

Sunday 26th August 2018

Day at sea. Attended lectures on glaciers and native animals. Spent time chilling in the Skywalkers Nightclub. Trivia Quiz, Stage show and a formal dinner then bed. The clocks go back tonight and we have an early start in the morning.

Monday 27th August 2018

Awake at five o'clock. Woken by the ships thrusters pushing us on to the dock in Ketchikan. After a quick wash and dress we dropped down to the International Cafe in the Atrium for breakfast. It was quiet when we arrived. The lady serving had the breakfast muffins hidden in the oven. Snagging two and a couple of salted caramel lattes we sat and watched the goings on. It very quickly got busy but we already had our breakfast.

At seven o'clock the gangway opened and we left the ship to find our tour. We are going on a bear hunt - we're not scared. Finding our bus we took the twenty minute drive out to the national park. Walking around with our guides allowed us to bear watch in relative safety. We saw a black bear and bald eagles in the time we were there.

Back on the bus we were dropped at the ship but rather than going on board we took a walk through down town Ketchikan. Later back on board we had lunch before the ship sailed.

Sailing we travelled through the narrows and saw porpoises, sea lions and humpback whales.

Tuesday 28th August 2018

Arriving in a rainy Juno we had a relaxed breakfast before putting on our rain gear and strolling ashore. With the cloud below the hills we couldn't see the top of the cable car. We decided against paying for a tour as we wouldn't see anything.

After walking around the shops we returned on board. After lunch we sat up in the Skywalkers Nightclub watching the people come and go.

Wednesday 29th August 2018

Awaking to a bright sunny morning in Skagway we grabbed our cameras and headed ashore. Walking along main street we checked out the shops, museums and explored town.

Returning on board for lunch we left the ship again to find our tour. Walking down the jetty past the train we boarded a fast catamaran ferry to Haines. During the twenty minute blast back down the Taiya Inlet we stood outside and enjoyed the scenery. Arriving at the dock we were met by our guide and shown to our bus.

Driving out to the lake in the Chilkoot River we watched harbour seals fishing. We also saw mountain goats on the high pastures. Driving back out we stopped by the salmon counting weir and found a family of brown bears fishing. Well mum was fishing and the three cubs were hiding in the bushes. After watching mum fish for a while she decided it was time to leave and we saw the cubs follow mum off into the woods each carrying a salmon almost as large as themselves.

Back at the dock we returned on the ferry arriving at our ship only two minutes late for the all aboard time. As it was late and we didn’t have time to get changed for dinner we went up to the Horizon Court to eat before retiring for the night.

Thursday 30th August 2018

Up at six AM for the entry into Glacier Bay. A fabulous day viewing glaciers and wildlife. This area is absolutely stunning.

Arriving at Marjorie Glacier the ship sat in front and turned on the spot while we watched for icebergs calving off. We saw several calving events and took loads of photographs.

Eventually it was time to leave so we dropped down for a lecture about Denali National Park. We will be going there later this week.

Friday 31st August 2018

A more relaxed day today after a slightly rocky evening and night. Just after lunch we entered Prince William Sound. The cross chop stopped and the ship settled. Under a clear blue sky we sailed towards College Fjord.

At five PM we entered and travelled past several glaciers before arriving at Harvard Glacier. The captain spun the ship so everyone got a view. We saw a calving event when a large chunk dropped into the sea.

With our cases packed we had a last dinner on board. Returning to our cabin we placed our case outside. One will travel to our lodge for tomorrow night and the other we will see again in Anchorage in a weeks time.

Saturday 1st September 2018

Up early for breakfast we were soon off the ship and on to a fastcat ferry. 80 nautical miles and four hours later we arrived in Valdez having passed the sight of the Exon Valdez disaster when a fully laden oil tanker struck Bligh Reef.

Transfering to a bus for the drive to Copper River. We drove around town for five minutes and then stopped for lunch. Leaving town we stopped at a salmon stream to watch the fishies.

Next stop was Horsetail Falls. This waterfall drops down the cliff and arrives about ten metres from the road. Driving on for twenty minutes got us to Worthington Glacier. A short scramble up a rough track got us to a view point. Then grabbing a snack (crisps or cookies) it was back on the bus.

After driving for another hour we arrived at Copper River Princess Lodge and were welcomed by the staff. After settling in we attended a nature walk given by the Ranger. Yes she had a hat the same as Ranger Smith in Yogi Bear. Then it was time for dinner and bed.

Sunday 2nd September 2018

Waking up without an alarm was luxury this morning. After breakfast we went for a walk along the trails around the lodge. All the while calling " Hey Bear" as we had been told to do by the ships Naturalist. As we walked we quizzed each other in what to do in the event of an animal attack.

BEAR
Do NOT run
Make yourself look as big as possible
Back slowly away

MOOSE
Run and dodge, get behind a tree

WOLF
Do NOT run
Make yourself look as big as possible
Shout "Bad Wolf"

At twelve o'clock we our guide for the ATV drive and hike. After introductions we climbed in and drove out. We drove up river to the top of the valley wall and enjoyed the view before dropping down to the river. Leaving the ATVs we hiked along the river looking for wildlife. We caught a glimpse of a Spruce Grouse but couldn't really see it.

Martin got to drive back to the lodge and enjoyed himself. Back at the lodge as it was only four we decided to go for another walk. This one down to the river, proved to be the steepest of them all. Down by the river was a nice bench so we sat a while before starting the slog back up.

Rested we walked back up. Jackie spotted movement in the bushes. Standing still we spotted first one then four more Spruce Grouse. Climbing back up to the lodge we cleaned up for dinner and then bed.

Monday 3rd September 2018

The alarm went off at five thirty this morning. Leaving out suitcase outside the door to be collected we went for breakfast before boarding the bus for the drive to Denali.

Turning on to the Denali Highway it was smooth going for the first ten miles and then the tarmac ended. After two hours and fifty miles we stopped for a bite to eat.



Lunch Stop

Pressing on after lunch we had a near miss with three caribou that stopped after they cleared the road and gave us a look.

Coming to the end of the gravel road we got a clear view of Mount Denali. It is rarely visible, most days it is shrouded in cloud. It was spectacular but due to the high cloud behind it the photographs we took were not so good.

Arriving at Denali Lodge we checked in and got dinner before bed as we have an early start in the morning.

Tuesday 4th September 2018

Up early again with a coffee for brrakfast to wake up. On the bus at 06:45. We found good seats and settled in for a marathon day. Ten minutes later we arrived at the bus station and had to get off because that bus was only a shuttle to the station. After waiting for twenty minutes the real tour bus arrived. It is a converted school bus with better seats.

Driving into Danali National park for the twelve hour trip out to Kantishna we checked out our snack bags and readied our cameras. After a fer miles the tarmac ended at a ranger station. Driving on along the gravel road we saw Moose, Caribou, Snowshoe Hares, Dall sheep (Well little white dots on the high pastures) , eagles and Grizzly Bears.

Passing through Polychrome we drove up the single track road with rocks on one side and a sheer drop on the other. Jackie didn’t enjoy that part as she doesn't like edges. Arriving at Kantishna we saw the goldrush area and a historical cabin before the long drive back.

After a twelve hour trip we arrived back at the bus depot. A young couple we had been travelling with decided to walk the three miles back to our hotel from the station and got off. As we drove back we saw a moose standing on the footpath. Hoping that the young couple would be ok we got back to the hotel and had dinner before bed.

Wednesday 5th September 2018

Moving on today to McKinley Lodge we grabbed a coffee and sat in the lounge waiting for our bus. We were happy to see the young couple from yesterday walk in. They had a great story about meeting the moose on the walk back.

On the drive south Mt Denali popped out from behind her clouds so we stopped for another photo stop. Bundling back onto the bus we finished the trip to the lodge.

As our room wasn't ready we took a walk up the hill to the treehouse we had seen on the Discovery Channel, Treehouse Masters. Back in the lodge drinking coffee we decided that as it was a nice afternoon we would jump the shuttle into Talkeetna. Ten dollars each got us a ticket and an hour later we were walking around town. We have seen this place on the Discovery channel as well. It's funny walking around a place you have seen on telly.

After visiting the beach and railway bridge we had dinner in town before dropping into Shirley's for some "Fireweed" ice cream. The shuttle driver told us that the Mayor of Talkeetna was a cat called Denali who had replaced the previous mayor.


We met him as we left the pub. Then after looking through the shops returned to the lodge for the night.

Thursday 6th September 2018

After a later breakfast we walked two of the trails around the lodge. Then stopping in at the main building for a coffee we waited for our shuttle to the railway station in Talkeetna. We are taking the Canadian railway to Anchorage today. We were delayed by roadworks and arrived at the station just in time.

Boarding the train we had seats upstairs under the panoramic glass roof. Setting off we had drinks and nachos whilst watching the scenery. Dropping downstairs we stood on the rear platform for a while and saw the sled dog kennels as we passed.

Arriving in Anchorage we got a shuttle bus to the hotel and found our room. Going out for a walk past the people smoking pot on the street. We found the bronze of "Balto". The last lead dog on the epic mission to get antibiotics to Nome Alaska from Anchorage using a relay of sled dog teams. It is also the start for the famous "Iditerod" race.

Just around the corner we also found an Anthony Gormley Art Instalation called "Habitat". Then it was time to return to our hotel for the night.