Assistance with our Alaska Honeymoon Trip

[Miss0033]

Thanks for the advice FTI. Moved my last day bus ticket to a 2:00pm to Eielson on the Drive to Denali day.

That last day we wont be in a big hurry to leave. But will definitly leave in the early afternoon so we can get back to Anchorage and relax.

For the most part we are staying at Alaskan type places (Alyeska, Hotel Seward, McKinley Creekside, Denali Fireside B&B) I do have one night planned at Hotel Captian Cook, is the $330 worth it? Or is this just an upscale hotel that could be found anywhere? I liked that it wasnt a chain, so I thought we would give it a try on our night in between Seward and Talkeetna. The first night (land at midnight, leave at 9-10am) and Last night (have to be at airport at 4:30am) are at the Comfort Suites where I got it booked for $190/night since I wanted a chaeper hotel since we will spend so little time there.

I am also debating dumping the final nights hotel at just getting a 12:30am flight to SEA with a 6am connection to MSP to get us home just after lunch... But dont know what the change rules are on award tickets.

[jackal]

Originally Posted by Miss0033

I do have one night planned at Hotel Captian Cook, is the $330 worth it? Or is this just an upscale hotel that could be found anywhere? I liked that it wasnt a chain, so I thought we would give it a try on our night in between Seward and Talkeetna.

It has some local flavor and nautilcal-type kitsch, but I don't know that I'd spend $330 for it. Walk through the lobby and call it good. But then again, that price is about 3x the most I've ever paid for a hotel room, so I may not be the right person to ask an opinion of.

[PIONEER]

The Captain Cook is the classic big Alaskan Hotel. It is centrally located, nicely decorated, and well maintained. But the last time we stayed there, I think we paid about half the rate you found. This was through one of the discount web sites. Rates of course will vary based on demand, and if there are a lot of cruiseships coming and going on the night you're there, demand could be high, and discounts not available. You might also consider the relatively new Marriott. It's not quite so central, but still in walking distance from most everything in downtown ANC, and you can get some points. If you can save some cash, you might use that for a romantic dinner at Marx Brothers on your last night.

[Miss0033]

In Anchorage I had a hard time finding rooms any cheaper.

The Sheraton was $240/nt and Captain Cook was $300/nt (both prices before fees) so I figured why not for an extra $60. The Marriott is also listing at $300 right now. I was originally going to stay at Hilton because I am Gold, but it has gotten to be such a hassle to redeem points that I dont even care about staying at Hilton anymore. The Days Inn is $125, but I hear that is a dump.

Talkeetna we got a B&B. Denali a B&B (sort of). And Seward we are using a Northern Lights 20% off coupon at Hotel Seward. I would like to stay in Anchorage rather than Wasilla or Palmer. One night we stay at Alyeska, and I dont care that it is $300 that night as I have heard such good things about it, and that is a night we will actually spend a little more time at the hotel.

Are the cheaper prices last minute deals or something? I can always check a few days before we leave and if there are openings for cheaper book a reservation adn then cancel the original.

[BOB W]

Originally Posted by Miss0033

In Anchorage I had a hard time finding rooms any cheaper.

The Sheraton was $240/nt and Captain Cook was $300/nt (both prices before fees) so I figured why not for an extra $60. The Marriott is also listing at $300 right now. I was originally going to stay at Hilton because I am Gold, but it has gotten to be such a hassle to redeem points that I dont even care about staying at Hilton anymore. The Days Inn is $125, but I hear that is a dump.

Talkeetna we got a B&B. Denali a B&B (sort of). And Seward we are using a Northern Lights 20% off coupon at Hotel Seward. I would like to stay in Anchorage rather than Wasilla or Palmer. One night we stay at Alyeska, and I dont care that it is $300 that night as I have heard such good things about it, and that is a night we will actually spend a little more time at the hotel.

Are the cheaper prices last minute deals or something? I can always check a few days before we leave and if there are openings for cheaper book a reservation adn then cancel the original.

The Cook is much more centrally located to the better restaurants, galleries and sightseeing. The Museum at the Rasmuson Center is not far away and the Coastal Trail is close by. I would recommend the Cook over the other two.

[Miss0033]

I am back with a few more questions:
Seward-
We added the Bridal Veil Falls Kayak trip to our first night in Seward 7-11pm, thought that would be pretty cool. Anyone else with thoughts on it? Saw the Miller's Landing coupon deal and it was only $68 for both of us to go.

Day 1 in Seward uis Exit Glaicer, Sea Life Center, and Bridal Veil Kayak. If time got short, what would you skip Exit Glacier or Seal Life Center? If I was able to, should I skip Exit Glacier and add Portage glacier in Girdwood the day before? Exit Glacier seems to be more of a landmark, is that just due to ease of access?


Hiking in Denali -
We went to REI and started to buy some rain gear and stuff we will need for our trip. As far as hiking boots go, is low-rise okay or do they need to be ankle high? Gaiters necessary? Both things were suggested by the store employees, but I am wondering if they are overkill. We arent camping and I doubt I would use the gaiters for quite awhile again. If the mountain isnt out we plan on hiking some of the trails out by Eielson. Are 8x32 binoculars strong enough for wildlife from the bus, or do we need to look into 10x32?? I am just afraid the field of view in the 10x32 starts to get narrow and once you get into the 8x42 or 10x42 they start to get big, bulky and more difficult to travel with.

Thanks again for any insights.

[BOB W]

Originally Posted by Miss0033

I am back with a few more questions:
Seward-
We added the Bridal Veil Falls Kayak trip to our first night in Seward 7-11pm, thought that would be pretty cool. Anyone else with thoughts on it? Saw the Miller's Landing coupon deal and it was only $68 for both of us to go.

Day 1 in Seward uis Exit Glaicer, Sea Life Center, and Bridal Veil Kayak. If time got short, what would you skip Exit Glacier or Seal Life Center? If I was able to, should I skip Exit Glacier and add Portage glacier in Girdwood the day before? Exit Glacier seems to be more of a landmark, is that just due to ease of access?


Hiking in Denali -
We went to REI and started to buy some rain gear and stuff we will need for our trip. As far as hiking boots go, is low-rise okay or do they need to be ankle high? Gaiters necessary? Both things were suggested by the store employees, but I am wondering if they are overkill. We arent camping and I doubt I would use the gaiters for quite awhile again. If the mountain isnt out we plan on hiking some of the trails out by Eielson. Are 8x32 binoculars strong enough for wildlife from the bus, or do we need to look into 10x32?? I am just afraid the field of view in the 10x32 starts to get narrow and once you get into the 8x42 or 10x42 they start to get big, bulky and more difficult to travel with.

Thanks again for any insights.

The Sea Life center can be done in 2-3 hours. Any more is not productive IMHO. Go there in the morning. Exit Glacier can be done in an afternoon which will be warmer, leaving time diner and for the kayak trip.

You cannot see Portage Glacier from the visitors center. It has receeded behind a hill and takes a hike to get to. Exit is my choice.

Day hikes can be done with low rise boots, but ankle high means less chance of ankle sprains. Gators are totally unnecessary. I've hiked all over Denali and never needed them and I usually went in the spring. Anywhere you go in August will be snow free.

10x42 is better but either in perfectly fine.

Chances of Denali being out are approximately one in three, so make sure you have trail maps with you. Also, you will be taking a bus to Eielson Visitors Center. Be sure to bring lunch, drinks, snacks and whatever else you need for the ride. Either side of the bus will be fine, but stay on the same side in both directions. That way you see different scenery each way.

If you are very lucky, or search him out, Seat2A may be your driver. Seek him out if you have time.

[Miss0033]

Originally Posted by BOB W

The Sea Life center can be done in 2-3 hours. Any more is not productive IMHO. Go there in the morning. Exit Glacier can be done in an afternoon which will be warmer, leaving time diner and for the kayak trip.

You cannot see Portage Glacier from the visitors center. It has receeded behind a hill and takes a hike to get to. Exit is my choice.

Day hikes can be done with low rise boots, but ankle high means less chance of ankle sprains. Gators are totally unnecessary. I've hiked all over Denali and never needed them and I usually went in the spring. Anywhere you go in August will be snow free.

10x42 is better but either in perfectly fine.

Chances of Denali being out are approximately one in three, so make sure you have trail maps with you. Also, you will be taking a bus to Eielson Visitors Center. Be sure to bring lunch, drinks, snacks and whatever else you need for the ride. Either side of the bus will be fine, but stay on the same side in both directions. That way you see different scenery each way.

If you are very lucky, or search him out, Seat2A may be your driver. Seek him out if you have time.

Thanks for the input. I saw the Portage Glacier cruise and thought about it, but we are doing the Major Marine 8 hour cruise, and will most likly see glaciers from a boat on that day, haha. I would prefer to walk up to Exit Glacier.

We purchased a hydration-pack from REI. While people may laugh at us, I feel having 100oz of water in the backpack for a full day is better than carrying around 5-6 water bottles and then dealing with the empties. I plan to get groceries in Talkeetna (probably overpriced, but oh well) and get stuff for sandwiches, snacks, etc to put in the hydration pack as well.

They recommended the Gaiters for bugs and brush cutting your ankles. I havent been to Denali so I dont know what hiking the tundra is like, but I assume wearing some taller socks will do the trick. Will also have convertible water-resistant pants. So ankle-high boots might take up too much room in the luggage (and result in buying new ones) compared to my low-rise hikers.

We purchased bus tickets to Wonder Lake just in case the Mountain is out so I can get the reflection Pond photo. But will only go to Eielson if weather is bad. Really hoping to see Mountain.

I will look for Seat2A, would I ask the driver if he is or knows "Seat2A"? haha.

[jackal]

Originally Posted by Miss0033

I plan to get groceries in Talkeetna (probably overpriced, but oh well) and get stuff for sandwiches, snacks, etc to put in the hydration pack as well.

I'm not sure where you'd get groceries in Talkeetna except for maybe what you can get at the convenience store. Nothing approaching a supermarket there. Any reason why you can't get groceries in Anchorage or Wasilla?

Originally Posted by Miss0033

I will look for Seat2A, would I ask the driver if he is or knows "Seat2A"? haha.

Send a PM here on FlyerTalk to "Seat 2A" (space between the words) and ask him for his real name and contact info. He won't know which bus he's driving until closer to your trip (they bid on schedules every so often) but perhaps you guys can sync up while you're there. It's a treat to meet and talk with him.

[beckoa]

Several of us FTers hiked Exit Glacier last year, and that was a lot better then Portage (which we also stopped at). Nice hike- with a bit of elevation gain.

Socks and boots should be fine - in all my hiking and backpacking I've never used gaiters. Water is good- perhaps consider tablets or a pump to refill your water with from the trail. (granted this is more important on overnight expeditions)

I for one like the support, so prefer to have high-rise hiking boots.

[Miss0033]

I just saw that the place we are staying in Denali makes packaged lunches you can take with you in the morning. Will need one for lunch and one for dinner I guess.

As far as the hiking here are my thoughts (based on bus scheudle and Denali Hiking book I bought):
Day 1: 2:00 PM Bus to Eielson
- If mountain out - Go to Eielson (6:30) and try to get photos, sadly it is the last bus that goes this far so I dont think we would have time to get off the bus...
- If not out - Get off around polychrome pass (4:30) and do 2-3 hours of hiking taking a 7:50 bus home.
- Either way back to enterance around 10:00pm

Day 2: 7:15am Bus to Wonder Lake
- If Mountain out - Get reflection pond photo (Get to wonder lake around 1:30 pm). If going to reflection pond is it possible to take 2:50 bus back, get off one more time somewhere to hike for 2-3 hours, then get back on a different one to go to enterance? Or is 75 minutes not enough time to get to reflection pond?
- If not out - Get off at Eielson (11:50am) eat our pack lunch and hike 3-4 hours. I am thinking Thoro Ridge. Take 5:35 bus back to enterance around 9:00pm

Day 3: 9:15am Bus to Wonder Lake
- If Mountain out - Get reflection pond photo (Get to wonder lake around 3:30 pm). If going to reflection pond is it possible to take Last bus (4:30) back or is 60 minutes not enough time to get to reflection pond and back? Get off at maybe Toklat (6:40) hike and take 8:40 bus back at 11:15pm.
- If not out - Get off at Eielson (1:50) and hike 3-4 hours. I am thinking Thoro Ridge. Take 5:50 bus back to enterance around 9:15pm (2nd to last bus).

Day 4: No bus
Get up and hike around enterance. Thinking Mount Healy Overlook trail (3-4 hours). Get back to Anchorage by 7:00 to eat a good dinner and relax before early AM flight.

Sorry for all the seemingly rediculous questions. Trying to make this an awesome vacation. What am I risking by taking the last or 2nd to last bus home? What if there isnt room for us and its the last bus? We wont have overnight equipment with us...

I will only go out to Wonder Lake if the mountain is out, and if it is out the first day i probably wont go out the 2nd regardless if it is out or not. By taking the 9:15 instead of the 7:15 it really looks like we are limiting our options for hiking and I would love to get off of the bus, not just ride it out and back. However I am worried if we do spend 12-14 hours in the park the day before, trying to get a good nights rest to do it again the next morning. I would love an 8:15 bus but that isnt an option to Wonder Lake - only 7:15 and 9:15. They wouldnt let me by an 8:15 bus to wonder lake, even though I could get off that bus when it stops, then get on a later one coming by to finish the trip out to wonder lake...

Am I thinking about this too much, and need to just go with it when we finally get up there?

**Edit: Sorry, I just read somewhere that it is approx. 2.5 hours round trip hike from bus-stop to get to Reflection Pond. So it seems I need to take at least the 7:15am either day to get there by (1:30), and take the final (4:30) one home in order to get the reflection pond photo. I guess I wouldnt be that disapponted if I didnt have that specific photo.

It looks like there are some pretty impressive McKinley views from the Stony Hill Overlook, not quite as cool as the reflection pond photo, but still iconic.

My point being I dont want this trip to solely be a "chance" to see the mountian. I know it is less than 1in3. I want to see Caribou, Mosse, Bear, Fox, Dall Sheep, etc. I dont want to miss out seeing and enjoying the park in order to just sit in the bus and wait for a chance to photograph mckinley from the pond... I want to enjoy the park and everything else about it, not just the big mountain, but seeing it would still be VERY cool!

[Miss0033]

I am just finishing up packing. Leave tomorrow night, couldnt be more excited for the trip! Thanks to everyone for the help, I hope to have a cool trip report when I get back.

Thanks again!

[jackal]

Originally Posted by Miss0033

I am just finishing up packing. Leave tomorrow night, couldnt be more excited for the trip! Thanks to everyone for the help, I hope to have a cool trip report when I get back.

Thanks again!

Have fun!!

[BOB W]

My experience with the busses has made me make sure I do not count on the last bus of the day. The afternoon/evening busses get filled up with people like you who like to hike/take photos/sight see during the day.

I've never been stranded, but I have come across busses with no seats left later in the day.

Have FUN!!!!!

[fti]

Originally Posted by BOB W

I've never been stranded, but I have come across busses with no seats left later in the day.

If one is on the road before the scheduled last bus of the day, they will NOT be left in the park overnight against their will. Generally the last bus out of the park is the 11am (departure from the WAC) camper bus, that rarely has more than a handful of people on it coming out of the park. If for some reason this bus is full or breaks down or whatever, they will send another bus into the park to pick up people. No one ever has been, and I assume never will be, left in the park overnight if they don't want to be (assuming, as I said before, they are on the road in time for the last bus).