We had a great trip to Talkeetna but only b/c Mt. McKinley was out and we took a flight-seeing flight that landed on the glacier. I use the term "awesome" sparingly but that was certainly an experience that deserved the adjective. That said--unless the weather cooperates, I agree that a trip south to Seward (cruise out into the Bay) or Homer (where the fireweed should be blooming for the next month or so and the atmosphere and view are wonderful) would perhaps be better.