One of the most wonderful feelings in the world can be had when taking a cruise up the coast from Vancouver to Alaska. As we pass the glacier, we see the ending of the Ice Age in person. A true gift to the traveler. Huge chunks of ice are constantly breaking off & becoming icebergs & the process seems never ending. As they drop into the Bay of Alaska, wildlife seems totally oblivious to the weather, and appears in great abundance, regardless of the powerful winds that never seem to go away.
As you cross the White Pass in the Coastal Mountains there is a beautiful 360 degree view. Passing Dead Horse Gulch, where over 3000 horses died being overloaded during the Yukon Gold Rush of 1898, will bring you back into history. The trails are historic sites today & the remnants of those who passed before can still be found scattered on those trails. Those that never made it out of the Gold Rush alive will remain there forever in spirit.
And as you make your way through to Ketchikan you will see many of the native totem poles created hundred of years ago, now being restored. Carved from cedar & hemlock, many have deteriorated over the years.
The pelts of the Sea Otters & Fur Seals brought the Russians to Alaska as far back as 1799 where great profits were made selling the pelts to the Chinese. Russia occupied Alaska for many years & sold Alaska to the United States in 1867.
There is a lot of territory to cover in Alaska & there are a lot of different tours that can be had. Check them all out carefully as you wouldn't want to miss anything. Fishing is absolutely great in Alaska & the salmon, well, Alaska is very proud of it's salmon fishing!
Anchorage & Juneau are trips in themselves so put some thought into any trip or cruise planned. You want to see as much as possible!
You will see a lot of Russian history & a lot of native American history, & with the famous gold rush, more history! There is a lot of good that can be said about taking a vacation in the fabulous State of Alaska!
