Over the last year, I’ve become aware that I no longer set any grand expectations when I am about to embark on a new experience. The trips I plan, and the activities I undertake are largely based on an impulse, sometimes fed by curiosity, or a mood or just a strong inclination to create a gathering or rendez-vous with others, doing something I enjoy.
I enjoy every step of the journey, looking forward to the experience during the prep stage, and already grateful that I am part of it. By the time I am boarding the plane, the ship etc, I am in full gratitude mode, so aware of how blessed I am that so many things had to conspire in order for the adventure to happen. The systems that allowed me too book online, the ability to chose my travel preferences, the people who all showed up to do their job, so my travel becomes a reality. The comforts we are provided along the way, such as tasty refreshments, comfortable seating, clean washrooms etc.
By the time I am scanning my ticket, I am absolutely vibrating with joy, and I haven’t even reached my destination! Anything above this is a bonus!
I felt it was important to set this scene, before I tell you about my trip to Alaska, so that you can appreciate how already satisfied I was, just starting the trip. I truly did not have any expectations about Alaska except that I might see impressive snow covered peaks, perhaps a few whales and a few villages nestled in lots of wilderness.
My companion for the trip was a relative, who was very excited to see this part of the world and together, we made quite the happy pair.
While we coasted slowly along the inside passage on a cruise ship, not wanting to disturb the quiet landscape, Alaska delivered its majestic beauty. The narrow passages we followed to get to remote inlets, made the trip even more serene.
That was my first revelation.
Rugged coastlines stretch out, covered in lush, dense forests that reach down to meet the icy, pristine waters. A few snow-capped mountains sit in the distance, not as many as I expected, attributable to the undeniable global warming, and the fact that this is summer.
We were sometimes a mile from shore, even less when we took the Endecott Arm to glide as close as possible to the Dawes Glacier with its incredible icy blue hues contrasting with the deep green of the forest and the dark rock face.
In the silence of stillness
I had not expected the trip to provide such trance-like qualities, plunging us into meditative silence at every turn. Many areas on the ship decks were set up for viewing, with blankets available to cozy into. The air is crisp and invigorating, carrying the scent of the ocean. The tranquility and vastness of Alaska’s shores from a ship provide a profound sense of peace and connection to the natural world, making every moment a feast for the senses.
We could sip our tea or coffee from the large windows at the Italian cafe, lost in thought as we basked in the spectacular scenery that we sailed by.
Tread carefully. We are friends.
The region is remote and the wildlife is abundant, with bald eagles soaring overhead and seals lounging on rocky outcroppings. Occasionally, you may see the spout of a whale or the playful antics of dolphins in the ship’s wake. The seal pups, the eagles and other wildlife watched us with some curiosity as we moved through its playground. It felt like they were allowing it, as long as we were respectful.
If you build it, they will come.
The Inside Passage is a sheltered waterway, providing a safer and more navigable route for ships compared to the open ocean. This natural advantage led to the development of ports at strategic points along the route, facilitating trade and travel.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the discovery of gold and other resources prompted a wave of European-American settlement. These settlers established ports to support mining, logging, and fishing industries. As a result, many of today’s tiny ports originated as supply points and transportation hubs for these activities.
We now have tiny remote shoreline villages set up with activities for cruise tourists, plus shops and restaurants and excursions. A town of 100 inhabitants will swell up to 300-400 during tourist season with workers and contractors coming in to provide zip-line experiences, float plane trips, gondola rides to the peaks, salmon shore lunches and other unique experiences sought out by travellers.
A trip worth taking. Prepare yourself for an immersive experience, that brings the beauty of these shores into your soul, and fills you with gratitude.
wow!! 104Stunning Revelations in Alaska