The Real Alaska

Day 1	Sunday	May 24th
3:00 p.m.	Depart:	Spokane $614
	Do:	Seats 20AB
4:16 p.m.	Arrive:	Seattle
5:51 p.m.	Depart:	Seattle
	Do:	Seats 22AB
8:42 p.m.	Arrive:	Fairbanks
	Lodge:	Golden North Inn $330.38 4888 Old Airport Rd Fairbanks, AK 99709 (907) 479-6201 (Queen, breakfast, 24 hr airport shuttle free)

Day 2	Monday	May 25th
	Do:	Breakfast
8:45 a.m.	Depart:	Fairbanks
9:00 a.m.	Do:	Rent a car-Alaskan Car Rental $1,263.11 5145 Beechcraft Ave Fairbanks, AK 99209 (907) 339-2000
		(Go left on Beechcraft. Take the 1st left on Western Ave. Turn left onto Hwy 2. In North Pole at the roundabout take the first right. At the next roundabout take the 3rd right on St Nicholas Dr. On the right side.)
22 min	Arrive:	North Pole, AK	18.1
		Santa Claus Christmas House (10-7) 101 St Nicholas Dr
		I Knew He Was Real! Letterbox
		(Go right on St Nicholas Dr. Turn right on 5th.)
		North Pole Letterbox 5th Avenue Park
	Depart:	North Pole
		(Go back on Hwy 2. It will go right in Fairbanks. Turn left on Airport Way. Turn right on Cushman St. Turn right on 2nd. On the left side.)
18 min	Arrive:	Fairbanks	14.1
	Do:	Fairbanks Ice Museum (12-7) $15 Crown of Light Film $10 (12 and 6) 500 2nd Ave
		(Walk right on 2nd. Turn right on the path to 1st.)
4 min		Golden Heart Plaza and Clock Tower and Carillon	.2
		(Go left on 1st. Take the 1st left and cross the river. On the left side.)
		Chena River Viewpoint
		(Go back across the bridge. Turn left to walk right on the path.)
3 min		Lend Lease Monument-Alaska Siberia WWII monument	.1
		(Continue NE on the path.)
3 min		Moose Antler Arch	.1
		Dead of Winter Letterbox
		(Go right on the path as it circles to the right. Take the 1st path right. At the next path go right again. It will go left. Go right to the Dunkel St. Go left. On the left side.)
4 min		Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center (8-5) Free	.2
		(Walk back to the car. Go west on First Ave. It will become 2nd Ave, then go left on Moore St. Turn right on Airport Way. On the immediate right side. Plenty of parking.)
8 min	See:	Pioneer Park (12-8) Mem Day-Labor Day 1920 Lathrop St	2.4
		The Pioneer Museum $5 donation Filled with fascinating artifacts of early Fairbanks. The settlers of Fairbanks probably would have been surprised if they had known their everyday utensils would one day be on display in a museum. A few of the museum’s pieces are a hundred years old. Not very old by most museum standards, but their value is enormous considering the distance they traveled, often in backpacks, on dog sleds, or over thousands of miles of water to reach Fairbanks. Pioneers didn’t lack for inventiveness with materials at hand in the Alaska wilderness, and they didn’t deprive themselves of the gadgets and conveniences of civilization either. It is fascinating collection. Admission: Free, however, donations are accepted. The Big Stampede Theater, where the Gold Rush to Alaska is preserved and presented on canvas paintings by artist Rusty Heurlin and narrated by Ruben Gaines. The audience views the 15 paintings while seated on a revolving platform—the only one in Alaska.
		Harding Car-Also known as the Denali Car. President Warren G. Harding rode in this car when he came to Alaska in 1923 to drive the Golden Spike for the Alaska Railroad, completing the 500 mile long line. Harding was the first President to visit Alaska.
		Kitty Hensley House -was built in the early 1900’s but was moved to Pioneer Park in 1967, where it is still located. The cabin has been furnished with authentic pieces of furniture from the period. Kitty Hensley was a true eccentric and an information sheet describing her activities can be found in the cabin.
		Pioneer Air Museum $5 (12-6) Housed in the gold dome, the Interior and Arctic Alaska Aeronautical Foundation operates a historical aviation museum. The museum features aircraft and memorabilia from the Alaska air adventures of yesteryear. The museum displays aircraft used in Alaska from 1913 to 1948.
		SS Nenana Sternwheeler Riverboat- Known as the "Last Lady of the River" she was built in Nenana, Alaska in 1932 and launched in 1933. This 247 foot wooden hull boat carried both passengers and freight along with her crew of 32. The SS Nenana operated on the Yukon and Tanana rivers until 1954 and she was named a National Historic Landmark in 1989.
		Tanana Valley Railroad Museum- Free Engine #1 was restored over a ten year period by the Friends of the Tanana Valley Railroad and is on display in the Museum. It is the oldest operating steam locomotive in Alaska and the Yukon Territory.
		(Go back to Airport Way and turn right/west.Go left on Market. Take an immediate right on Airport Frontage Rd. On the left side behind Batteries Plus.)
4 min		Value Village (9-8) 3023 Airport Way	.8
		(Go back to Airport Way and turn left. At Fred Meyers go left on Sportsman Way. On the left side.)
4 min	Do:	Fred Meyers Gas	1.2
		(Go out of the parking lot onto Sportsman Way. Go left onto Old Airport Rd. On the right side.)
3 min	Lodge:	Golden North Inn $330.38 4888 Old Airport Rd Fairbanks, AK 99709 (Queen, AC refrig, micro, breakfast, cancel by 5/22)	.5 (37.7)

Day 3	Tuesday	May 26th
8:00 a.m.	Depart:	Fairbanks
		(Go left from the hotel on Old Airport Rd. Turn left on Sportsman Way and left again on Airport Way. Take an immediate right onto Hwy 3. Turn right on Park Rd. Go through the roundabout on Visitor Center Rd. Parking on the left.)
10:15 a.m.	Arrive:	Mt Denali National Park	120
	See:	Visitor Center (9:30-5)
		Alaska Geographic Park Store-Located near the Denali Visitor Center and open during the summer, this is the main park gift shop with books and gifts.
	Do:	Lunch-Morino Grill (8-6) Burgers, panini sandwiches, seafood chowder and fish 'n' chips
		(Go back out of the park on Visitor Center Rd and straight through the roundabout on Park Rd. Turn left to the bus depot.)
12:40 p.m.	Arrive:	Bus Depot	1.2
		Tundra Wilderness Tour (5.5 hrs) Travels 42 miles along the Park Road to the East Fork River, a sweeping glacial wash and one of the park's most iconic landscapes. Wildlife sightings are quite common with grizzlies, caribou, Dall sheep, and moose regularly spotted from the Park Road.
		(Go back out and turn left on Park Rd. Turn left on Hwy 3. Go right on E Cyn Dr. Go left. On the right side.)
7 min		Denali Northern Lights Gifts (10-9)	3.3
		(Go left and then right on Cyn Dr. Cross the highway.)
		Alaskan Adventure-Denali Letterbox 2389 Parks Hwy
		Adventures in the Great North: Denali Letterbox
		(Go back right/south on Parks Hwy. On the left side.)
1 min		Denali Wild Crepes (7-9)	.1
		Miller's Gourmet Popcorn (11-8)
		Alaskan Creations (11-9)
		Canyon Gift Co (8-10)
		Northern Hearts Originals (11-7)
		Denali Roadhouse Gifts (10-7:30)
		Denali Glacier Scoops Ice Cream (7-10)
		The Magic Carpet Gift Shop (10-7)
		Park Mart Store (7-10)
		Tesoro Gas Station
		Denali Gift
		(Continue on the highway.)
		Riley Creek Mercantile
6 min	Lodge:	Denali Rainbow Village RV Park and Motel $272.30 Check in 4-8 pm (Queen, fridge, micro, nonrefundble)	.2 (124.2)

Day 4	Wednesday	May 27th
9:00 a.m.	Depart:	Denali Village
		(Continue on Hwy 3. On the left side just after leaving the park.)
		Miners Plaza-This area includes shops with snacks, souvenirs, and apparel.
17 min		McKinley Creekside Cafe & Bakery-left side 224 Parks Hwy	14.8
5 min		Nenana River Viewpoint (right side)	3.5
14 min		Pass Creek Scenic View	12.3
42 min		Denali View North	44.9
15 min		Veterans Memorial Loop-left side	15.4
14 min		Denali Viewpoint South (right side) North to the Future Letterbox	12.6
9 min		Denali Mountain View Rest Area	8.3
36 min		Goose Creek Dr Seuss Tower	36.2
17 min		Viewpoint Mount Denali Parking	15.6
		(Continue south on Hwy 3. Turn right onto Hwy 1. Go left on Boniface Pkwy. Turn right on Northern Lights Blvd. On the right side.)
1 hr 25 min	Arrive:	Anchorage	75.2
	Do:	Value Village (9-8) 5437 E Northern Light Blvd
		(Go right on Northern Lights Blvd. Go left on Hwy 1/Seward Hwy. Turn right on Old Seward Hwy. On the right side after Telephone Ave.)
10 min		Goodwill (11-8) 3838 Old Seward Hwy	3.9
		(Turn right on Old Seward Hwy. Go left on Tudor Rd. Turn right onto Hwy 1. Turn right on Scooter Ave. Go right on Old Seward Hwy. Turn right on 88th. On the right side.)
9 min		Goodwill (11-8) 8931 Old Seward Hwy	4.4
		(Go left on Dimond Blvd. Turn right on Old Seward Hwy. Go left on 88th. Turn right in front of Alaska Industrial Hardware. On the left side.)
4 min		Value Village (9-8) 501 E Dimond Blvd	.8
		(Go right on Dimond Blvd. Turn right on Walter Hickel Pkwy. Take the airport turnoff right. Go left on W International Airport Rd. Go right on Northwood Dr. On the right side.)
8 min	Lodge:	Baymont Inn & Suites by Wyndham Anchorage Airport $236.32 5205 Northwood Dr Anchorage, AK 99517 (Queen, refrigerator, micro, parking, 24 hr desk, cancel by 5/26)	4.1 (257.7)

Day 6	Thursday	May 28th
8:00 a.m.	Do:	Breakfast-waffles, cereal, toast and more.
9:00 a.m.	Arrive:	Anchorage
		(Go left on Northwood Dr. Turn right on W International Airport Dr and do a u-turn at Jewel Lake Rd.. Turn right on Walter J Hickel Pkwy. Turn right on Hwy 1. On the right side.)
21 min		Beluga Point	16.9
3 min		Dall Sheep Lookout	2.1
15 min		Bird Point-Restroom (on the right side)	12.1
		(Go back to Hwy 1 and turn right. On the right side.)
4 min		Bore Tide & Beluga Viewing Spot	1.7
		(Continue on Hwy 1. Turn left on Hwy 9. Take the 2nd right.)
1 hr		Tern Lake Pullover	57.9
		(Go back to Hwy 9 and turn right. On the right side.)
29 min		Rest Area	25.1
		(Go right on Hwy 9. Turn right on Herman Leirer Rd. On the left side.)
17 min		Herman Leirer Rd Turnout	11.4
		Celebrating a Visit to Kenai Fjords Letterbox
7 min		Exit Glacier Viewpoint	3.0
	Arrive:	Kenai Fjords National Park
4 min		Kenai Fjords National Park Exit Glacier Nature Center (Mem-Labor)	1.9
		Go Fish! Letterbox
	Do:	Glacier View Loop Trail (2.2 mile, 314 ft gain) 1-1.5 hrs
	Depart:	Kenai Fjords
		(Go back on Herman Leirer Rd. Turn right on Hwy 9. Turn left on Harbor and right on 4th.)
25 min	Arrive:	Seward	11.3
	See:	Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center (Mem-Lab) 1212 4th Ave
		(Go left on 4th. Turn right on Van Buren. Go left on 3rd. On the left side.)
1 min	Lodge:	Harborview Inn $198.69 804 3rd Ave Cancel 3 days before, check in after 4, checkout by 11 a.m. (Queen, free parking, refrigerator, micro, internet)	.4 (144)

Day	Friday	May 29th
9:00 a.m.	Depart:	Hotel
		(Go right on C St. Turn left on 4th Ave. On the right side before Subway.)
1 min		Lighthouse Cafe & Bakery (6-2) 1215 4th Ave May be closed	.4
		(Continue left on 4th. On the left side.)
1 min		Supaluck's Bakery (9:30-6) 1313 4th
		(Go back to Hwy 9 and turn left. Park at Railway Ave.)
		Iditarod Historic Park
		(Go back north on Hwy 9. Go right on Port Ave and left on Alameda St.)
12:45 p.m.	Do:	Return the rental car Alaskan Car Rental 1608 Alameda St, Unit A Seward, AK 99664 (907) 339-2000 (Paid $200 something down)	.6
		(Walk left and left again on Port Ave. Turn right to cruise port.)
1:00 p.m.	Do:	Walk to the cruise ship 913 Port Avenue	.1
8:00 p.m.	Depart:	Seward
	Do:	Embarkation
	Lodge:	Celebrity Solstice	(1.4)

Day	Saturday	May 30th
3:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.	Do:	Hubbard Glacier
	Lodge:	Celebrity Solstice

Day	Sunday	May 31st
11:30 a.m.	Arrive:	Juneau
	See:	Shops
		Alaskan Adventure-Juneau Letterbox
		Bucky the Beaver Letterbox
		(From the tramway go right to the next cruise area.)
		Hide & Seek: Find the Knight: The Queen Letterbox
9:00 p.m.	Depart:	Juneau
	Lodge:	Celebrity Soltice

Day	Monday	June 1st
7:00 a.m.	Arrive:	Skagway
	See:	Shops
		(From the cruise ship walk north on Congress Way. Spy the red bldg. Across the street is your prize.)
		Hide & Seek: Find the Knight: The Rook Letterbox Train
		Yukon Heath's Popcorn Emporium (7-5:30) 480 Broadway
		Lucy's Bakery (7-5) Left side 565 Broadway
		(On the right side of Broadway past 6th on the right side.)
		Alaska's Regal Eagle Letterbox 602 Broadway
		Skagway Fudge (9-6) 263 7th Ave
8:00 p.m.	Depart:	Skagway
	Lodge:	Celebrity Soltice

Day	Tuesday	June 2nd
7:00 a.m.	Arrive:	Icy Strait
	Do:	Gondola
		State Quilts: AK Letterbox
3:00 p.m.	Depart:	Icy Strait
	Lodge:	Celebrity Soltice

Day	Wednesday	June 3rd
10:00 a.m.	Arrive:	Ketchikan
	See:	Shops
		Gateway Games (12-6) 320 Front St
		(At the beginning of the tunnel.)
		Alaska Totem Pole Series: Box 4-Ketchikan Letterbox
5:30 p.m.	Depart:	Ketchikan
	Lodge:	Celebrity Soltice

Day	Thursday	June 4th
	Do:	Sea Day
	Lodge:	Celebrity Soltice

Day	Friday	June 5th
11:50 p.m.	Depart:	Vancouver
	Do:	Seats 13AB
12:54 p.m.	Arrive:	Seattle
3:50 p.m.	Depart:	Seattle
	Do:	Seats 13CD
4:58 p.m.	Arrive:	Spokane

Airline tickets	$1,227.62
Fairbanks Golden North Inn	$330.38
Fairbanks Ice Museum	$15.00
Alaskan Car Rental	$1,285.92
Denali Rainbow Village	$272.30
Anchorage Baymont Inn & Suites	$236.32
Seward Harborview Inn	$198.69
Gas 570 miles	$100.00
Celebrity Cruise	$1,588.38
Total	$5,254.61