On March 2, 1914 the U.S. Congress authorized President Wilson to locate, construct and operate a railroad in the territory of Alaska... This was the beginning and our start of our 7 hour Star railroad trip to Denali. We began in Anchorage with our train trip going thru towns of Wasilla, Talkeetna, Hurricane and Cantwell before ending in Denali. The Alaska Railroad was instrumental in the modern Denali National Park and Preserve experience. Until road access to the park was established in 1958 with the completion of the Denali Highway, visitors could only reach park by rail, and these visitors' experiences and travel tales fueled the early awareness of the need to preserve this area. Communities sprang up when the rr was built and continued opportunities to explore. Our conductor actually came around and collected our ... read more

Well we made it to Detroit last night and used the park, stay, fly 14 day package at the Days Inn. Enjoyed the third glass of wine before retiring. Great deal and the hotel was good except for the thinner walls and the happening in the room next to us. I found if you turned the air conditioner really cold it would run a lot and helped drown out the sounds..lol wishing them all a big hangover today... A bit of Isaac hanging over illinois that we passed over which looked real neat..a little turbulance but still good. Lavern has North to Alaska stuck in his mind..the girls at work will appreciate that..lol Our dinner reservations are at 7 tonight which will be 11 pm Michigan time..hmmm or should I say sssnnnnoorrreee. Our stop over at ... read more

We have finally got out the suitcases and started the job of fitting everything you might need into them. Our hope was to travel with two bags and so far so good. Our rain resistant jackets and pants packed well with our waterproof shoes and gloves but took up a bag on their own. Add some binaculars and mosquito wipes..etc etc. We decided months ago not to take all the dress clothes for formal nights. Lavern was quite sad by that as in the 16 cruises we have taken, we have never eaten in windjammer for dinner. He cheered up a bit when I told him we could wear jeans in main dining with nice shirts on Alaskan cruise! Just not on formal nights. Our formal dinners will be visiting the windjammer and checking out their ... read more