My parents and I flew to Alaska on May 10, 2005 (Allentown, Detroit, Seattle, Anchorage, Fairbanks), and stayed in the Fairbanks Princess Hotel our first evening (19 hours of daylight and a 4 hour time difference). 

This is a picture of my mother walking next to the Alaska Pipeline.  One of our stops on our first full day in Alaska - May 11, 2005.

The Alaska Pipeline - an amazing man made structure.  Stretching from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska all the way to Valdez, Alaska - Over 850 miles of pipeline stretching over land, mountains, rivers, tundra, forests, and permafrost.

Watching and example of 'Panning for Gold' at the El Dorado Gold Mine Tour. 

Getting a lecture on more 'modern' methods of gold mining in Alaska.

One of our hosts at the El Dorado Gold Mine Tour.

Gold Panning 101 class at the El Dorado Gold Mine Tour.

The miners wife gets the gold after all the work is done, of course.

Everyone who goes on the tour has the opportunity to pan for gold and keep anything you find.  Everyone seems to get some 'gold flake' but my Mom was lucky enough to pan a gold nugget worth $94 dollars.

Next stop, the Discovery Riverboat Cruise with a visit to a sled dog kennel and Native Alaskan Village. 

The Discover River Boat Companies 'Discover III'

Paddling our way to the dog sled team and native village.

We even got the opportunity to see a 'bush pilot' land next to our ship.  'Bush Pilots' are a very important to Alaska since there are hardly any roads in the state.

All of the sled dogs were very eager for their daily workout - pulling and ATV with its engine removed and its breaks reinforced.

Some Caribou and its offspring on the riverbank.

Part of the Alaskan Native Village.

One of the Alaskan Native Village girls models a authentic fur parka.

 

May 12, 2005 - Boarded the Princess Train and headed for the Dinali Princess Lodge.  Gorgeous day and warming up, 88 degrees.  We saw Moose, Dall Sheep, Caribou, a Bald Eagle, and some Snow Shoe Hare.

May 13, 2005 - We go helicopter 'flightseeing' to see Mt. McKinley - it was magnificent as the pictures below and to the right will show.  It was amazing.

For a different perspective I adjusted some of the pictures on the right to Black & White, enjoy!

Mt. McKinley - highest mountain in the western hemisphere.  Even with Mt. McKinley in the background it dwarfs the mountains you are directly in front of.

  

An amazing wonder to see.

After the flight we catch the train to Telkeetna and then a motor coach to Mt. McKinley Princess Lodge for an overnight stay.

May 14, 2005 - Mt. McKinley not visible due to overcast weather.  Board motor coach and head for Anchorage for lunch then on to the Kenai Princess Lodge.  This picture was taken from the lodge deck.  This lodge had the best accommodations so far.  Each room was a little cabin with a fire place and porch.

More views from the deck of the Kenai Princess Lodge.

A quick walk from the lodge down the nature trail takes you to the river for some more pictures.

May 15, 2005 - We go kayaking on the Kenai Lake.  Good equipment and instruction from our guide, Mike.  A few Bald Eagles, Ducks, Arctic Turns and Dall Sheep are our only company.

My Mom & Dad enjoying kayaking in the cool morning.