As Promised: The Alaska Trip Report...
Feb 4th, 2004 | 11:03 AM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 804
Likes: 0
As Promised: The Alaska Trip Report...
Thanks for your patience!
I was experiencing technical difficulties for several days on the Fodor's Boards. The Fodor folks found the magic solution so here I am!
INTRO:
I am happily married, the life of the party, and the mom of an incredible teenager. I am also thin, rich and full of jokes like that one!
I took my 30 day journey to Alaska SOLO...
None of my "it" girlfriends("it's too cold"...), associates or real good friends shared my passion to travel to Alaska.
Their was one MAJOR exception: My mom!!!
Ok, one day, you too may take "parent pity" on your adult child and travel with him or her out of God's mercy...Love that lady!
My wonderful Mom joined me for the first few days as follows:
First some ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
1) To the great people on a cruise board, Alaska Port of Call...AWESOME detailed feedback and invaluable advice.
2) To the Fodor's, Frommers and Milepost Alaska guidebooks...I did not leave home without them.
3) To my supportive husband and son who laughed himself silly when I asked him if he wanted to join me on my Alaskan journey.
Son replied: "Why would I go somewhere, in the SUMMER, where people wear layers of clothes completely down to their ankles and up to their earlobes?
...and look at these pictures...(in magazines etc.) these people are OLD and I do not see one bikini let alone a thong..."
PRELUDE:
I had spent months on two travel boards(this one and a cruise board) lurking and then finally posting.
I had also taken time to read and re-read the three guidebooks above.
I picked up loads of brochures from travel agents about Alaska and Alaska cruise/tours so that I could get a feel for itineries that made sense. I always look at the brochure agendas for timimg and pacing. I rarely travel as fast as they do. I do not need to rush around like they do.
I had spent months shopping and packing and doing all that too...
Day 1:
My day of departure was finally here! A little weapy I confirmed EVERYTHING for the millionith time, called my sister to make sure she was helping our independent mom get ready and so on.
I had given my husband and son their LONG list of things "to do" while I was gone(right...) and had finally loaded my Two large suitcases and one carry-on into the car.
After much research, debate and cost analysis I decided to start my 30 day journey from the BAY AREA on Amtrack!
I tearfully boarded the "hour-late" Coast Starlight Train late that night.
Because my mom has a slight mobility disability I was seated in the handicapped section below.
The section was very spacious, comfy and sealed off from the common areas. I got our pillows and spread out for my two-plus hour train ride to my mom's station.
My mom boarded in Sacramento, California.
The Amtrack crew gave her red carpet assistance. Once on board the attendants would ask her if she needed this that or the other. We were treated like royalty.
A nice family asked if they could share the secluded train area with us. There was plenty of room, they looked nice, were clean and had no small, bad or loud children...so we said fine.
My mom had prepared "snacks" for our two day train journey to Vancouver. We had decided to take the coastal journey to ALASKA!
Her snacks were delicious fried chicken, green beans, pound cake and baked macaronni and cheese!!!! Our compartment was smelling so good people were pressing their noses up against the window and looking in. We shared our feast with the family who were so glad they wanted to sit below.
The Amtrack staff ate some too. After all this eating and talking non-stop with my mom I finally fell asleep at around 3:00am. She was still laughing and talking with the family that was headed to a family reunion in Vancouver, Canada.
Gotta stop and go do some mom duties...
Back later...PROMISE!
Oaktown Traveler
I was experiencing technical difficulties for several days on the Fodor's Boards. The Fodor folks found the magic solution so here I am!
INTRO:
I am happily married, the life of the party, and the mom of an incredible teenager. I am also thin, rich and full of jokes like that one!
I took my 30 day journey to Alaska SOLO...
None of my "it" girlfriends("it's too cold"...), associates or real good friends shared my passion to travel to Alaska.
Their was one MAJOR exception: My mom!!!
Ok, one day, you too may take "parent pity" on your adult child and travel with him or her out of God's mercy...Love that lady!
My wonderful Mom joined me for the first few days as follows:
First some ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
1) To the great people on a cruise board, Alaska Port of Call...AWESOME detailed feedback and invaluable advice.
2) To the Fodor's, Frommers and Milepost Alaska guidebooks...I did not leave home without them.
3) To my supportive husband and son who laughed himself silly when I asked him if he wanted to join me on my Alaskan journey.
Son replied: "Why would I go somewhere, in the SUMMER, where people wear layers of clothes completely down to their ankles and up to their earlobes?
...and look at these pictures...(in magazines etc.) these people are OLD and I do not see one bikini let alone a thong..."
PRELUDE:
I had spent months on two travel boards(this one and a cruise board) lurking and then finally posting.
I had also taken time to read and re-read the three guidebooks above.
I picked up loads of brochures from travel agents about Alaska and Alaska cruise/tours so that I could get a feel for itineries that made sense. I always look at the brochure agendas for timimg and pacing. I rarely travel as fast as they do. I do not need to rush around like they do.
I had spent months shopping and packing and doing all that too...
Day 1:
My day of departure was finally here! A little weapy I confirmed EVERYTHING for the millionith time, called my sister to make sure she was helping our independent mom get ready and so on.
I had given my husband and son their LONG list of things "to do" while I was gone(right...) and had finally loaded my Two large suitcases and one carry-on into the car.
After much research, debate and cost analysis I decided to start my 30 day journey from the BAY AREA on Amtrack!
I tearfully boarded the "hour-late" Coast Starlight Train late that night.
Because my mom has a slight mobility disability I was seated in the handicapped section below.
The section was very spacious, comfy and sealed off from the common areas. I got our pillows and spread out for my two-plus hour train ride to my mom's station.
My mom boarded in Sacramento, California.
The Amtrack crew gave her red carpet assistance. Once on board the attendants would ask her if she needed this that or the other. We were treated like royalty.
A nice family asked if they could share the secluded train area with us. There was plenty of room, they looked nice, were clean and had no small, bad or loud children...so we said fine.
My mom had prepared "snacks" for our two day train journey to Vancouver. We had decided to take the coastal journey to ALASKA!
Her snacks were delicious fried chicken, green beans, pound cake and baked macaronni and cheese!!!! Our compartment was smelling so good people were pressing their noses up against the window and looking in. We shared our feast with the family who were so glad they wanted to sit below.
The Amtrack staff ate some too. After all this eating and talking non-stop with my mom I finally fell asleep at around 3:00am. She was still laughing and talking with the family that was headed to a family reunion in Vancouver, Canada.
Gotta stop and go do some mom duties...
Back later...PROMISE!
Oaktown Traveler
Feb 4th, 2004 | 06:12 PM
#4
Original Poster
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 804
Likes: 0
Thanks for the positive responses!
Ok, Day 2:
A lovely day. Our train made it's way through the beautiful and scenic parts of Northern California, Oregon and Washington.
I spent time in the Dome Car and drank champagne with my mom. We read, wrote in our journals and got off on some of the stops to streatch our legs and take pictures...
Late that evening we had to make a transfer in Seattle, Washington from our train to an Amtrack Coach.
The coach took us from Seattle to Vancouver, Canada.
Our time at customs was long. They would not let some people through and they sent some people back to the United States. A couple of our coach mates walked...kinda ran... across the boarder to meet their husbands.
Our coach eventually made it through customs and onward to Vancouver.
Day 3:
We arrived in Vancouver at 12:20 am
Our hotel of choice was the reasonable Days Inn. Our room had a nice size bath and the room was sufficient. We did not get a view but were hardly in the room so that did not matter.
After long hot baths...we slept a bit and enjoyed a delicious breakfast at our hotel. Mom did not have to travel too far(her limited mobility) and the food was good.
We headed to Robson Street( me pushing her in her wheelchair) paying our respects to Louis Vuitton, BeBe, St. John Boutique and others(shopping!!!)
That afternoon we took the Grand Tour which included Granville Island, Gaston, Stanley Park, and EVERYTHING else Vancouver...
To top off our day we had a unforgetable 3 hour dinner at Bacchus Restaurant. Exquisite and a splurge!!!
We took a cab back to our hotel for a much needed rest after a full and fabulous day and night.
Day 4:
Early this morning we boarded a Coach that would take us to the British Canada Ferry to Victoria!
After an eventful ride where we stopped at various hotels troughout Vancouver we boarded the Ferry.
Our Ferry ride was magical. My mom sat outside during 90% of the ride. She was "holding court" with various travellers on a wide variety of topics...
After leaving the Ferry we headed to our hotel. We selected the Embassy Hotel which is located right in the middle of everything. Our balcony had great views of The Parliment Building, The Harbour and The Empress.
We enjoyed a light lunch at The Empress Hotel and headed to The Butchart Gardens. Along the way we visited a winery and saw the butterfly Gardens...lovely!
That evening, in between seeing the various gardens, we had a great dinner at The Butchart Gardens Restaurant.
We enjoyed our Gin and Tonics, Dacquari's, crab cakes, goat cheese, blue cheese, beef carparcio, califlower soup, salmon, halibut, creme brulee trio, coffee, conversation and candor mother-daughter style.
After this leisurely feast we were treated to an incredible fireworks show at the Butchart Gardens.
We did not want the night to end but, in travel, all good things do have to come to an end...
Late that night I packed and re-arranged my bags. I tried to talk my mom's ears off. The next day I would be continuing my journey to ALASKA via a coastal journey through Vancouver Island...
My mom would be remaining in Victoria for a day at the B.C. Museum and some relaxation. She would eventually head back to Vancouver and stay there another day and night and then board the Amtrack Train back to California...
Day 5:
Early this morning I tearfully kissed my mom bye-bye, told her to have fun. She told me to be carefull and to call her and to take lots of photos over the next 25 days.
I finally boarded the coach for Port Hardy, British Columbia...sad to be leaving my BEST travel companion...my mom...
More to come...gotta call my mom...
My Best,
Oaktown Traveler
p.s. I will start a new thread called Part 2 etc...
Ok, Day 2:
A lovely day. Our train made it's way through the beautiful and scenic parts of Northern California, Oregon and Washington.
I spent time in the Dome Car and drank champagne with my mom. We read, wrote in our journals and got off on some of the stops to streatch our legs and take pictures...
Late that evening we had to make a transfer in Seattle, Washington from our train to an Amtrack Coach.
The coach took us from Seattle to Vancouver, Canada.
Our time at customs was long. They would not let some people through and they sent some people back to the United States. A couple of our coach mates walked...kinda ran... across the boarder to meet their husbands.
Our coach eventually made it through customs and onward to Vancouver.
Day 3:
We arrived in Vancouver at 12:20 am
Our hotel of choice was the reasonable Days Inn. Our room had a nice size bath and the room was sufficient. We did not get a view but were hardly in the room so that did not matter.
After long hot baths...we slept a bit and enjoyed a delicious breakfast at our hotel. Mom did not have to travel too far(her limited mobility) and the food was good.
We headed to Robson Street( me pushing her in her wheelchair) paying our respects to Louis Vuitton, BeBe, St. John Boutique and others(shopping!!!)
That afternoon we took the Grand Tour which included Granville Island, Gaston, Stanley Park, and EVERYTHING else Vancouver...
To top off our day we had a unforgetable 3 hour dinner at Bacchus Restaurant. Exquisite and a splurge!!!
We took a cab back to our hotel for a much needed rest after a full and fabulous day and night.
Day 4:
Early this morning we boarded a Coach that would take us to the British Canada Ferry to Victoria!
After an eventful ride where we stopped at various hotels troughout Vancouver we boarded the Ferry.
Our Ferry ride was magical. My mom sat outside during 90% of the ride. She was "holding court" with various travellers on a wide variety of topics...
After leaving the Ferry we headed to our hotel. We selected the Embassy Hotel which is located right in the middle of everything. Our balcony had great views of The Parliment Building, The Harbour and The Empress.
We enjoyed a light lunch at The Empress Hotel and headed to The Butchart Gardens. Along the way we visited a winery and saw the butterfly Gardens...lovely!
That evening, in between seeing the various gardens, we had a great dinner at The Butchart Gardens Restaurant.
We enjoyed our Gin and Tonics, Dacquari's, crab cakes, goat cheese, blue cheese, beef carparcio, califlower soup, salmon, halibut, creme brulee trio, coffee, conversation and candor mother-daughter style.
After this leisurely feast we were treated to an incredible fireworks show at the Butchart Gardens.
We did not want the night to end but, in travel, all good things do have to come to an end...
Late that night I packed and re-arranged my bags. I tried to talk my mom's ears off. The next day I would be continuing my journey to ALASKA via a coastal journey through Vancouver Island...
My mom would be remaining in Victoria for a day at the B.C. Museum and some relaxation. She would eventually head back to Vancouver and stay there another day and night and then board the Amtrack Train back to California...
Day 5:
Early this morning I tearfully kissed my mom bye-bye, told her to have fun. She told me to be carefull and to call her and to take lots of photos over the next 25 days.
I finally boarded the coach for Port Hardy, British Columbia...sad to be leaving my BEST travel companion...my mom...
More to come...gotta call my mom...
My Best,
Oaktown Traveler
p.s. I will start a new thread called Part 2 etc...
Trending Topics
Feb 14th, 2004 | 12:42 PM
#16
Original Poster
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 804
Likes: 0
Mom's friend says hello to all of you.
She is AMAZED at what this "internet"
can do.
If I ask Rex who is on the Europe Boards to please build me a link to part 2 of this report he just might.
I will ask him.
My best!
Oaktown Traveler
She is AMAZED at what this "internet"
can do.
If I ask Rex who is on the Europe Boards to please build me a link to part 2 of this report he just might.
I will ask him.
My best!
Oaktown Traveler
Feb 14th, 2004 | 01:50 PM
#17
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,194
Likes: 0
Per Oaktown's request, you can jump directly to part two by clicking here:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34472948
Best wishes,
Rex
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34472948
Best wishes,
Rex
