Family trip - West Coast - Summer 2017
Dec 9th, 2017, 01:00 PM
#41
Join Date: May 2013
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Day 10: A long drive passing through the Death Valley via Pahrump, stopping in Dante's View, Zabriskie Point, Devil's Golf Course and Furnance Creek area. If there is enough time also Mosaic Canyon. We will arrive probably late at Lone Pine where we will stay the night.
> Zabriskie Point - only, only attractive during sunrise; otherwise boring
> Mosaic Canyon - total waste of time. Better are the sand dunes. or sunset at Artists Pallete
> Sand Dunes - At Mile Marker 92.1, there is a very large parking lot having a chemical toilet and a few picnic tables. This is a convenient entry to the sand dunes allowing children to play in the sand. Unfortunately, the heavy tourist traffic destroys the crisp beauty of thin lines defining dune peaks and the ripples of a dune.
Best views are at Sunset or Sunrise and to be in the middle of those dunes.
The absolute best view of Sand Dunes. Entry is at MP 88 on highway 191
Lone Pine - This is home of many cowboy movies that are displayed across town. Good choice
Vaga
> Zabriskie Point - only, only attractive during sunrise; otherwise boring
> Mosaic Canyon - total waste of time. Better are the sand dunes. or sunset at Artists Pallete
> Sand Dunes - At Mile Marker 92.1, there is a very large parking lot having a chemical toilet and a few picnic tables. This is a convenient entry to the sand dunes allowing children to play in the sand. Unfortunately, the heavy tourist traffic destroys the crisp beauty of thin lines defining dune peaks and the ripples of a dune.
Best views are at Sunset or Sunrise and to be in the middle of those dunes.
The absolute best view of Sand Dunes. Entry is at MP 88 on highway 191
Lone Pine - This is home of many cowboy movies that are displayed across town. Good choice
Vaga
Dec 10th, 2017, 04:45 PM
#44
Join Date: Apr 2003
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I also do not enjoy cruise ships. Have only done it once. Too much wasted time. Not much flexibility. Hate being herded onto boats/buses. DD and I have been to Alaska twice. Both times flew to Anchorage and rented a car. Have seen a lot of Alaska, except the Arctic and the towns on the coast. I am currently planning a trip for 2019 to see part of Alaska we haven't visited before. DD suggested a cruise, but I just can't see myself enjoying that. When ships dock in various ports they are packed. Cruise ships sell over-priced shore excursions. Must follow their schedule.
I am planning for us to fly directly to Juneau and on to Gustavus. Excited to stay in Glacier Bay NP instead of going through it on a cruise ship. We will book our own tours in Juneau. We will then take a ferry to Skagway or Haines, rent a car, and drive into the Yukon. Not sure of our exact plans yet, but we find this more interesting than what a cruise ship offers.
Just something you might consider if you are planning to go to Alaska.
I am planning for us to fly directly to Juneau and on to Gustavus. Excited to stay in Glacier Bay NP instead of going through it on a cruise ship. We will book our own tours in Juneau. We will then take a ferry to Skagway or Haines, rent a car, and drive into the Yukon. Not sure of our exact plans yet, but we find this more interesting than what a cruise ship offers.
Just something you might consider if you are planning to go to Alaska.
Dec 13th, 2017, 11:53 AM
#47
I am DEFINITELY not a 'cruise person' . . . But Alaska cruises are a different animal. Something different/interesting port every single day, wildlife, native villages, glaciers, lots of opportunities for independent shore excursions.
