ljv

After much research and review of these forums, I think the following is the way we're going:

--Aug 4 : arrive Anc 2:00pm, get rental car and head up to Palmer. Stay at Garden Gate B&B

--Aug 5,6: Matanuska glacier hike, independence mine, hatcher pass hiking, musk ox farm, horseback riding. Overnites at Garden Gate.

--Aug 7 : Denali flightseeing tour with Talkeetna aero. Continue on to Denali Lakeview Inn in Healy. Time permitting, explore entrance area of DNP and Visitor center

--Aug 8 : shuttle to Fish Creek, with hiking in DNP. Maybe do Cabin Nite dinner theater

--Aug 9 : Savage river area hiking, dogsled demo,raft Nenana river,paddle around Lake Otto at the Inn, dinner and Northern lights show

--Aug 10 : leisurely drive to Seward, with plenty of stops along the way for short walks and photo ops. Nothing too structured

--Aug 11,12 : Seward.. Sea life center, Exit Glacier, Kenai Fjords 6 hour cruise with Renown Charter, hiking. Overnites at Holiday Inn Express

--Aug 13,14 : Anchorage, with overnites at the Alaskan Leopard B&B. Maybe bike a bit of the Coastal trail, see Native Heritage Center,possibly go to Portage Glacier, maybe explore downtown area a bit.

--Aug 15 : 7:30am flight home

Does this sound too ambitious? Obviously, a lot of our activities are contingent on the weather, but I think I've allowed for "re-dos", if needed.

Did I miss any "must sees/do"
Anyone horseback ride? which outfit used?comments?

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

BudgetQueen

My suggestion, if McKinley flightseeing is a priority, stay your second Palmer night in Talkeetna, Palmer is nothing special and only 40 miles from Anchorage. I had 4 scheduled Mckinley flights canceled on my last trip over 2 days, never did make it. I also do not recommend Denali Park to Seward in a single day. It is 8 hours on the road, but plenty to delay or interest you. Perhaps move everything one day and stay in Anchorage in between and one at the end instead?

BudgetQueen

I guess I would also not "finalize" a fixed itinerary this early. You are bound to come upon even more excellent information and maybe changes of interest. You will have no problem if you wait another month or two, before you lock into plans that can not be canceled.

ljv

Hi Budgetqueen!
Thanks for all your prompt responses.
The reason I planned 3 nights in Palmer is because we hope to do activities that are fairly accessible-Independence Mine, Hatcher Pass hiking, Matanuska Glacier trek, Musk ox farm, etc. Since we're travelling with a 7 year old and a pair of seniors, we didn't want to change accomodations too often.
I've booked a Denali flightseeing tour for travel day to DNP. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. If not, we may be able to reschedule on our way back from DNP. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
Happy New Year!
Lori

BudgetQueen

Are you trekking Matanuska Glacier??? It is the only reason to include it since it isn't really a "scenic" glacier, in my opinion. The 7 year old is too young in my opinion and it may be beyond the seniors?? A guide is necessary with proper equiptment- walking sticks, crampons. Usual treks are 4 hours. Determine the practical aspects of your group and if worth including.

3 nights is too much for me in Palmer and I will still suggest an overnight in Talkeetna which is definately worthwhile. Being on the move is a given in Alaska, just no way around it. As a suggestion, a general way around hauling luggage is to day pack, have sets of clothes bagged up, using big zip locks is great. Then all you do is grab a set and your toiletries in an overnight bag, leaving the big luggage in the car.

ljv

Hi BQ!
I'll take your advice into consideration.
Yes, the plan is to hike the Matanuska Glacier. Did you do this...sounds like you did. Specifically, why do you think it may be too much for the 7 year old and the seniors? My daughter, who'll actually turn 8 while we're in Alaska, hiked quite a bit last year in Costa Rica, and even did a zip-line tour!

Also, have you ever been to the Cabin Nite dinner theater at Denali. We're considering it, but the toursaver coupon is only good for the 8:30 show. Is it worth it?
How about the Northern Lights show?

Thanks in advance!
Lori

BudgetQueen

Yes I have done it. The problem with your age group is you are going to be limited to the "hiking" tour instead of the glacier trek. Big difference, the hike is essentially a walk on the ice and return. It's a big safety issue.
The twice as long trek tour, gets you up to the caves, looking down crevasses, ice falls etc. I wouldn't consider the hike for myself and wouldn't make the drive for it with limited time. You will get a much better look at Exit Glacier, Matanuska is actually not real "pretty" at all, many many others way superior.

Yes I have been to Cabin Night, certainly enjoyable, decent food. Coupon used to be only good certain nights, verify this? Haven't seen the Northern Lights show, since I've seen it plenty of times for real.

BayouGal

BQ knows her stuff and you'd be wise to consider her advice on Alaska, but IMHO I have to say that the drive from the Palmer area on the Glenn Hwy to Matanuska is one of the most scenic in Alaska. I found the changing view of Matanuska from the road worth the drive, although we also did some ice climbing when there last May/June. I guess it depends on what your priorties are and what you think your group can do.

You will love Alaska regardless of which part you visit! Enjoy!