honeymooning in Alaska
 

We will be spending May 13-22 in Alaska on our honeymoon. we want to make the most of our time/money. I hear Denali isn't worth the time/ money. We plan on visiting Mt Alyeska,Kenai, and Homer. Any thoughts on this?

Denali doesn't fully open until Memorial Day weekend, at best you can just drive in up to Milepost 30. So I think you are right to avoid it.<BR><BR>Homer is great - what about Seward? From there you can take boat trip to Kenai Fjords N.P. - glaciers, wildlife etc. I think the boats should be running by then. Also - how about Seldovia for one night from Homer? No boats until Memorial Day weekend but you can fly Homer Air from Homer and they will take you over a glacier on the way (weather permitting).

Denali National Park is not a romantic place UNLESS you enjoy seeing wildlife in a truly wild setting. You won't see much of the mountain, but you MAY well see moose, elk, and bear. Of course, you may not see anything; after all, this is NOT a zoo.<BR><BR>On a honeymoon, your focus should be on slowing down in order to adjust to a major change in your life. I thus recommend you stick to the Kenai, Seward, and Homer region.<BR><BR>I strongly recommend a boat tour of Kenai Fjord National Park. You'll see more beauty in one day than you'll see elsewhere in a lifetime.

First, congratulations.<BR>Second, if your visit to Alyeska is for skiing, it will be too late. Gridwood/Alyeska is still beautiful, but unless you're staying at the resort for honeymoon purposes (woo woo) a day or two max is sufficient. <BR><BR>IMO Kenai the town is about as romantic as Albuquerque (okay, sorry, Albuquerque); aim for Homer and take a day trip to Seldovia across the bay.<BR>Seward for the Fjords is a good idea; in May keep a weather eye out for the rain/mist/crud, which can hamper your experience. A cross-Prince William Sound ferry (from Seward or Whittier) might be enjoyable, too.<BR><BR>On a different tack, if you'd like some private time in the outer boonies, look into a fly-in cabin on a lake somewhere (maybe on the Kenai Moose Range) for a couple of days. May is early, but the trout will be biting, the birds (loons, eagles, etc.) ought to be abundant, and there's simply nothing like the solitude of a wilderness evening with a campfire and your honey and the moon.

I was not impressed with either Kenai or Alyeska. However, I loved Homer and Seward and never stayed in a more romantic place than the Kenai Princess Lodge in Cooper Landing, about three-fourths of the way from Homer to Seward.

Cheryl, consider thinking outside of the Alaskan box. The state covers far more than the road system. For instance, I know of a lodge out on Kodiak Island that is remote yet charming. Fishermen and hunters love the area, but, in May, it will belong to you! The bears will be out of their dens and likely walking the beach where you can view them from the deck. Deer are abundant. And, the family dog might even join you and your new husband as you go for walks along the beach. The only thing to interupt you will be the sounds of the surf. The owner can take you out on a boat ride to do some sight seeing, or to pull crab pots for the night's dinner. Maybe you'll be able to fish some too. Bottom line is that when you weigh the cost of such a trip against all of the hotels and transportation needed on the mainland, you will have spent about the same money. The only difference being is that out there, the entire world belongs to you. Check them out at www.littleeagle.com

If you stay at Alyeska, have dinner at the Seven Glaciers restaurant. Terrific views, the best food I had in Alaska. Good for a luxury meal.