Day 1 -- We got off to an interesting start leaving Houston. As we were barreling down the runway, preparing to lift off, the pilot slammed on the brakes and aborted the flight. Apparently, a warning light of some sort came on. After some diagnostic assessment, they took us all off the plane. Eventually, another plane was located and we were back on. All and all it was a four hour delay; the attendants were very helpful and handled the whole situation smoothly. Unfortunately, this put us into Anchorage too late to make our dinner reservations at the Seven Glaciers restaurant at the Prince Aleyska Hotel. We had to settle for a functional meal at 10:00 in the cafe.

Day 2 -- We were up and ready to go on our Kenai Fjords tour. It took two hours in a motor coach to get to Seward for this excursion. Our driver was friendly and informative. The weather grew increasingly rainy as we came closer to Seward, but we all loaded up on the boat. The cruise around Resurrection Bay was good considering the weather, but as we tried to leave the bay, it got increasingly bumpy. My 9 y.o. finally gave up his lunch, thankfully in the restroom! The crew tried their best, but it was not to be, so we went back into Resurrection Bay and they gave us a more thorough look there. As we came back in two hours early, we received a partial refund. I think the crew and staff handled a difficult situation with good nature and grace. We then had a two and one-half hour trip in a motor coach to Anchorage. Our driver stopped at a wildlife refuge on the way to make up a bit for the shortened excursion, but it was still pretty rainy by the time we got there. In Anchorage, we checked into the Hilton. Dinner was at Simon & Seafort's, thanks to a friend's recommendation, and it was fabulous.

Day 3 -- We were up early to catch the McKinley Explorer to Denali. This was a great trip. We were in the first car, Kashwitna, of cruise cars so could see forward as well as to either side. The only unfortunate event here (and probably a low point for the whole trip) was the dining car. For lunch we were seated in the first booth from the kitchen. I could see all that was taking place, and I now know how norovirus gets on the ship! The cook was not wearing any plastic gloves and her hair was keep back by a baseball cap. She ate from the food line as she worked, but watching her rub her nose with the back of her hand as she worked was almost too much. I told our car manager, and he gave me a card to fill out. I don't know if that will do anything, but watch the food from there closely! Read more