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Tezels on the Road

Category: Lakes

  • Colorado Road Trip 2025 – Day 9: Reaching New Heights on Pike’s Peak

    Today was the grand finale of our Colorado adventure, and we couldn’t have picked a more iconic way to wrap things up than riding the historic Pike’s Peak Cog Railway to the summit of one of America’s most legendary mountains.

    We boarded the train in Manitou Springs, excited for the journey ahead. The cog railway, the highest in North America, winds its way up to 14,115 feet, offering breathtaking views of alpine forests, rugged rock formations, and sweeping vistas that stretch for miles. As we climbed higher, the air grew thinner and the scenery more dramatic—golden aspens giving way to snow-dusted peaks and endless sky.

    At the summit, we stepped out into a world above the clouds. The panoramic views were nothing short of spectacular. From the top, we could see five states and the vast expanse of the Great Plains meeting the jagged edges of the Rockies. It’s easy to see why Katharine Lee Bates was inspired to write America the Beautiful after visiting this very spot.

    As we descended back to Manitou Springs, we couldn’t help but feel a mix of gratitude and nostalgia. This road trip has taken us through charming towns, majestic parks, and unforgettable landscapes. From the quiet streets of Georgetown to the wild beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park, every day has been a gift.

    Tomorrow, we head home, loaded with memories. Colorado, you’ve been incredible.

    For photos of our Colorado Road Trip 2025 visit our Road Trip Collection

  • Day 5: Skagway & Dyea – Exploring Gold Rush History

    Day 5: Skagway & Dyea – Exploring Gold Rush History

    On the fifth day of our 2025 Alaska Cruise, we arrived in one of our favorite Alaskan towns: Skagway, home to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. This marked our fourth visit to this beautiful town, and once again, we found new adventures waiting for us.

    A Special Reunion and a Drive to Dyea

    One of the highlights of Skagway is reconnecting with our friend Cory. This time, Cory generously lent us a truck, giving us the chance to drive out to Dyea, a historic boomtown that once thrived at the head of the Chilkoot Trail.

    Dyea played a pivotal role during the Gold Rush, serving as a launch point for thousands of stampeders. However, its location—on a shallow inlet surrounded by mudflats—made access difficult. The Chilkoot Trail, though shorter than the nearby White Pass, was steeper and more treacherous. These challenges led to Dyea’s rapid decline. Dyea boomed for only two years, and by 1905, most of its buildings were gone. Today, the National Park Service maintains trails and street signs that hint at its past.

    Historic street signs in Dyea framed by mountains and blue skies
    Peaceful waters and towering peaks at Taiya Inlet in Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
    Gateway to the legendary Chilkoot Trail

    Remembering the Palm Sunday Avalanche

    Nearby, we visited the Slide Cemetery, a somber site named after the Palm Sunday Avalanche of April 3, 1898. This tragic event claimed the lives of sixty stampeders, who are buried near Dyea.

    Final resting place along the Chilkoot Trail

    Skagway’s Colorful Past

    Back in Skagway, we explored the Gold Rush Cemetery, where the infamous Jefferson “Soapy” Smith is buried. Smith, a notorious con artist, met his end in a shootout on Juneau Pier in July 1898. He operated out of Jeff Smith’s Parlor, a building that Mark will be presenting a program on this Wednesday on board the Anthem of the Seas.

    Soapy Smith’s Grave

    Nature’s Beauty: Lower Reid Falls & Dewey Lake

    Just beyond the cemetery, we discovered Lower Reid Falls, a stunning cascade tumbling down from the mountains above Skagway. We then hiked the trail to Lower Dewey Lake, a serene alpine lake surrounded by rugged peaks. Along the way, we enjoyed breathtaking views of Skagway and the Anthem of the Seas docked below.

    A Perfect Ending

    Our day ended with drinks and snacks with Cory before returning to the ship. Sailing down the Chilkoot Inlet is always a magical way to conclude our time in Skagway.

    Tomorrow, we set sail for another favorite of Alaska: Sitka.

  • Alaska Cruise 2025 – Day 4: Juneau Adventures and Bear Encounters

    The morning of Day 4 found us sailing through the calm waters of the Inside Passage—a welcome change after a choppy day at sea. Our destination was Juneau, but before docking, Mark presented his second seminar on the CCC at Sitka, continuing his enhancement seminar series.

    Arrival in Juneau

    The Anthem of the Seas arrived in Juneau at noon, and we were soon ashore, ready for adventure. We rented a car through Turo, and our host Zachary W. had it waiting for us in the parking garage right next to the pier.

    Arrival in Juneau

    Exploring Mendenhall Glacier

    Our first stop was Mendenhall Glacier, a familiar site from two previous visits. However, this time we had the freedom of our own vehicle, allowing us to explore trails we had missed before.

    We began with a peaceful walk along the Trail of Time, moving through the temperate rainforest in the Tongass National Forest. Then we took a short stroll along the Steep Creek Trail, where we had an unforgettable wildlife encounter:

    🐻 A black bear sow was fishing in the creek, and soon we spotted her three cubs below. We watched as she begrudgingly shared her catch, while the cubs whined in protest over what they must have thought were meager rations—an incredible moment in nature.

    Next, we hiked the Nugget Falls Trail, which we had done on previous visits. But this time, the view was strikingly different.

    The retreat of the glacier was evident. In 2016, we could see the entire toe of the glacier from the falls. Now, it’s hidden behind stone at the lake’s edge—a sobering reminder of climate change.

    Entrance Sign at Mendenhall Glacier
    Serene Reflections at Mendenhall Glacier
    A black bear charges through Steep Creek in pursuit of a salmon near Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska.
    Sow and cubs feast in the forest near Mendenhall Glacier.
    A stunning view of Mendenhall Glacier surrounded by mountains and tranquil waters in Juneau, Alaska.
    Mount McGinnis rises above the forest near Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska.
    Mendenhall Glacier

    A Peaceful Visit to the Shrine

    Our second stop was the National Shrine of Saint Therese, located even farther from central Juneau. The drive was scenic, and the shrine—a stone church nestled in the woods overlooking Favorite Channel—was the perfect place for contemplation and stunning views.

    Serenity at the National Shrine of Saint Therese
    National Shrine of Saint Therese
    Peaceful labyrinth garden overlooking the water at the Shrine of Saint Therese in Juneau, Alaska.

    After returning the rental car, we boarded the Anthem of the Seas once again. Tonight, we sail toward our next port: Skagway, home to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.

    Back to the Ship

    Anthem of the Seas in Juneau

  • Alaska 2025 Cruise – Day 2: Planes, Salmon, and Setting Sail

    This morning started with a reunion—our dear friend Rosamaria picked us up for a few hours of exploring before we officially embarked on our Alaska adventure. First stop: the Museum of Flight in Seattle, and wow, what a treasure trove of aviation history!

    We climbed aboard a space shuttle trainer, marveled at the Air Force One that Lyndon B. Johnson took the oath of office in (and that later carried Nixon to China), and explored the very first Boeing 747. The museum is packed with iconic aircraft and stories that span the entirety of aviation history. It was the perfect way to kick off a journey that’s all about discovery.

    Museum of Flight

    After soaking in the aviation history, we headed to Ivan’s Salmon House for lunch. The food was delicious, but the real treat was the view—Lake Union sparkled under the midday sun, and the Seattle skyline provided a stunning backdrop. It was a peaceful, scenic moment before the excitement of boarding the ship.

    Iver’s Salmon House

    After lunch, we arrived at the port and boarded the Anthem of the Seas, our floating home for the next week. We spent some time getting familiar with the ship—exploring the decks, checking out the venues, and settling into our stateroom.

    Onboard the Anthem of the Seas

    At 4:00 PM, the Anthem set sail, gliding away from Seattle and pointing north toward Alaska. We capped off the day with our first dinner onboard, followed by a lively Welcome Aboard show in the Royal Theater. The energy was high, the performers were fantastic, and it officially felt like the adventure had begun.

    Tomorrow: our first full day at sea and Mark’s first presentation

    For more photos and videos of our journey visit Alaska Cruise Highlights 2025

  • Lake Minnewanka

    Lake Minnewanka

    Peaceful mountain lake near the town of Banff.

  • White Pass & Yukon Railroad

    White Pass & Yukon Railroad

    Skagway, Alaska to Frazier, British Columbia


  • Mendenhall Glacier

    Mendenhall Glacier


  • Two Medicine

    Two Medicine

    Two Medicine Lake

    Two Medicine Lake and Sinopah Mountain

    On board the Sinopah

    Sinopah Mountain

    Upper Two Medicine Lake

    Upper Two Medicine Lake

    Twin Falls

    Two Medicine Lake

    Sinopah Mountain

  • Avalanche Lake

    Avalanche Lake

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