Tezels on the Road

Category: Mountains

  • Day 3: Canyon Vistas and a Moonlit Ascent

    Day 3: Canyon Vistas and a Moonlit Ascent

    Colorado Road Trip 2025

    Morning Hikes in Colorado National Monument

    We kicked off the day with a series of short hikes that showcased the monument’s breathtaking geology and expansive canyon views:

    • Canyon Rim Trail – A perfect introduction to the park’s dramatic cliffs.

    • Window Rock Trail – A short walk to a stunning natural window overlooking the canyon.

    • Alcove Trail – A peaceful path with unique rock formations and quiet alcoves.

    • Otto’s Trail – Named after John Otto, the monument’s founding advocate, this trail offers one of the best views of Independence Monument.

    View from Canyon Rim Trail
    Window Rock
    Alcove
    Pipe Organ
    Independence Monument

    Scenic Drive Along Rim Rock Drive

    After hiking, we took our time cruising along Rim Rock Drive, a 23-mile scenic route that winds through the heart of the monument. Every curve revealed new vistas—towering monoliths, deep canyons, and distant mesas.

    Towards the end of the drive, we were lucky enough to come upon a herd of grazing bighorn sheep, calmly navigating the rocky terrain just off the roadside. It was a quiet, majestic moment that reminded us of the wild beauty that thrives in these rugged landscapes.

    Eastbound on I-70: Beauty in Motion

    Leaving the monument, we headed east on Interstate 70, often called one of the most beautiful stretches of highway in America. The road climbs into the Rockies, passing through dramatic canyons, tunnels, and alpine forests.

    As we neared Dillon, the sky treated us to a spectacular show: a full moon rising over the Rocky Mountains, casting a silver glow on the peaks and following us all the way to Georgetown, where we’ll be staying for the next two nights.

  • Day 6: Exploring Sitka – Where Cultures Converge

    Day 6: Exploring Sitka – Where Cultures Converge

    Our final destination in Alaska was the picturesque city of Sitka, surrounded by scenic mountains, the sea, and lush islands.

    Exploring Tlingit Sitka

    After taking the shuttle from the cruise terminal to the town center, we embarked on a short walk to the Sitka National Historical Park Visitor Center and Totem Trail. The walk through the temperate rainforest offered breathtaking views of Sitka Sound. The Totem Trail showcased the rich heritage of the Tlingit and Haida people, who have inhabited this archipelago for centuries. While the totems are re-carvings, some original elements are displayed in Totem Hall at the visitor center.


    Gaanax.adi Raven Crest Pole stands tall among Sitka’s forest, telling stories through Tlingit art.

    Sunlight filters through Sitka’s forest canopy along the peaceful Totem Trail.
    Sitka National Historical Park

    Russian Sitka

    Sitka holds a unique history where Russian and Tlingit cultures met—and later clashed. Around lunchtime, we ventured into the Russian area of town. Passing by the Russian Bishop’s House, we arrived at St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral. The cathedral’s interior was adorned with sacred objects, reflecting the significance of iconography in Orthodox religion.

    Across from the cathedral, we visited Sitka Pel’Meni, where we indulged in our first taste of Russian dumplings for lunch. They were absolutely delicious, and we’re eager to try making them at home.

    Continuing our exploration of Russian Sitka, we climbed up the hill to the Russian Blockhouse. This rebuilt blockhouse stands as a testament to the Russian American Company’s blockade during the conflicts with the Tlingit.

    On a nearby hill, we arrived at Baranof Hill State Historic Site, also known as Castle Hill. This site held significant importance for the Tlingit people before the Russians established their headquarters here in 1805, after the Tlingit ceded the hill to them. Notably, the transfer of Alaska to the United States from Russia took place at this very site in 1867.

    St. Michael’s Cathedral stands tall in Sitka, Alaska, with its green spire and historic charm.
    Sitka Blockhouse
    Baranof Castle

    Returning to the Anthem of the Sea, we boarded and headed to the Solarium to witness our sail away through its expansive windows. As we bid farewell to Alaska for this year, we anticipate a sea day before reaching our final port of call, Victoria, British Columbia.

  • 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.

  • Explore Our Alaska Cruise Highlights – 2025

    Explore Our Alaska Cruise Highlights – 2025

    Our journey through the breathtaking landscapes and historic towns of Alaska was nothing short of unforgettable. From misty fjords and glacier-carved valleys to charming coastal cities rich with gold rush history, every moment was a story worth capturing.

    We’ve curated a special photo collection featuring highlights from our Alaska 2025 Cruise—including stops in Juneau, Sitka, Skagway, and scenic views from aboard Anthem of the Seas. Whether you’re dreaming of your own Alaskan adventure or reliving memories of the Last Frontier, we invite you to explore the sights through our lens.

    📸 View the full collection here:

    👉 https://wirestock.io/collection/65032

    From historic parks and vibrant markets to glacier vistas and waterfront strolls, this gallery brings together the spirit of Alaska in every frame.

  • Icefields Parkway

    Icefields Parkway

    Scenic drive between Banff and Jasper National Parks

  • Sulphur Mountain

    Sulphur Mountain

    The top of Banff. A tram takes us to the summit of Sulphur Mountain…

  • Lake Minnewanka

    Lake Minnewanka

    Peaceful mountain lake near the town of Banff.

  • Cruising Glacier Bay

    Cruising Glacier Bay

    Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

  • White Pass & Yukon Railroad

    White Pass & Yukon Railroad

    Skagway, Alaska to Frazier, British Columbia


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