Tezels on the Road

Category: Alaska

  • 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.

  • 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
  • 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.

  • 🚢 Back to the Last Frontier: Our Fourth Alaska Cruise Begins!

    🚢 Back to the Last Frontier: Our Fourth Alaska Cruise Begins!

    On September 25, we set off once again for the wild beauty of Alaska—our fourth cruise to the 49th state, and we couldn’t be more excited. This time, we’ll be sailing aboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas, departing from Seattle on September 26. The ship is a marvel in itself, and we’re looking forward to both the journey and the destinations.

    But this trip is more than just sightseeing and sea breezes. For the second year, Mark will be presenting programs as a representative of the Association of National Park Rangers, sharing stories and history that connect deeply with Alaska’s landscapes and legacy.

    🎤 Onboard Presentations

    • 🗺️ The Promise of Alaska: The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA)
      Explore how this landmark legislation protected over 100 million acres of Alaska’s wilderness, shaping the state’s conservation legacy and preserving its natural treasures for generations.
    • 🪓 The CCC at Sitka
      Learn how the Civilian Conservation Corps helped shape Sitka National Historical Park through the recarving of historic totem poles and the creation of the Totem Trail. This program also explores the rich cultural tapestry of Russian and Tlingit history in Sitka, offering a deeper understanding of the people and stories that define this remarkable place.
    • 🏛️ Preserving Jeff Smith’s Parlor: A Gold Rush Story
      Step into the colorful history of Skagway’s infamous con man and the efforts to preserve his legacy through the restoration of Jeff Smith’s Parlor—a window into the wild days of the Klondike Gold Rush.

    📣 Join Us Onboard!

    If you’ll be sailing with us on the Anthem of the Seas, we’d love to have you join us for these presentations! Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just curious about Alaska’s past, these talks offer a deeper look into the stories behind the scenery. Come say hello—we’d love to meet fellow travelers and share these fascinating chapters of Alaska’s heritage with you.

    We’re thrilled to be returning to Alaska, a place that continues to inspire us with its grandeur, history, and spirit. Whether it’s glaciers, wildlife, or the stories of those who shaped this land, there’s always something new to discover.

    Anchors aweigh!

    — Tezels on the Road

  • Ketchikan

    Ketchikan

  • Glacier Bay – Margerie Glaciers

    Glacier Bay – Margerie Glaciers

  • 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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