re: Follow-up on my Anchorage Trip (PIC HEAVY)

quote:

---

Do you have a site where I could see more of these rates or some contact information?

---

quote:

---

When would be an ideal time to do a trip like this? Maybe a 4 to 6 week window for this trip?

---

I got extremely lucky with the timing of everything. I just kept researching things to do and see and kept checking road closures on the national parks website. Many roads were opened earlier than normal, including the road to Exit Glacier and the road to Denali National Park. They said that it was the earliest ever that the park was open to mile 30.

The flight was booked through Delta, and of course, rates are constantly changing. Here is the Gray Whale Cruise, Hotel, and SeaLife Center package LINK. Here is the B&B we stayed at in Healy, overlooking Otto Lake, where we saw the northern lights LINK

Most of our prices ended up being off-season pricing, because all of the tourists start coming in this week and next.

A big reason I wanted to go see the lights so soon and not wait til another year, is because the lights happen in cycles based on the sun. These solar cycles are for 11 years, where there is a dominant period and a more dormant period. We're right at the end of the more active cycle and are about to enter a period where the lights are less often and less brilliant. We got very very lucky that things worked out in that regard. Here is a link that explains that a bit more LINK LINK

That doesn't mean they are going away completely, they just won't be as frequent or strong, so it will be a lower percentage of being in the right place at the right time.

With that said, mid-late September would probably be a good time to visit the area, right before the winter months, where you still have a good night period to have a chance to view the lights. The most important thing is to be away from the city. Anchorage is a big city with 300,000 people. There's a lot of noise pollution there. We were in Healy, 5 hours north of Anchorage. It was the most beautiful 5 hour drive I've ever had, because it was very clear on the drive up. On the way back, visibility was much worse, and it was raining/snowing for a good portion of the drive.

quote:

---

heading there for my honeymoon in a couple of weeks. cant wait

---

How long? Northshore or Southshore?

It's so beautiful. Now on my bucket list. Thanks

wow great trip!!! pics were just as awesome to look at again as yesterday .... and great save of the tent

Great pictures, especially the wildlife. Lots of great scenery too. Glad you and your dad enjoyed the trip. Thanks for sharing and can't wait to see the Kauai thread.

The only camera I've owned is a Pentax K1000 SLR and an extra 70-150mm Vivitar lens that I've had since 1986.

Would eventually like to get a digital replacement one of these days.

Man thanks for posting these pics. Looks like one hell of a trip.

quote:

---

Eventually once I get a stable Internet connection I will be able to post pictures and stuff from my road trip trip from LA to Anchorage.

---

Can't wait to see