Explore More Autumn 2019

26 VIKINGCRUISES.CO.UK |

26 VIKINGCRUISES.CO.UK | AUTUMN 2019

TRAVEL PHOTOS: © INSTAGRAM.COM/DEREKCMEPHAM Clockwise, from above: Medenhall Glacier in Juneau; Derek and Irene Mepham reach the White Pass Summit; the pair got to see American bald eagles up close; Steller sea lions in the Kenai Fjords National Park; an expertly restored gold mining house in Skagway Skagway bought back memories, as we were last there 40 years ago on a camping trip to follow the old Chilkoot gold rush trail. Skagway still has its old board walks and about 100 of the gold rush buildings have been restored. The narrow gauge railway follows the old Yukon route to historic White Pass. The old gold rush cemetery has been preserved and is next to a stunning waterfall. On our return with Viking, we viewed White Pass summit – a 2,865-foot elevation – courtesy of a sightseeing bus trip, which offered stunning views of the glaciers, snow-capped mountains and Bridal Veil Falls. It was quite magical. Icy Strait Point is a recreated village outside of the small town of Hoonah, located on the island of Chichagof. It is a former salmon canning and packing station restored by the local Tlingit people. We went on a hike in the Tongass National Forest which has far-reaching views across the Spasski river valley. On the way back to the bus there was movement in the bush, the guide halted us and motioned for us to be quiet. Suddenly a bear’s head appeared. Just as we thought the animal had moved into the undergrowth, he reappeared at the crest of the hill and peered down at us. I managed The bear reappeared at the crest of the hill and peered down at us. I managed to get one of my favourite photographs of the whole trip to get one of my favourite photos of the whole trip; what a memorable day. Viking Orion arrived at Hubbard Glacier ahead of schedule and although it was an overcast day, it enhanced the blue of the ice; what a magical sight. The captain expertly manoeuvred the ship so everyone could get a good view of the six-mile-wide glacier. More breathtaking scenery appeared as we travelled the deep-cut fjord in Prince William Sound, arriving in Valdez. The glacial Chugach Mountains surround the city, which is better known as the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, carrying oil from Prudhoe Bay to the Artic coast. After an oil spill in 1989 the wildlife is making a strong comeback and visits from Viking ships have helped boost the local economy. Cruising along Resurrection Bay towards Seward, our final stop, we marvelled at the mountains which come right down to the water – a fitting finale to what must be one of the last great frontiers for a cruise. An 11-day Alaska & the Inside Passage journey in 2021 starts at £4,790pp vikingcruises.co.uk AUTUMN 2019 | VIKINGCRUISES.CO.UK 27