If it’s Friday, this must be Alaska. Today’s travelogue is from Thursday, August 24 – the end of the cruise and the beginning of a long weekend in Anchorage. Our ship docked dark early in Seward
and we boarded the train for Anchorage.
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| from the Alaska Railroad website |
This was our first of three train trips on the Alaska Railroad; I can’t say enough good things about the company, the service, … and oh my goodness the views. The trip from Seward to Anchorage (via Girdwood) is about four hours and it’s fully narrated.
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| yay for knitting |
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| and a full-service bar |
We planned to travel the Anchorage to Grandview route again on Sunday; I have more photos to share from that trip – this is just a quick taste!
We arrived in Anchorage, checked into our hotel (the Historic Anchorage Hotel – really delightful and very close to the train station), had lunch (pizza!) and then took the Trolley Tour. This was a wonderful introduction to the city and its history. Our tour guide was energetic and entertaining. Highly recommend if you’re ever in Anchorage.
Anchorage is a very pretty city and it was in full bloom.
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| in front of city hall |
The Anchorage natives call this monument to Eisenhower (president when Alaska became a state) “Eisenhower on the Half Shell”; the flowers are the best part!
We had dinner at Tequila 61° … great food, cold beer … and a fun bar scene.
Then early-ish to bed so we’d be up and ready for the train to Talkeetna. Stay tuned … next week!
Happy Friday, y’all!!
mere-et-filles 
Train travel looks like such an enjoyable way to go and allow everyone to view the beautiful landscape. And those flowers! Is it the extra daylight that allows them to grow so abundantly? Just lovely!
Also, wishing you a very Happy Birthday, Mary! I hope you have a great day today and a wonderful year ahead!
Alaska must be full of one great view after another! I know it's what a travelogue is, one great view after another, but was there ever anything that wasn't unique? Thank you for sharing your trip, your thoughts, and your vistas.
And knitting on the train!
Knitting and cocktails on a train with a view. In Alaska. I just can't take it! 🙂
Wow! What great views! Looks like a fabulous way to see Alaska. XO
Wow! The views! The flowers! Eisenhower on the Half-shell cracks me up (but I can totally see it!).
Those views! How beautiful! And, those flowers! Knitting and views like that along with great company!
Aren't train rides fun? I took one from Portland to Tacoma…not quite the same ride as yours…I am very much enjoying your recap of the trip. Will be sorry to see the trip end!Cheers~
Enjoyed this latest installment! And those flowers – looks like you picked a perfect time for your visit!
I don't know why I'm surprised by the flowers in Anchorage and yet – I am. LOL. Gorgeous photos, Mary!
I really loved Anchorage-maybe because we were able to spend more time there. The flowers were such a surprise!