Leaving Sydney

Alaska has been a dream destination for both of us since before we met. Finally, to celebrate Andrews 40th , my 50th ( and James 12th) we have made this a reality. The trip will involve flying from Sydney to Salt Spring Island to visit Andrews' sister and family for a few days; fly to Anchorage, hiring a car and travelling for 9 days; cruising the Inside Passage down to Vancouver for 7 nights; then home.  

On the land portion we will be overnighting in Girdwood, Palmer,  Silver Salmon Creek Lodge in Lake Clark National Park and Seward.  We have hired a car from Hertz as they are the only hire company to offer the one way drop off in Seward from Anchorage.  The drop off fee is less than the price of 3 tickets on the train from Anchorage to Seward so easy to justify.

The cruise is with Royal Caribbean on Radiance of the Seas. It takes us past Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Straight Point (Hoonah) and Ketchikan before sailing to Vancouver

Whilst we have a marathon flight to get through ( SYD-LAX-SEA-YYJ then ferry to Salt Spring Island) one of the perks of Andrew's  job is that, even though we are travelling economy, we have access to the first class lounge. James is in his element having just ordered his second breakfast of pancakes after demolishing scrambled eggs.