The Wanderlust Chronicles

Welcome to Wanderlust Chronicles! Embark on a journey with me as I explore the world's hidden gems and iconic destinations. From bustling city streets to tranquil nature escapes, my travel blog offers insights, tips and personal stories to inspire your next adventure. Discover local cultures, savor exotic cuisines and find practical advice for every step of your travels. Whether you're a seasoned globetrotter or planning you first getaway, Wanderlust Chronicles is your go-to-source for all things travel. Join my community and let's wander the world together!

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Alaskan Adventure - Day 6

On our sixth day we headed to Sitka which we were excited to see, especially with all the amazing wildlife and outdoor beauty.

Sitka offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. You can explore the Sitka National Historical Park, hike through the lush Tongass National Forest, and visit the Fortress of the Bears. For a taste of local history, the Sitka Historical Museum and St. Michael's Cathedral provide deep insights into the area's past. Marine enthusiasts can enjoy whale watching, fishing, and kayaking around the stunning coastal waters. With its vibrant arts scene, Sitka also boasts galleries and theaters showcasing local talent.

We visited Fortress of the Bears first, a sanctuary dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned bear cubs. We got the chance to observe these majestic animals up close in a naturalized habitat while learning about their behaviors, diet, and the conservation efforts to protect them. The facility also offers educational programs and guided tours, providing a unique opportunity to understand the importance of wildlife preservation and the challenges faced by Alaskan bears.

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Alaskan Adventure- Day 5

Icy Strait Point, located near Hoonah, Alaska, is a great destination for cruise ships and tourists. Situated on Chichagof Island, part of the Alexander Archipelago in southeastern Alaska, its located about 50 miles west of Juneau. The area is owned by the Huna Totem Corporation, which is comprised of Tlingit natives. This gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the Tlingit culture and history.

It features a restored salmon cannery, originally built in 1912. The cannery has been converted into a museum and various shops, preserving the region's fishing heritage.

The area is renowned for its rich wildlife, including humpback whales, orcas, brown bears, bald eagles, and various marine life. You can take part in whale-watching and bear-viewing tours!

Icy Strait Point offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as zip-lining, kayaking, ATV rides, and hiking. The ZipRider at Icy Strait Point is one of the world's longest and highest zip lines.

The development of Icy Strait Point emphasizes sustainable tourism. The Huna Totem Corporation has focused on preserving the natural environment and supporting the local community through tourism revenue.

It has become a significant stop for cruise ships, with a dedicated dock allowing ships to berth directly at the site. This facilitates easy access for you to explore the area.

The site offers a blend of historical, cultural, and natural attractions, providing a comprehensive Alaskan experience. Educational programs and cultural demonstrations are often available as well.

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Alaskan Adventure - Day 5 continued

Icy Strait Point, located near the village of Hoonah in Alaska, is a great destination for anyone seeking an authentic Alaskan experience. Nestled amid lush forests and scenic coastlines, it offers a unique glimpse into native Tlingit culture and history. You can explore restored canneries, embark on thrilling zip line adventures, and enjoy wildlife viewing, including whale watching and bear sightings. Icy Strait Point combines natural beauty with cultural richness, making it a must-visit spot for anyone exploring the Alaskan wilderness.

We loved walking around the village and enjoying a refreshing beverage whilst being near the coastline and close to such natural beauty.

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Alaskan Adventure - Day 5 continued

We spent the full day taking in the sights of Glacier Bay, breathing in the fresh air, enjoying the silent surroundings of ice and water, as we drifted around the sunny bay. It was a breathtaking experience, truly getting to see the vastness of Alaska.

Glacier Bay is a stunning national park, where you're able to view breathtaking glaciers, diverse wildlife, and pristine wilderness. Encompassing over 3 million acres, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers you the chance to witness calving glaciers (which we witnesed in real time), spot humpback whales - where we were able to spot their distant water spouts, as well as watch sea otters bobbing in the water, and if your lucky enough spot brown bears, as well as explore rugged landscapes. Accessible only by boat or plane, Glacier Bay is a haven for adventure and tranquility, providing a unique glimpse into the natural beauty and ecological richness of the Alaskan wilderness.

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Alaska Adventure - Day 5

On our fifth day we headed over to Glacier Bay and Icy Strait Point, getting to see glaciers in all their glory, witnessing parts of them breaking away! There were large pieces of ice floating in the water, a truly amazing sight as otters bobbed in the water and whales were seen in the distance! The water was pristine, finding out that the bay itself is the largest protected biosphere in the world and is part of a world heritage site. It was extremely peaceful docking in the water and being present in the face of such astounding natural beauty.

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Alaskan Adventure - Day 4 continued

After our excursions we were able to explore the city of Juneau, capital of Alaska which was full of historical treats from handcarved totem poles, crab shacks, saloon style stores against the backdrop of the Tongass Rainforest. It was fun to explore the waterfront with seaplanes taking off, fishing boats docking up and locals enjoying a drink by the water. The area was teeming with wildlife from bears to whales and everything in between.

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Alaskan Adventure - Day 4 continued

I jumped onto my shuttle bus and headed up to Mendenhall Glacier where I was given a safety tutorial on how to canoe, teaming up with another 18 people, ready to explore! It was tough going on the arms, a definite rowing workout, where we were able to take in the peace and quiet of the lake, whilst our guide told us about the history of the area and the different wildlife we could spot. The Glacier was beautiful and super blue due to the compacted snow, and we were able to see a nearby waterfall, getting out and admiring the view and mineral rich waters. It took us a while but we eventually were rowing in unison, an unstoppable force on the water, beating the other canoes to shore. The weather was sunny and blue, and we were able to see Alaska at her finest!

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Alaskan Adventure - Day 4 continued

When we disembarked at Juneau we were able to explore the town, walking along the seafront and admiring the hand crafted totem poles, along with the saloon style shops, which were truly epic against the backdrop of the Tongass national forest which has some of the freshest air in the United States. I felt as I moved around I was able to breathe far better and really get a sense of the vastness of Alaska. It was extremely calming to be by the water and take in the beautiful scenery.

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Alaskan Adventure - Day 4

On our third cruise day, we arrived in the capital of Alaska, Juneau, where we disembarked and were able to spend time exploring the town before we set off on our excursions! I had booked to canoe to see the Mendenhall Glacier whilst my partner was to explore a gold mine and pan for gold. The town had plenty of totem poles and saloon style bars and eateries where you could relax by the water front. The capital itself is only accessible by boat or plane and feels truly remote and peaceful when you're there.

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Alaskan Adventure - Day 3

Our second night on board, our cruise was spent at the Tamarind restaurant and bar. We couldn't resist trying their pan-asian cuisine evoking the rich culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan. The dramatic venue at the top of the ship had sweeping views of the ocean, where we could enjoy the sensuous flavors of the Far East. In this elegant setting, I was able to try tofu springrolls, sweet and sour tempura, with a delicious cheesecake to finish. We headed to the bar afterwards for a glass of wine and the chance to take in the peaceful scenery.

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Alaskan Adventure - Day 2 continued

We boarded our Holland America cruise ship from Pier 91, where we were excited to explore and see what our room was like! The ship itself boasts many delights from an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, hottubs, a hydro pool, spa, fitness center, shops, art gallery, library and numerous bars and restaurants from around the world! Our room was spacious with a king-sized bed and a balcony, which gave us terrific views around Alaska and the opportunity to sit back back with a coffee and enjoy the wildlife. We were given complimentary macaroons and a bottle of champagne which we opened when we started to disembark, waving goodbye to the Seattle skyline. Adventure awaits!

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Alaska Adventure - Day 2

On our second day in Seattle we ventured out to explore the seafront and Pike Market, Seattle's original farmers market, where you can get locally sourced, artisan and speciality foods. There were also local artists with prints of the city, handmade jewellery designers, florists with the most beautiful peonies and of course freshly caught fish. It was a beautiful sight to see, and we were also able to view the first ever Starbucks in Pike Place, created in 1912!

Walking along the seafront we eyed the local aquarium and Miners Landing on Pier57 which is home to an Alaskan Sourdough Bakery along with the Crab Pot and Fisherman's Restaurant. It was great to walk along the seafront and explore the sights!

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Alaskan Adventure - Day 1 Continued

Once we settled in to our hotel room at Pali in Seattle, we decided to explore and try out the hotel restaurant, The Hart and The Hunter, a laid back American diner which featured elevated diner classics and cocktails. I decided to go for the classic Grilled cheese and fries, with my partner going for the bavette steak, old bay jojos and chimichuri, indulging in the sticky toffee pudding for dessert. It was a delightful meal - an American diner with a twist! They are also known for their world famous butter biscuits which we tried for breakfast! The all day brunch is also worth a visit for, with great coffee and a terrific breakfast selection. I had a mushroom omelette with sourdough, with my partner having the eggs benedict and biscuits. It was packed which is always a good sign, well established amongst both locals and tourists. They also have an amazing library and lounge area, where you can rest and relax after a long day exploring Seattle.

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Alaskan Adventure - Day 1

Our first night in Seattle, we stayed at the vintage boutique Palihotel situated in the city's downtown area, next door to the vibrant Pike Place Market and Seattle Waterfront.

This boutique hotel offered a unique and relaxing stay for culture seekers such as ourselves. With 96 Guest Rooms featuring an eclectic, eye catching style, paying homage to the city’s Pacific Northwest aesthetic whilst also infusing the hotel with Palisociety’s signature bold blend of classic and contemporary elements and smart features throughout. The room had a luxurious feel, with a comfortable sofa and bed, unique paintings on the wall and a spacious bathroom to relax in and unwind. The minibar was stocked with a mixture of non alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, catering for all tastes, with a basket of treats to indulge in from trail mix to chocolate. The staff were super friendly and accommodating of all our needs and made us feel at home. It was the perfect place to explore downtown Seattle and walk along the seafront, exploring all the markets and sights along the way!