DENALI, ALASKA — The best way to Alaska’s biggest — physically, for sure — tourist attraction is up close. Unless you think 40 miles is “close enough” that means hopping on a fixed-wing plane or a helicopter that will take you to the base or higher of mighty Mount McKinley, the tallest mountain in North America. So yesterday, we did, as part of a Princess Cruises Cruisetour…
North America’s most-photographed mountain, distinctive and recognizable even from 60 miles away when you're in the air.
Built in Canada, the de Havilland Beaver is one sturdy, safe and successful aircraft — delightfully slow by modern standards.
Pilot Chris Palm’s grandfather taught him to fly when he was 15 — now ever since he has logged time flying all over the 49th state.
Glaciers run (literally) from head to toe (literally), constantly moving to create fields of ice, moraines and silt.
This wall is part of the world’s deepest gorge: 5,000 feet above the glacier and 4,000 feet of ice below the surface.
Often under glaciers there are rivers, and the sun’s reflections makes parts of the glacier appear blue, as with swimming pools.
Tourists/climbers regularly land on Ruth Glacier, set up camps and perhaps plan to reach the summit, or maybe just try.
Jaw-dropping scenery is everywhere out the windows of aircraft and it leaves passengers stunned and speechless.
Even this month, there’s no shortage of snow on McKinley and its partners mountaintops — in fact, it snows there in June.
In the news…
• Carnival video a chance to watching the building of new ship Vista
• Holland America, again, wins Port of Vancouver Blue Circle Award
• Silversea passengers latest to get free WiFi for everybody
Carnival Fascination
4 nights
October 1, 2015
Jacksonville (return): Freeport, Nassau
Inside: $239
Cost per day: $59
www.carnival.com