Alaska Martime Highway reservations

As Brian and I piece together our late summer cross-country road trip itinerary - which will bring us from Florida to Alaska with a midpoint stop in San Francisco, CA to see family - we have already firmed up the tail end of the trip's reservations.  The end of our trip (meaning the last 5 days of travel) will have us traveling along the Alaska Maritime Highway.  Below is the M/V Kennicott, our vessel for which we will be traveling along the Alaskan coastline.  It will be a great opportunity at the end of LONG road trip to not only NOT be driving, but also see some incredible sights and here is the key... the kids will not be cooped up in the car.  Unfortunately for Zig, he will need to be in his kennel for several hour increments, but he will get to enjoy some walks and fresh air while we are in port.

Our Ferry trip will begin in Bellingham, WA (located approximately 80 miles north of Seattle) and it serves as the gateway to the numerous islands of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska’s Inside Passage.  Our two major port-of-calls will be Ketchikan and Juneau.  As Alaska's southern most port or “First City”, Ketchikan is the first major community reached by travelers heading north. Founded as a fishing camp, and built on the steep hillsides overlooking the Tongass Narrows, it is also where Brian lived for a short time and ended up graduating from high school there.  I'm very excited to be stopping there (even if it is a short time) and seeing a little of where Brian has lived. 

The second major stop is Juneau, one of America’s most beautiful state capital.  Both of these stops are considered to be on the "Inside Passage" of the trip and I'm quite sure it will prove to be absolutely stunning and beautiful all while giving Mommy & Daddy a much needed driving break while we get closer to our new home in Anchorage, Alaska.

After leaving Juneau, the trip takes a cross Gulf (of Alaska) Route which connects the SE and SW part of Alaska together.  This will bring us to a our final destination of Whittier (just 65 south of Anchorage).  I certainly hope this part of the trip proves to be an amazing adventure and something the kids + us will remember for the rest of our lives.