Bucket List Activated: The Last Frontier

If you know me at all, then you are aware I have a deep love of nature- especially the mountains. Something most people don’t know, though, is I am originally from the Pacific Northwest. 

I was born just east of San Francisco and shortly thereafter moved to a little town nestled between Seattle and Tacoma, Washington. My earliest memories involve going into my backyard to pick and eat wild blueberries. With my hands and mouth full, I would then follow the little deer path down into the ravine that ran along the back of the houses along our street, Bouncy moss and emerald-green ferns on the ground were sheltered by the beautiful evergreens above that bathed us in dappled sunlight. It was truly magical in every way. While I was in elementary school, my father’s job moved us to the east coast and I embraced being a Jersey Girl fully. I have lived on the Atlantic ever since, but always loved visiting the west coast whenever possible. 

The temperate rain forest calls to me. 

I dreamed of visiting Alaska, the Last Frontier, and planned to do a cruise as a solo traveler to celebrate my divorce in the summer of 2025. Shortly before I booked the trip, my dear friend and Podcast Daddy, Glenn Hebert, announced his final Horse Radio Network- Horselovers Cruise to…Alaska of all places! All I had to do was put off my trip for another year and I’d be able to attend with approximately 40 podcast auditors in our HRN family and their husbands and families. 

I had high expectations for this adventure. Were they unrealistic? Perhaps, but I’ve always believed in creating the reality we want for ourselves. With my new chapter in life, I’m doing everything for the plot. 

Setting the Scene

The itinerary is lovely. 7 nights, 8 days along the coast line of southeast Alaska and British Columbia- two of the most beautiful places in the world in my opinion.

We flew into Anchorage and didn’t get to explore much because we arrived late evening, with the sun still shining brightly. The weather was brisk and cloudy, but everyone was out enjoying the spring. In a climate such as this, all dry weather is appreciated. 

The next morning we were awake early (a 4 hour time difference helped), and we headed out in separate cars to the Alaskan Railroad depot. Our port was changed the week prior from Seward to the remote town of Whittier due to construction, but the two hour train ride was picturesque and we spotted a moose, bald eagle, and families of Dall sheep on the way. After meandering along the coast and through two tunnels, we reached the remote port. All the residents and businesses, including the school, all live under one roof. The town is often cut off from the outside world due to harsh weather, and the tunnel is closed to cars and trains in the evenings. The small bay was enclosed by looming mountain faces and dribbling waterfalls, carving their way through the moss and rock. In the distance, the white Royal Caribbean ship, Ovation of the Seas, waited for our arrival. Finally, we were here. 

The Characters

Picture this: a Royal Caribbean ship carrying a large number of horse crazy podcast listeners. We had four or five large dining tables for dinner, and even by the end of the trip I wasn’t able to connect with each and every member. 

I knew about 10-15 of our group from the Caribbean cruise I’d gone on with Natalie in February of 2024, so it was lovely to see so many of them come back! One couple was engaged on the last cruise, and spent her honeymoon with us again- full circle! 

More than half the group were new to me, but it was a blessing that any of them were listeners of Adulting with Horses! I still find it very exciting to know people listen to my friend and I talk about life and horses at all, but to do it on such a massive scale is truly humbling. Each day we were on the boat and on excursions, I was able to spend time with other horse lovers! Talk about finding your people. 

The at sea days were filled with quiet time in the spa or Adults-only Solarium with a book or my writing. Much needed quiet time without interruptions, a true necessity for someone like me with ADHD and any excuse to get distracted. 

The evenings on board the ship were filled with latin music, karaoke, live game shows, and fun!

Our stops were fabulous: 

Juneau– my gut instincts told me this was a shopping town and I was not disappointed. I tried to stay away from the tacky stores and look for those locally owned and native. Juneau is where most of the other towns and villages get their supplies- so it made sense for me too! 

Gorgeous leather work made sure I found a leather jacket of the softest lambskin and embroidered boots full of color were definite highlights. The store owner even took my photo and gave me a hug when I left. And of course, I wasn’t going to leave without a margarita on tap at the food trucks, That certainly woke me up! However, my favorite purchase was a beautiful Tanzanite ring that I negotiated down in price and is the color of the Northern Lights that have still eluded me. 

Skagway– here I paid for a Musher’s Dog Camp experience. Hello, puppies! We spent the morning riding MOGS, huge German trucks that are more beast than the dogs; and of course having the opportunity to “sled” with a team of 16 dogs. The musher’s were so lovely, answering all my questions and teaching me about breeding, racing, and care. I had no doubt, but they truly put their dogs first. 

Of course the highlight was meeting the 5-week old and 4-month old puppies. I mean, what cuties! It’s important they are exposed to many people, smells, and sounds to desensitize them. I was happy to oblige. This is the “Cheese” themed litter. The puppy fur was so cuddly. But alas, as a working breed- they just wanted to move and play! 

We had lunch in Skagway and went into a handful of stores. I loved their unique options and was able to pick up a deck of Native-made Tarot cards, the coolest hat I’ve ever owned, and some Wolverine fur earrings trapped and made by a local artisan, George of the Raven Clan and Tlingit. He was hilarious and even offered me a job as front of the house so he could focus on his artwork in the back. 

In the bookstore, we heard about Lydia a ghost who haunts the old brothel at the Red Onion Saloon, so we had to go over and ask about her. The hostess, weirdly also named Lydia, told a story of a woman who was treated badly by men and how she only haunts them. Since we’re girls, girls we applauded that and went on our way without bothering her further. 

On the walk back to the boat, I spied a Harbor seal bobbing alone near the pier. 

Icy Strait Point and the Native Village of Hoonah– our last stop. I had not had the opportunity to eat Alaskan crab legs and was positivity drooling. No way was I leaving and not stuffing my face full of their gloriousness. 

The day began early with a morning boat ride in the bay and Icy Strait Point. Humpback whales are the primary marine animal seen, Orcas are rare, and we were blessed with about 5 of them- amazing since they tend to be solitary! A mother and calf (Insert squeals of delight) and two companion feeding as well. Amongst the whales were porpoises, bald eagles, Stellar Sea Lions, and a Harbor Seal. The wildlife there is lush. 

The island is remote and houses a small, native tribe, Luckily our tour guide for the second part of the trip is native and was able to tell us some of her culture and even some Klingit words while we went in search of the Coastal Brown Bears. This island has the largest population of bears per human 3:1, and we walked at the base of their Spasski Mountain den, through the dangerous marsh, and onto viewing platforms overlooking the Spasski River in hopes of spotting a bear. We did have a security guard with us who told us to stay together and let us know if we encounter a bear, it doesn’t have to be a negative encounter. He has personally had 16 close encounters where bears came up on to the walking areas and platforms. 

We had the opposite issue, the two bears spotted were only visible with binoculars and camera lenses were unable to capture them. But they were gorgeous and focused on grazing. 

On the way back to the port, I fulfilled my dream with a stop to The Crab House, where I ordered a whole Dungeness crab, locally caught. Totally worth it by the look on my face, can’t you tell? 

On the way back to the boat, I ordered fried mini donuts and while eating the warm goodness, saw a bald eagle perched in the trees above me. A friend actually later got a video of him coming down from the tree and catching a fish! 

Final Thoughts

Overall, my heart belongs to Alaska. In another life, I could see myself as a summer worker helping the naturalists give tours and teach people about the wildlife. It made my volunteer work at the Central Park Zoo look like amateur hour- but my love of bears came through and I was able to talk one on one with Mary Raven Koho, our wonderful guide. 

The photos and videos don’t do it justice. I obviously snapped many, but for most of my time tried to put my phone down and just enjoy the experience. I will be back and hopefully with my children, who would love it. 

If you ever get the chance to visit Alaska, do it. Don’t think about it- just go. And as for it being the FINAL Horselovers Cruise with Horse Radio Network- I’ll just say, never say never! Keep an eye on my website and socials for some pending updates on THAT.