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6 SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | JULY 2019 Is Alaska On Your Bucket List? By Sharon Cates, Resident When you listen to SDV residents Bob and Vicki Rajsky talk about their recent vacation, it's evident they agree everyone should visit Alaska at least once. The beautiful scenery in our 49th state was beyond expectations and the history learned an interesting bonus. They'll tell you there is an awesome photo-op at every turn and have the pictures to prove it. The journey began at the port of Los Angeles when they boarded the ship, Ruby Princess, on April 23. Their 12-day Alaskan cruise was the first of the season for all the cruise lines. The couple highly recommends paying extra for a room with a balcony which allows relaxing and private viewing along the way. After three days of enjoying the amenities on board ship, they reached their first port in Ketchikan. Other stops were the ports of Juneau, Skagway and Victoria, British Columbia (where they toured the beautiful Butchart Gardens). The weather was sunny the whole trip but cool enough for a light jacket in some places and both suggested layered clothing. In each port there were excursions offered for an extra cost. Bob enjoyed the Great Alaskan Lumberjack show in Ketchikan. They both liked the walking tour and were impressed by their native Tlingit (pronounced kling-it) guide who told them he went to college in San Diego. The Tlingits are known for their artistic totem poles and Ketchikan has the largest collection in the world. Totem Bight State Park alone boasts 14 "talking trees." An outstanding one, a carved eagle, stands in Ketchikan's village. Juneau is a favorite memory. The city added wooden perches for bald eagles when they replaced electrical poles. Vicki captured a great photo of a perching eagle. The whale park with its new sculpture in the background made a unique photo for the couple. In Skagway, the White Pass Scenic Railway tour provided three hours of eye-catching scenery. The 41-mile round trip takes passengers to the 3,000-foot summit of White Pass. Bob said the view is incredible. This trip links Skagway with Yukon, Canada. Another highlight of their trip was sailing into the pristine waters of Glacier Bay. Seeing mountainous glaciers calve large chunks of ice into the green tidewater was unforgettable. There are seven tidewater glaciers including the famous Margerie Glacier, one of Alaska's most photographed features. They were told to watch for wildlife. Some passengers spotted whales near the Bay. Ending the tour with the Butchart Gardens was perfect. Spring is the peak of the blooming season and Vicki said the tulips were breathtaking. Maybe a trip to Alaska is one you'd like to add to your bucket list.