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Traveling Troubadour proudly presents
Cruising
and Geocaching in the August 16-23, 2015!
with optional land tour
(only available in combination with cruise)
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Celebrate 15 Years of Geocaching at the final Block Party event in Seattle, then join (For More info on the Block Party - Click here!) |
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MaxB on the River in Alaska!
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Maxine & Warren (MaxB on the River) have been caching since 2003 and are best known for their Travel Bug Group Tours. They have moved over 25,000 happy trackables for 35 million safe miles. Their caching adventures have included visiting all 50 states and 17 countries. In 2014, they hosted a fun and fantastic geocaching tour, for forty people, to Ireland with Traveling Troubadour. Maxine is planning some special private activities, caching opportunities, and an event in Juneau on the trip. |
Onboard meetings and
activities relating to Geocaching will be presented by MaxB on the River!
(You must reserve
through Traveling Troubadour to be a part of this private group and
attend our private onboard events.)
Watch in awe as we sail out
of Vancouver onboard Holland America's ms Oosterdam, bound for
forested isles,
icy-blue glaciers and charming frontier ports! Breathe the fresh air as we thread
through the Inside Passage where
fir forests slip by seemingly close enough to
touch. Experience the wonder as whales, puffins and Glacier Bay National Park's
active
tidewater glaciers come into view. Travel
back in time to a land where Ice Age giants dominate the landscape.
Where whales, moose, bear and eagles roam free.
This truly will be the trip of a lifetime!
By Sea:
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We
begin our cruise adventure in: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
If you
were able to enjoy the final Block Party in Seattle the day before, on Sunday
morning you need to make your way to Vancouver. Vancouver
has been rightfully acknowledged as one
of the world's great cities, beautifully situated between majestic mountains and
the Pacific Ocean. As you approach the cruise dock, perhaps you’ll have
time to find a few caches before boarding our luxury cruise ship and preparing
for a journey of a lifetime! Boarding begins around 11:30 a.m. and there is an
included buffet lunch onboard. Cabins should be ready around 1:30 p.m.
You will want to be onboard no later than 4:00 p.m. We will be sailing out
of the harbor at 5:00 p.m.! Once you have settled into your cabin, had a
bit of time to explore the ship, and participated in the required life boat
drill, you will be invited to join us at our private group “Welcome Aboard”
gathering. This is where you will meet your host, MaxB, and
the others in our group. Our group will then move on to the dining room,
where we have reserved tables for the evening meal. This is a great place
to get to know others in the group and to share your geocaching adventures of
the day!
As we cruise through the Inside Passage the shimmering waterways,
towering mountains and ice-blue glaciers of America's
last true wilderness will unfold before you. The fabled Inside Passage is one of the
most scenic sea-lanes in the world, and one of the few where deep-draft vessels can sail
close to steep mountain walls. The scenery is unbelievable, with forests in a hundred
shades of green, tumbling turquoise glaciers, and evocative towns loaded with history,
culture and adventure. With most of Southeast Alaska accessible only by boat or plane, the
Inside Passage is a lifeline to the outside world. All day long it hums
with activity.
An
on-board naturalist will
be on hand to present intriguing commentary throughout your cruise.
Cozy up in a teak lounge chair and watch Alaska's majestic
scenery glide by. Keep your eyes open, you never know when an eagle will soar
overhead or a pod of orca whales will appear!
Ketchikan,
Alaska
Known as "Alaska's First City," Ketchikan is Alaska's southern most port and the
first major town pioneers and prospectors came to heading north. Built out over
the water and climbing weathered stairways, Ketchikan clings to the shores of Tongass Narrows and drapes the mountains with a cheerful air.
Geocaches abound with over 20 within 2 miles of the cruise dock. You could start
with Ketchikan’s most favorite cache “Rene's B-day Totem Pole Multi” – GC1T466,
where you visit three amazing totem poles in about a one block radius in the
downtown Ketchikan area that are a must see on your cruise. Other main
attractions include a visit to Creek Street, the Tongass Historical Museum,
Totem Bight State Park and Saxman Village. We took these pictures on previous
trips to give you an idea of this beautiful place. The picture on the right was
taken from the pontoons of our plane when it landed on a mountain lake in the
Misty Fjords. The picture on the left is Creek Street. Upon our
return to the ship, with time to relax and refresh, we have a 2nd private group
time scheduled with host MaxB presenting a topic related to geocaching.
Juneau, Alaska
Located at the foot of grand mountain peaks on the Gastineau Channel, the town
of Juneau, Alaska's capital city, has the massive Mendenhall Glacier and the
immense Juneau Icefields at its back door. Juneau is the place to let your
imagination run wild. There’s no end to the adventure because of the long daylight hours.
Walk around town visiting the rustic shops and searching for the wide variety of
caches. Climb aboard the Mt. Roberts Tramway for a great spot to hike, shoot a
souvenir photo, and complete the Earthcache – “What do Juneau about Glaciers?”
GC1EQTX . Explore the lush Tongass National Forest. Get out and kayak, dogsled,
raft, hike, whale watch, flightsee or fish. MaxB will be posting a late
afternoon event giving cruise participants a chance to meet local cachers.
Skagway,
Alaska
Gold
prospectors passed through Skagway en route to the Yukon, with a mandatory ton
of supplies to be hauled with them over the steep and treacherous Trail of '98.
Today, you can still ride the antique White Pass & Yukon narrow-gauge railway up
through silvery-purple rock faces, past Deadhorse Gulch to Fraser British
Columbia, to see what it was like back then. As you ride the train, take time to
complete the British Columbia Earthcache – “The Tormented Valley”.
MaxB will be taking the White Pass Rail & Yukon
Expedition, that visits the Yukon Territory city of Carcross,
completing at least 1 of the 4 quick caches found there.
Take your time, explore the nine caches in town, and poke into every little
store from the Trail Bench to Lynch & Kennedy's Dry Goods. The Red Onion Saloon,
with its honky-tonk piano and costumed barmaids, is a treasure trove of
memorabilia featuring pictures of Klondike Kate, Peahull Annie and other vintage
characters. To complete the picture of those rip-roaring days, visit the
nostalgic Trail of '98 Museum. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
boasts restored buildings and wooden boardwalks that invite you to take a stroll
into the past.
(Many of the shore excursions at the various ports have caching opportunities
that MaxB will be researching.)
Glacier Bay National Park
As
a Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Glacier Bay National Park protects a
unique ecosystem of plants and animals living in concert with an ever-changing glacial
landscape. How does it feel when a monumental chunk of ice splits off a glacier and
crashes into the sea? The sound is like thunder. The impact shoots water hundreds of feet
into the air. You hold your breath as you catch the moment on film. Then you wait for it
all to happen again. And it does. Glacier Bay has more actively calving tidewater glaciers
than anyplace else in the world!
As we cruise the bay, there are 3 Earthcaches that can be completed from the ship. Late afternoon, MaxB will again be hosting our 3rd private activity of the cruise.
Gulf of Alaska Cruising
As
we make our way to Seward, the port for Anchorage, we will enjoy a day of cruising
in the Gulf of Alaska. Watch for wildlife, wonder and the kind of beauty that makes
your heart stand still. In this part of the world whales breach, eagles soar, and
pristine beauty can move you to tears. Sit back, relax and breathe in the fresh air.
Enjoy your beautiful floating palace and this natural wonderland for one more day!
Our “Farewell Party” will be our last private activity and chance to interact
with MaxB on the River before reaching Seward early Sunday
morning.
Seward, Alaska
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The cruise portion of our adventure ends in Seward (Anchorage) Alaska.
Anchorage, beautifully situated on Cook Inlet and surrounded by the Chugach Mountains, is
a hub of activity with everything from fine restaurants and frontier saloons to museums
and art galleries. It is from here that those of you who have chosen to continue on
the land tour will prepare to immerse yourself in the wonder, magic and mystery of the
Great Land of Alaska. If you are not able to continue on the land tour,
consider extending your stay in Anchorage, taking advantage of the abundance of
geocaching opportunities.
By Land:
(Land
tour is only available in combination with cruise.
MaxB on the River will be on the cruise portion only.)
Sunday, August 23, 2015 - Seward/Alyeska
Upon our arrival, you will enjoy a free morning in Seward and lunch aboard our
ship. Then say "hello" to your Tour Director and set off on a scenic
motor coach tour to the beautiful Alyeska Resort.
Monday, August 24, 2015 - Enjoying Alyeska
While enjoying Alyeska, you might want to take the tram to a high shoulder of Mt. Alyeska ridge line or head over to the Seven Glaciers restaurant and check out the view. Dropping away at your feet are chutes that in winter become ski runs with names like Gearjammer and Chili Dog. The town of Alyeska tucks into the base of the mountains and off in the distance glints the Turnagain arm of the Cook Inlet. The town is also a great place for hiking, horseback riding, or taking a trip on the Alaska Railroad.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015 - Anchorage
Enjoy a
memorable journey aboard your deluxe motor coach as you travel to Anchorage,
Alaska's most cosmopolitan city.
Anchorage flaunts its mountains: The Chugach seem to rise just like that out of
the backyards of city's eastern neighborhoods. So much of the rest of the
scenery is water. The west of the city is bounded by the Cook Inlet, the north
and south by its two major branches: the Knik Arm and Turnagain Arm. En
route to Anchorage you will take a cruise on board the mv Ptarmigan to
within 300 yards of Portage Glacier for fantastic views of the blue-white
icebergs that decorate Portage Lake. The cruise is narrated by an
on-board US Forest Service representative.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Anchorage/Denali
In the morning, board the spacious domed railcars of the McKinley Explorer®
Rail and sit back and enjoy the ride to Denali! You will have an unforgettable
two-night stay in the Denali area, exploring Alaska's most renowned and unspoiled
wilderness. With the long daylight hours, there's plenty of time for exploration! Spend
your first night relaxing, and enjoying your surroundings at our gracious Denali gateway
lodge.
Thursday,
August 27, 2015 - Denali National Park
The next morning you will take the full Tundra Wilderness Tour into Denali Park. Get to
know Alaska as few ever do. Denali National Park and Preserve is a park of international
significance. It features North America's highest mountain, 20,320-foot tall Mount
McKinley. The Alaska Range also includes countless other spectacular mountains and many
large glaciers. The park was established as Mount McKinley National Park on Feb. 26, 1917.
The original park was designated a wilderness area and incorporated into Denali National
Park and Preserve in 1980. It is the largest continually protected natural ecosystem in
the world. Watch for moose, sheep, caribou and bear and marvel at massive icefields.
Every turn on the Park Road brings a new wonder as you journey miles into this astounding wilderness preserve with your knowledgeable driver/guide. Watch for ptarmigan, Alaska's state bird, in the open valleys. See golden eagles patrolling the higher elevations and ridge tops. And listen to ravens, magpies and gray jays chattering in the brush. With any luck, you'll see grizzlies crossing braided streams, Dall sheep traversing rugged cliffs and moose foraging in upland meadows. And this unfolding adventure leads to the lofty, isolated grandeur of Mt. McKinley itself - a wonder to behold. Later hike, river raft, flightsee or just relax at your cozy lodge.
Friday,
August 28, 2015 - Denali/Fairbanks
Today you’ll head for Fairbanks, Alaska's Golden Heart City, and take a step
back in time aboard the Riverboat Discovery (lunch included). Say a fond farewell
to your Tour Concierge and enjoy your last night in this magical land as
you prepare to leave the next morning with many fond memories of a most incredible
vacation!
Saturday,
August 29, 2015 - Tour Ends
Today you will
transfer from your hotel to the Fairbanks airport to board your flight home.
** Please note that meals, except for the one lunch noted, are NOT included on the land tour.**
Almost sold out! Please don't wait to reserve!
Pricing and Reservations - Click Here!
***Note:
All U. S. and Canadian citizens must carry a
passport
that is valid for six months beyond the duration of the cruise.***
Questions? Call Lynette at (540) 887-8491
For questions about the caches please e-mail MaxB here !
Traveling Troubadour Facebook Page MaxB on the River Geocaching Facebook Page
©2015 Traveling Troubadour, L. L. C.