08/23/2025
✨ What a day here in Alaska! ✨
We were up bright and early—our luggage had to be outside the door by 6:30 am. One of the best parts of this Princess Cruise Line land tour is that I don’t have to worry about a thing. They take care of all the details, even transporting the bags, so I can just relax and enjoy the ride. 🙌
This morning we boarded the Riverboat Discovery 3 and cruised up the Chena River. The whole three-hour journey was narrated, and I loved every bit of it! We spotted reindeer (or caribou 🦌), got to watch a sled dog training session at Trailbreaker Kennels (and snuggle some adorable puppies 🐶), and listened to authentic demonstrations of Athabascan culture.
I especially loved hearing the story of Granite, the famous sled dog who started out as the runt of the litter but grew into a champion lead dog. His story is told in a book, and it was so inspiring to see the heart behind Alaska’s sled dog traditions. 📖🐕
Lunch was served family-style and was delicious—hearty beef stew, apple pecan salad, seasoned veggies, iced tea, and the most decadent German chocolate brownie. 🍫🥗 I think we all went back for seconds!
Then came the “40 Below Experience” ❄️—stepping into a chamber to feel just how brutally cold an Alaskan winter can be. Quick but unforgettable!
Finally, we loaded up on our comfy bus and headed toward Denali. 🏔️ A full day of adventure, learning, and amazing memories.
