Travel Channel

In 2000, I greatly enjoyed a land / cruise tour. The drive via bus into the backcountry of Denali and staying out in the backcountry at Kantishna was one the most memorable. The weather was excellent and views of Mt. McKinley were heavenly. The wildlife I saw from beaver, moose to the grand grizzly was exciting. Taking a glass bubble top train around Alaska also had grand serence views. I also drove to Alaska back in 1985. When up the Alcan highway, which was only partially paved back then. Bumpy drive by the most scenic drive I've ever been on. The main places I went were Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage. Drove out of Alaska via Alaskan Highway into Alberta Canada and drove through Jasper and Banff then back down to the United States. Of all the places I have traveled, Alaska has been the most surreal and the most serene. Even though the land tour / cruise was an excellent trip, which I would recommend to anyone, driving up to Alaska was the best way for me to have a wilderness experience, even though I got around in my truck. I recommend a drive to Alaska for those who are a little bit more adventurous. There are many lakes, rivers and creeks to wash up in, so you don't have to spend a cent on a motel, hotel or cabin. The only advice I could give anyone going to Alaska is to carry lots of film. Okay, I guess no one uses film anymore. Make sure to bring plenty of memory chips, so you can take a lot of photos.