The Canon LA20 was the first my first ever camera. My parents gifted it to me when I was 10 years old. I ran a film of Kodak Gold 200 through it in the UAE. Almost 30 years later, the camera still delivers.
Photography
Sunshine in Cannes /
Sunset Stroll around Antibes /
A sunset stroll around Antbes in July.
The Hurricane Turn /
As soon as we arrived at the Talkeetna train station, my son's eyes lit up with excitement. We showed our tickets and climbed aboard The Hurricane Turn train - the last flag-stop train in the United States.
The train was surprisingly empty, which made it easier for us to find a seat and settle in for the 7+ hour journey. The conductor, who welcomed us on board, gave us a brief history of the train and its route as we rode along.
Throughout the day, we stopped at various scenic spots - including rivers, streams, an abandoned hotel and an art gallery - all accessible via the train tracks. The train would pause for a few minutes at each stop, allowing passengers to get down and take pictures of the breathtaking views.
One fellow passenger was reliving her trip from 25 years ago to visit a cabin her husband had stayed in during a hunting and fishing trip. To our surprise, she was able to locate it along the tracks!
The most striking feature of the train was its Adventure Car - a beautiful car with all-glass windows that provided panoramic views of the Alaskan backcountry.
Although it was a long day on the train, filled with sights and stories, we were glad we took The Hurricane Turn ride. We're already considering trying out the winter version of this unforgettable journey in the near future.
Review: Major Marine Wildlife Cruise in Alaska /
Many travelers think of Alaska as a destination best experienced through an "Alaska cruise," but there is much more to explore in this vast state. From day cruises to scenic drives, there are endless options for exploring Alaska.
Our journey began with a full-day Major Marine Wildlife Cruise from the charming town of Seward, located about a 4-hour drive from Anchorage. The drive itself was a highlight, as we were treated to stunning views of diverse landscapes along the way. Plan on spending quite a bit more time on the road for photos and breaks.
After spending the night in Seward, we were well-rested and eager to embark on our 8-hour cruise into the Alaskan waters. While there are numerous companies offering this tour, we chose Major Marine Tours and were impressed by the seamless process from booking to disembarking.
As we set out into the water, we encountered some rough seas, but the breathtaking scenery made it all worth it. Every hour brought new sightings of various marine life, thanks to the knowledgeable crew's efforts to provide us with the best experience possible. We were not disappointed with the abundance of wildlife we encountered.
For those considering a similar cruise, I highly recommend packing sea-sickness bags and snacks to make the journey more comfortable. There are moments of monotony as you sail through different bodies of water, but they are easily forgotten amidst the excitement of spotting wildlife.
If Seward is unfamiliar territory for you, I urge you to take some time and explore this charming town. From unique coffee shops nestled in old church buildings to delicious garlic-infused seafood dinners, there is something for everyone here.