Steve and I tried and tried to find our thrill on Blueberry Hill in Valdez, Alaska. Turns out there’s a mosquito version of that song which goes on to extol “drinking our fill.” The human chorus chimes in “kill, kill, kill!” DEET, don’t leave home without it.
The water cascades off in knots as if the drops wait for reinforcements. Courageous en masse, they loft, catch-air, then sheet down in the extended train dubbed Bridal Veil–or Horsetail, depending on who you ask. Horsetail Falls/Bridal Veil is a symphony of tens of thousands of tiny falls foaming over a tumbled rock face. The pictures don’t begin to do them justice. Waterfalls are a full-body experience, the spray, the rush, the power. An ultimate commune-with-nature place.
Much as we Coloradans love our Rockies, Alaska’s mountains have ways of kicking infinite majesty up a notch. Cloud boas, shimmering falls, and glacial bling are de rigueur for Alaskan summits. Add lush wilderness settings, and there’s just no contest. Sadly cruise ships often miss the best mountain views. We found stunners in Haines, Valdez, and Hyder, but cruise ships seldom pass their way. Cruisers who take the Denali extension will get great views, but Mount McKinley itself is likely to be shrouded in clouds. If diva mountains are a priority for you, book a cruise that includes the Kenai Fjords. OMGs guaranteed.