Alaska: A cool summer vacation

In the course of my lifetime, I have been on many cruises but none as spectacular as the "Last Frontier," Alaska.

As the Olympics were having their opening ceremonies on 8-8-08, this day my mom and I would be headed out of Seattle north to Alaska aboard Celebrity's "Infinity" for a seven-night cruise.

Our first port of call would be Sitka, a small town that once was owned by Russia. It is the gem of Alaska with elegant forests, jagged mountains and a towering volcano. Sitka is also know for being a seaside port with a small town atmosphere where currently 6,000 reside.

Our next stop was just off Hubbard Glacier for viewing this spectacular force of nature. Seeing this glacier in person was like nothing you would see on TV or in a book. The glacier was truly amazing with pieces of the glacier crevassing into the waters. The sound of this occurring is like no other.

Next we sailed into Juneau, the capital of Alaska and the only land-locked capital in the United States. While in Juneau, we were able to take a helicopter ride over many glaciers finally to land where we would be dog-sledding in very frigid temperatures. As we landed, it looked like a small city occupied by hundreds of huskies and their mushers. While being there, we were able to learn a lot about their training and lifestyle. The huskies do not like to sleep in their igloos unless they aren't feeling well, and they also sleep sitting up. The average span of a huskie that competes ranges from one to six years. As it was sad to leave them and fly away we would do just that be headed to Ketchikan.

We arrived into Ketchikan, which is a very picturesque town with harbors, fishing fleets and of course famous "Creek Street." Creek Street is lined with store fronts and its famous creek in which you can see salmon swimming up stream at different times of the year.

As our last port approached, we would be headed into Victoria, British Columbia. It would be fitting as our last stop where I had my very first vacation 27 years ago staying at the beautiful "Empress Hotel." Victoria is a charming Canadia city that is known for its beautiful beaches to its gorgeous Butchart Gardens.

For all who have ever considered going to Alaska, it is truly a lifetime opportunity and an experience that should not be missed. I would recommend this trip to all. Last but not least, a big thank you to my mom and dad for a wonderful birthday gift!

Allise Vogler is a travel consultant for Wonderland Travel, which is owned by her mother, Rita Vogler, a Hesperia city councilwoman.