My Great Alaska Expedition, Part One: Glacier Bay National Park

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THIS TRIP IS NOT AVAILABLE.

Join me this summer on THE GREAT ALASKAN EXPEDITION to visit/backpack/kayak all eight Alaskan National Parks.

But first join me on this first of four epic tours*: an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime, three-part, seventeen-day journey to SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA, THE ENTIRE “INSIDE PASSAGE,” AND GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE.*

Also known as the Alaskan Panhandle or “Inside Passage,” this 1000-mile stretch of rugged coastline and islands is a land of breathtaking beauty and adventure home to majestic mountains, sheer fjords, and awe-inspiring tidewater glaciers.

From the stunning landscapes of Glacier Bay National Park to the vibrant towns of Juneau and Skagway, every moment of this journey promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Our journey will begin in Seattle and ride the Amtrak Cascades train to Bellingham, Washington. There we will board the Alaska Marine Highway’s ferry for four days through the exquisitely wild and wonderful “Inside Passage” taking us through the charming towns of Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, and Sitka, each with its own unique character and history.

We'll fully explore the gold rush boom towns of Juneau and Skagway and immerse ourselves into the pristine arctic wilderness of Glacier National Park and Preserve. We’ll complete our journey with a thrilling ride on the White Pass and Yukon Railroad to Whitehorse, Yukon.

As we explore this enchanting region, you'll have the opportunity to “whale watch” within the “Inside Passage,” “bear watch” within pristine Glacier Bay, catamaran up to the very face of massive tidewater glaciers, and helicopter ride to the top of magnificent Mendenhall or Herbert Glacier.

We’ll canoe/kayak across beautiful Lake Mendenhall to the base of Mendenhall Glacier and climb up majestic Mt. Roberts for a 1700’ tram ride back down to Juneau.

We’ll withdraw from the modern day-to-day frenzy to unwind on an unforgettable three-day, two-night kayaking and camping adventure through the breathtaking Beardslee Islands in Glacier Bay National Park. Led by experienced guides, we'll paddle through crystal-clear waters, immerse ourselves in untouched wilderness, and camp under the glistening stars surrounded by the majestic beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll relax and simply soak up the peaceful tranquility of this wild and untouched wilderness.

With a range of accommodations provided, from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious hotels, we'll relax and de-stress in style after each day's adventures. And on many evenings, we’ll have the opportunity to savor authentic Alaskan cuisine drawn daily from the icy waters of the Last Frontier.

Whether you're a nature lover, a backcountry adventure seeker, or simply someone looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, this journey to Southeast Alaska has something for everyone.

Join me on this 17-day adventure and discover the breathtaking beauty and magic of this incredible region.
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OUR TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

Begin Your Tour on a Beautiful Late-Spring Evening In Seattle and a Morning’s Journey on the World-Famous Amtrak Cascades Train to Bellingham, WA.

Visit historic and vibrant Pike’s Place Market or climb high into the Space Needle or see the westward expanse of Puget Sound at sunset from the top of the Seattle Great Wheel. Spend the night in luxury at the Arctic Club Hotel. Then, the next morning, take a leisurely Pacific Northwest excursion to Bellingham on the world-famous Amtrak Cascades and see why National Geographic touts this route as one of the top ten train trips in North America.

Then Experience an Unforgettable Four-day Ferry Excursion Through the Entire “Inside Passage:”

Embark on an unforgettable four-day, three-night, beautiful and life-expanding ferry excursion along Alaska’s extraordinary thousand-mile Marine Highway.

Witness stunning coastal scenery, four charming island towns, and unforgettable wildlife as you journey within the extraordinary Inside Passage from Bellingham to Juneau (with side-stops in quirky and fun Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, and, Sitka).

Rest comfortably within your onboard cabins each evening and dine each meal at the full-service restaurant or the cafeteria.
This is not a cruise line; this is the ultimate rugged and authentic Alaskan experience!

Immerse Yourself In Spectacular Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve:

Experience the raw, unspoiled, and unforgettable beauty of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, a stunningly beautiful World Heritage site, on a five-day adventure!

The first of eight parks included in my Great Alaskan Expedition, explore towering blue glaciers by catamaran, deep and misty fjords by kayak, and abundant, untamed, and thrilling-to-behold wildlife this American and Alaskan jewel!

There is no place on the planet like Glacier Bay.

As the National Park Service writes of the sounds of its wildness,
“Among all of Alaska's national parks and other public lands, Glacier Bay may offer the greatest richness and variety of natural, wild voices. On a given day, park visitors might hear an astounding assortment of sounds: glacial ice exploding into a tidal inlet, wolves howling along a wave-washed shore, loon cries echoing between forested islands, humpback whales calling, hermit thrushes singing among high boughs, brown bears thrashing after salmon, raindrops making polyrhythms on a muskeg pond, shore crabs scuffling among tidal boulders, harbor seals growling on ice rafts, and moose grunting in wet meadows.”

Join us in this truly life-changing immersion within the pure and true Alaskan wild!

Kayak into the Wild and Stunningly Picturesque Beardslee Islands:

Paddle among the bears and whales, puffins and sea lions, wolves and loons on a once-in-a-lifetime guided, three-day, two-night kayaking and tent-camping journey into Glacier Bay’s resplendent Beardslee Islands! Awaken each morning within a world of stunning beauty. Paddle each day through the pure and crystalline Arctic depths. Prepare your meals along the pristine icy-water’s shoreline and make camp each night below the unblemished, starry expanse of the extraordinary evening Alaskan sky.
Glacier Bay offers each of us a washing away of an unhealthy planet and a deep renewal of spirit.

Witness the Majesty of Magnificent Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers by Catamaran:

Join an all-day catamaran excursion deep into Glacier Bay’s world-famous, wild and wonderful, West Arm where the 250-foot, blue-hued Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers tower above. Witness icy monoliths calving into turquoise waters as humpback whales, playful seal pups, and soaring seabirds thrive within this truly breathtaking wilderness.

Relax at Historic and Rustic Glacier Bay Lodge:

Unwind in rustic style with a four-night stay at historically and architecturally significant Glacier Bay Lodge. This landmark hotel offers rustic, yet modern, comforts amidst breathtaking scenery. Designed by famed Seattle architect, John Morse, in 1966, the Lodge is a fully exemplary model of the mid-century “Park Service Modern” architectural style. Dine at the in-house Fairweather Dining Room or outside on the deck where the Alaskan “cuisine is as spectacular as the scenery surrounding you.”

Discover Juneau’s Hidden and Unique Charm:

Explore Alaska’s vibrant capital city on a three-day adventure! Discover Juneau’s hidden gems from stunning natural beauty to rich history and culture.

Enjoy four nights’ stay in the heart of downtown Juneau! Savor distinctly Alaskan cuisine in award-winning restaurants and breakfast along the turn-of-the-twentieth-century waterfront. Surrounded by century-old historic buildings, shops, and restaurants, you’ll be immersed within the city’s distinct character.

Challenge yourself with a beautiful 1700’ hike up spectacular Mount Roberts for breathtaking views of Juneau! Enjoy shopping and lunch before an easier and even more scenic heart-stirring tram-ride back down to downtown Juneau.

Join us on several privately-guided museum and city tours of historic museums, landmarks, and hidden gems. Uncover and discover Juneau’s rich history and culture!

Thrill with a Mendenhall or Herbert Glacier Helicopter and Kayak Tour:

Take a heart-quickening helicopter ride to either the top of Juneau’s world-famous Mendenhall Glacier or atop the spectacular Herbert Glacier deep within the Juneau Icefield. Then, journey across ice-filled Mendenhall Lake by either kayak or canoe to the base of Mendenhall Glacier!
Get up close and personal with these distinctly Alaskan natural wonders!

Explore Rustic and Historic Gold-Rush Era Skagway:

Visit charming Skagway, a vibrant reminder of our Klondike past, following another thrilling ferry excursion through the mystical Inside Passage. Explore the historic charm of this gilded Gold Rush town on a guided “Ghosts and ‘Goodtime Girls’ Walking Tour” of Skagway’s National Historical Buildings. Visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and its hands-on Visitor Center.

Then, relax within the truly turn-of-the-nineteenth century ambiance of your evening’s stay at the historic and delightful bed-and-breakfast, the Skagway Inn. Dine upon authentic and distinctly Alaskan cuisine – Bearing Sea crab, wild-caught and Alaska born salmon, halibut and shrimp, and responsibly-sourced wild game- at the inn’s heralded Olivia’s Bistro.

Ride the Historic Narrow-gauge White Pass and Yukon Route Railway.
Embark on a nail-bitingly thrilling gold rush-era, narrow-gauge train ride through the notoriously treacherous White Pass along the Klondike’s gold-infused mountainsides.

Experience the excitement of this historic journey!

Then, continue by comfortable motorbus ride into Canada, arriving for your trip’s final evening’s dinner and stay in the quaint and quirky capital city of the Yukon Territory, Whitehorse.
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TRAVEL DATES: MAY 29TH, 2025 TO JUNE 13TH, 2025 (NOTICE: NOT 6/11)

HOWEVER, this trip will be composed of THREE “SECTIONS (please see the itinerary below for specific dates of each Section).”

The SECOND SECTION, “SECTION B,” is MANDATORY - meaning YOU MUST PARTICIPATE IN THIS PORTION OF THE ADVENTURE to PARTICIPATE AT ALL.

“SECTION B” includes our initial five days exploring Juneau (this including all hotels, transportation, and tours) and our final evening’s stay in Juneau; our transportation to (by ferry) and from (by airline) Glacier Bay National Park; our stays at Glacier Bay Lodge; our catamaran tour of Glacier Bay’s West Arm; our three-day kayak adventure into the Beardslee Islands; and our gentle exploration of the park itself.

The FIRST SECTION, “SECTION A,” which precedes Section B, is an available “add-on” for an additional fee.

SECTION A includes the full four-day, Inside Passage ferry journey from Bellingham to Juneau with evenings in our cabins onboard and stops in Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, and Sitka; the first evening’s stay in Seattle; and the Amtrak Cascades train from Seattle to Bellingham.

THE THIRD SECTION, “SECTION C,” which follows Section B, is also an available “add-on” for an additional fee.

SECTION C includes the Inside Passage ferry journey from Juneau to Skagway; the evening’s stay in Skagway; the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad northward with the connecting bus trip to Whitehorse; and the evening’s stay in Whitehorse.
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INCLUSIONS:

√ Every hotel - ten hotel nights in all.

√ ALL transportation from the moment you join our adventure in either Bellingham, WA or Juneau, AK until the moment you leave us. This includes helicopters and catamarans, ferries and trains, airplanes and bus rides, shuttles and trams. (However, we do not cover your transportation to and from our scheduled itinerary nor any transportation you separately secure within our scheduled itinerary.)

√ All entry fees and private tour fees.

√ All meals as indicated within the itinerary. As of this posting, for the ENTIRE trip: seven breakfasts, one lunch, and three dinners (if ten or more participants). However, depending on the number of participants, up to three more breakfasts and three dinners may be added to the itinerary ** (All other meals and meal payments not on the itinerary shall be the participant’s responsibility.)

√ ALL activities and excursions described within the itinerary.

EXCLUSIONS:

√ We do not cover your transportation to and from our scheduled itinerary nor any transportation you separately secure within our scheduled itinerary.

√ All meals, snacks, and meal payments not on the itinerary shall be the participant’s responsibility**

√ NO backcountry food, water, snacks, or supplies are provided. Bring sufficient food, water, equipment, and supplies for all kayaking, hiking, and touring adventures. (Kayaking-specific supplies, however, shall be provided by the kayaking outfitter.)

√ NO “trip cancellation/interruption/travel insurance” or “emergency evacuation insurance” are provided. No health insurance is provided. You are strongly advised to purchase all insurances you deem necessary and appropriate.

√ No alcoholic beverages are provided.

√ No laundry service is provided.

√ No guide or other services gratuity is provided.

√ We do not provide nor pay for any and all activities and services not listed within the “inclusions.”
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TO BEGIN YOUR RESERVATION:

To secure every reservation, I will need to have a firm number by February 5th.

√ If you believe you may be interested in this FIRST trip, PLEASE CLICK THE “ATTEND” BUTTON below.

√ THEN, contact me as soon as possible at 602-292-0753 or mmozellca@icloud.com to discuss (please know that there is no commitment whatsoever at this time; this is simply me trying to know at the outset how many of you have an interest so I can secure those hard-to-secure reservations).

√ Pay a $600 deposit by February 10th.

√ Pay the balance due by March 1st.

√ Agree to read and sign the forthcoming “Terms and Conditions” Agreement.”

√ Attend all online group events.
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HERE IS OUR TENTATIVE (BUT DATE-SPECIFIC) ITINERARY**:

Section A, Day One, May 29, 2025: Arrive separately in Seattle, WA. Check into hotel. Explore Seattle. Evening at hotel (TBD). However, you may arrive in Bellingham on May 30th, if you choose, skipping both the hotel and the Amtrak train trip.

Section A, Day Two, May 30, 2025: Breakfast at the hotel. Uber to Seattle’s Amtrak King Street Station. Ride to Bellingham. Explore Bellingham. Arrive at ferry terminal by 3 pm. Board at 4 pm. Check into cabins. Leave port at 6 pm. Sail through the spectacular Inside Passage. Dinner together (paid separately) in restaurant on board. Evening in cabin. B

Section A, Day Three, May 31, 2025: Sail through the majestic Inside Passage. Watch for breeching humpback whales, playful seal pups, lumbering grizzly bears, and soaring seabirds amidst rain-forested islands and glacial fjords. Meals are separately purchased on board. Evening in cabin.

Section A, Day Four, June 1, 2025: Sail through the magical Inside Passage. Stop in fun and quirky Ketchikan. Breakfast separately. Explore town for two hours. Stops in Wrangell and Petersburg briefly (half hour each). Meals are separately purchased on board. Evening in cabin.
Section A, Day Five/Section B, Day One, June 2, 2025: (Section A Participants): Sail through the misty and mystical Inside Passage. Stop for possible breakfast and exploration of delightful Sitka. (Transportation to town is not included.) Meals are separately purchased on board. Arrive/disembark in Juneau at 6:30 pm. Shuttle to downtown hotel (TBD). Meet up with arriving Section B Participants. All participants check in. Group dinner (TBD). Evening at hotel. D

Section B, Day Two, June 3, 2025 (ALL Participants): Breakfast at the hotel or in town. Meet at Mt. Roberts trailhead by 9 am. Climb 1700 magnificent feet up to shops/restaurants at the Sky Bridge/Mountain House Complex. Have lunch (paid separately). Ride the extraordinary Goldbelt Tram 1700 feet back down to town. Walk to the Juneau-Douglas City Museum for self-guided group tour at 2:45 pm. Explore downtown Juneau on the docent-guided “Historic Downtown Juneau Tour” from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. Return to the hotel to refresh and prepare for dinner. Dine at the fabulous In Boca al Lupe Restaurant (TBD). Return to the hotel for the evening. B, D

Section B, Day Three, June 4, 2025***: Breakfast at the hotel or in town** Meet at the Alaska State Museum at 9:00 am. Explore the museum until 10:45 am. Walk to the Tramway Building to be shuttled at 11:15/11:45 to the helicopter base to begin the 2.5 hour helicopter tour to the top of either the Mendenhall Glacier or the Juneau Icefield’s Herbert Glacier. Explore the magnificent glacier on foot. Return by helicopter and shuttle to the Tramway Building. Quickly eat a late lunch. Return to the Tramway Building to be shuttled to Lake Mendenhall for a 3.5 hour guided kayak or canoe adventure across the lake to the base of Mendenhall Glacier. Shuttle back to the Tramway Building by 7:15 pm. Return to the hotel to prepare for your separate dinner in town. Evening in the hotel. B

Section B, Day Four, June 5, 2025: Arise very early. Shuttle/walk to ferry by 6 am. Board and set sail by 7 am. Meals are separately purchased on board. Arrive Gustavus at 1:15 pm. Check into the historic Glacier Bay Lodge. Explore Glacier Bay National Park and the Visitor Center. Group dinner (TBD) at Glacier Bay Lodge Restaurant. Evening at the Lodge. B, D

Section B, Day Five, June 6, 2025: Arise very early. Breakfast (paid separately) at Lodge. Board at 6:50 am a high-speed catamaran for full-day excursion through Glacier Bay’s extraordinary West Arm to the base of the towering (250’) and calving Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers. The eight-hour tour is narrated by a National Park Ranger. A boxed lunch is provided. Return 3:30 pm. Ready for the three-day kayak tour with a kayak/camper orientation at 4:00 pm. Dine at Glacier Bay Lodge Restaurant or in Gustavus (dinner and transportation to Gustavus paid separately). Evening at the Lodge. L

Section B, Day Six, June 7, 2025: Breakfast (paid separately) at Lodge. Prepare for three-day, two-night guided (two guides) kayaking adventure into the wild Beardslee Islands. Leave at around 10:00 am. Explore the islands and wildlife. Set up tent camp onshore. Lunch en route. Prepare backcountry dinner on shore. Enjoy the evening below the vast Alaskan sky.

Section B, Day Seven, June 8, 2025: Prepare breakfast. Prepare for Day Two’s kayaking adventure. Explore the islands and wildlife. Set up tent camp onshore. Lunch en route. Prepare backcountry dinner on shore. Enjoy the evening below the beautiful Alaskan sky.

Section B, Day Eight, June 9, 2025: Prepare breakfast. Prepare for Day Three’s kayaking adventure and return to our Lodge. Explore the islands and wildlife. Separately explore Glacier Bay National Park and/or Gustavus, AK. Dinner at Glacier Bay Lodge Restaurant or in Gustavus (dinner and transportation to Gustavus paid separately). Evening at the Lodge.

Section B, Day Nine, June 10, 2025: Breakfast (paid separately) at Lodge. Prepare to shuttle to Alaskan Airlines in Gustavus. Separately explore Glacier Bay National Park and/or Gustavus. Shuttle to Gustavus Airport. Arrive at 4:15 pm. Depart at 5:35. Arrive Juneau 6:15 pm. Shuttle to airport-area (TBD). Group dinner (TBD). Evening in hotel. D

Section B, Day Ten, June 11, 2025: All participants not traveling as Group 3 may head home as they have pre-planned.

Section C, Day One, June 11, 2025: Group 3 (Section C Participants): Arise very early. Breakfast at hotel. Arrive at the ferry terminal at 6 am. Depart for Skagway at 7 am. Sail through the mystical Inside Passage. Arrive Skagway, AK at 2 pm. Shuttle to hotel. Check in. Visit Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center. Meet at the Red Onion Saloon at 3:30 pm for a guided, ninety minute “Ghosts and Goodtime Girls Walking Tour” of Skagway’s National Historical Buildings by. Dinner together (paid separately) at the Skagway Inn’s Olivia’s Bistro. Evening in hotel (TBD). B

Section C, Day Two, June 12, 2025: Breakfast at hotel. Explore quirky Skagway separately. Walk to the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway at noon. Depart at 12:55 pm for spectacular narrow-gauge Klondike-era ride through White Pass to Frasier, YK. From there, board a motor-coach to Whitehorse, YK. Shuttle to our airport-area hotel. Arrive 7:00 pm. Check in. Group dinner (TBD). Evening in hotel (TBD). B, D

Section C, Day Three, June 13, 2025: Breakfast at hotel. Full trip comes to an end. All trip participants may continue onward as they have pre-planned. B

B: Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner

COST**:

As of this posting, Section B costs $4250.

As of this posting, adding Section A to Section B costs $5150.

As of this posting, adding Section C to Section B costs $4995.

As of this posting, to participate in the entire journey, Sections A, B, and C, costs $5950.

For any trip cost which includes Section A, if you choose NOT to stay in Seattle/take the train to Bellingham, your cost shall be reduced by $200.

* Please read the "About Us" section within Meetup's "Backpackers of the American West" for a fuller description of my National Park visits.

** All prices and all components within the itinerary are subject to change.

*** PLEASE NOTE: The events scheduled for this day, June 4th, 2025, are tentative. These helicopter and kayak tour reservations are VERY time-sensitive and, therefore, very difficult to secure. However, there are many similar adventures that may be chosen.
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PLEASE KEEP IN MIND:

1. THIS TRIP IS NOT AVAILABLE.
2. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE, PLEASE PRESS THE “ATTEND” BUTTON BY 2/5/25, THEN: CALL ME AT 602-292-0753 TO DISCUSS.
3. You may call me at any time prior to 2/5/25 at 602 292-0753 to discuss the trip fully.
4. Final cost to you is TBD. Price for each trip section listed above is an approximation and may change based on final reservations secured. As we progress, this will become known.
5. To participate, you MUST press the “attend” button; have a direct phone conversation with Michelle Mozell; be approved to participate by Michelle Mozell; pay a $600 deposit by February 10th; pay the balance due by March 1st; agree to and sign the forthcoming “Terms and Conditions” Agreement”; and attend all online group events.
6. A reservation without a deposit does not secure your spot on the trip.
7. Rates for the hotels are based upon TWO PERSONS PER ROOM. If you wish to have a room of your own, this will increase your full payment.
8. Upon selecting “Attend,” you will periodically receive additional trip notes that include: a kayak tour recommended gear and safety list; our fee and payment policy (including fee changes and deposits); our cancellation policy; our travel insurance and medical evacuation insurance policy recommendations; our revised rules and regulations; and any additional logistical information to enhance your safety and enjoyment of the trip.
9. You are responsible for all transportation to and from our scheduled itinerary AND any transportation you separately secure within our scheduled itinerary.
10. NO BACKCOUNTRY FOOD OR SUPPLIES ARE PROVIDED. BRING SUFFICIENT FOOD, EQUIPMENT, & SUPPLIES. Kayaking supplies, however, shall be provided.
11. YOU ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO PURCHASE “TRIP CANCELLATION/TRAVEL INSURANCE,” “EMERGENCY EVACUATION INSURANCE,” and HEALTH INSURANCE before you go. Call me to discuss!
12. All reservations are final confirmation dependent and may change at any time. THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES THAT ANY RESERVATION IS FULLY SECURE.
13. BRING YOUR PASSPORT and all other necessary forms of necessary identification.
14. The minimum of participants is EIGHT; the maximum is TEN.
15. PARTICIPATION IN THIS MEETUP AFFIRMS THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE INTERMEDIARY AND TEMPORARY LEGAL DISCLAIMER ON MEETUP’S BACKPACKERS OF THE AMERICAN WEST'S WEBSITE: (see: Meetup's Backpackers of the American West Rules and Regulations). PLEASE NOTE: THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT ARE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS MANDATED BY THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AND, THEREFORE, SHALL CHANGE PRIOR TO THE TRIP.
16. MICHELLE MOZELL RESERVES THE SOLE/UNILATERAL RIGHT TO CANCEL, ALTER, OR MODIFY THE TRIP ITINERARY, WITH PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE PLANNED EVENTS OF JUNE 4th, AS SHE DEEMS NECESSARY AT ANY TIME FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER.
17. Please know that for the first time, I will be establishing a tour company, a California LLC, complete with robust, tour-company insurance, group tour discounts/perks (provided we have ten or more participants), and fully compliant access to Glacier Bay National Park. (And, for the first time, this trip will be a for-profit enterprise.)
18. Photo citation: "NPS Photo"