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We met the Mayor of Talkeetna, she was super and friendly but doesn't look both ways before crossing the street. No views od Denali yet but hopefully before the tour is over.

Day 2 started with our drive from Anchorage to Talkeetna. The drive was about 3 hours and the driver chatted a lot during the trip so it went by pretty quick. Our coach stopped in Talkeetna to drop off people who had excursions before going to the lodge so we took advantage of the stop and went exploring in town. I highly recommend this as it's an hour drive from town to the Mt McKinley Resort so this saved us a lot of time (and the $10pp you have to pay when you catch the shuttle from the resort). We went to the little museum, got spinach bread and wander the shops. If you didn't send all tour bags ahead to the resort you could store them in a locker at the building next to the bus parking for $1 I believe. We received our keys and itinerary on the bus so when we arrived our room was ready for us. We did a couple of the trails around the lodge, they're short and I didn't find them too exciting but they should be good for most abilities. We also went to a talk in the theater from the woman who runs the base camp on Denali, it wad interesting but make sure to arrive on time or they won't let you in. We had dinner at 20,320 and it was fine. We're going to go make smores next store and then maybe visit the hot tub. The resort is spread out, but there is a shuttle between buildings if you don't want to walk. You can also sigh up for your room to receive a call if Denali is visible (or the northern lights if you're here later in the season). I'm glad we went in to town as I don't think there would have been enough for my husband and I do here for a half a day but if you're just wanting to unwind then this is a nice set up.

Oh no, that sucks. We had wanted to go to the zoo and initially I didn't think we'd make it as we didn't get in until 2:30 but luckily they have extended their hours for the summer.

Thought I'd detail our daily goings-on for our cruise tour incase anyone was interested (and if not I'll at least have a little travel diary of our trip). Day 1 was yesterday we flew in to Anchorage from Vancouver and landed mid-afternoon. There was a bit if a delay (only about 15-20 mins) getting to the hotel (we stayed at the Hotel Captain Cook) as the company that picks up said there had been a shortage of coaches. After getting settled quickly in our room we caught a cab to the Alaska Zoo. It was small but nice, they do a lot of rehabilitation and rescue there so we saw some adorable baby muscox, grizzly and black bears. My husband and I volunteer as wildlife rehabilitators so we wanted to fit something like this in. The zoo itself was fairly inexpensive but unfortunately we got in too late to take the free shuttle from downtown and had to pay for a cab there and back which was twice the cost of zoo. After that it was dinner at 49th State Brewing. They had sent me a $25 off discount for my birthday so we wanted to try and get in. It was super busy, so make a reservation if you can. They had a waitlist for the upstairs and patio but it was seat yourself if you can find one on the main floor and we found a table pretty quickly. Food was great, we left stuffed. My husband had a beer flight and a pint of the Thundershuck, I tried the whiskey flight and a local gin. Hote Captain Cook rooms are big, bed was comfy. You don't put your bags in the hall here for pickup, you leave them in the hotel room and someone just opens your door and takes them out in the morning around 6am. We're off to Mt McKinley this morning and hopefully I'll be able to update then. If you have any questions ask away I'll do my best to answer.

I've read that the covid test is booked and included in your tour but I was hoping to get some first hand knowledge on this as well. We're flying to Anchorage from Canada so we have to test before the flight but I'd like to be 100% sure I don't have to book another test before the cruise.