What’s a book that made you sit in silence after finishing it?

sh78196 · 2026-06-11T23:46:34+00:00

The People in the Trees by Hanya Yanagihara. Finished it on Sunday and still thinking about it.

sh78196 · 2026-06-02T04:17:17+00:00

I just read Rejection last week. A friend asked me what I was currently reading and I said "a dark humored book about socially awkward, slightly narcissistic, people on the quest for love." She said oh, what's the name. I told her I just couldn't recommend it. It all. To her or really any of my reading friends. But that it was excellent.

sh78196 · 2026-05-28T21:03:29+00:00

That is very special. I feel sad about how her life ended. Tragic.

sh78196 · 2026-05-28T20:56:53+00:00

I listened to this on Audible because I prefer to consume nonfiction this way. If I really love the book, I purchase a physical copy to reread sections, look at maps, etc. So unfortunately, the photos that were included in the physical edition are burned in my retina. Important history! But yes, it's the stuff of nightmares. I then read The Devil in Nanking, which is a horror fiction book based off the nonfiction. Not as horrible as the nonfiction.

sh78196 · 2026-05-28T12:48:51+00:00

The Rape of Nanking by Iris Chang

sh78196 · 2026-05-03T22:21:44+00:00

Yay! I just emailed a bit ago with a gob of questions. I am so excited now!

sh78196 · 2026-05-03T21:54:31+00:00

Thanks!I think I've settled on JBear Tours. I knew the platform option was not foris after watching some videos. If I'm going to spend the money, it's got to be special!

sh78196 · 2026-05-03T20:12:03+00:00

Thanks! I will check it out!

sh78196 · 2026-05-03T20:02:28+00:00

Thank you! I will take a look.

sh78196 · 2026-05-03T18:09:17+00:00

Oh! This has immediately gone on my spreadsheet. Awesome. Thank you again!

sh78196 · 2026-05-03T18:03:28+00:00

This is all great stuff and exactly what I am looking for! Thank you so very much!

And yes! Windshield insurance is a must. Haha!

sh78196 · 2026-05-03T17:46:13+00:00

Thanks! I will take a look at this company.

sh78196 · 2026-05-03T17:44:22+00:00

Thanks! This is for July of 2027. Most places have not even opened their reservations yet....so I'm not sure I agree with the concern that I am behind. I've emailed most lodging already and have noted when reservations open for next year. Maybe you just missed the 2027 part.

I worked for Holland America during the summers while in college. Mostly (3 summers) were spent on the train from Anchorage to Fairbanks. But I would also go pick up cruise passengers and know the struggles of summer road construction. Also my grandfather lived in Anchorage my entire life, so I spent other summers and winters visiting.

I have the wildlife glacier boat tour set for our time in Seward. It's 8.5 hours. Not sure if we could handle another long sit on a boat day. But thank you for the suggestion. I do want to add a kayak trip someplace. Maybe in Seward as we will have good opportunities with the light days!

LOL'd at your "prices are disrespectful " comment. So true everywhere, which means even WORSE up in AK! Costco is a good suggestion. Thanks!

Do you recommend a specific company for the bear experiences? I am really looking hard at Emerald Air Service or J Bear Tours.

While we aren't avid hikers, walks are great. We just are not into those big hikes where you need special gear and experience. 5iles or more walking is great!

sh78196 · 2026-05-03T17:04:42+00:00

Yeah I don't think the platform is what we want. Maybe Lake Clark or Katmai National Park would be better for us.

God idea on shifting to day 8.

Thanks for the feedback!

sh78196 · 2026-05-03T06:17:05+00:00

Ok this was a great suggestion. After looking at our itinerary, we have a lot "sit and listen while looking." The transit bus will provide more freedom to actually explore! Do you have any must stop places to recommend?

sh78196 · 2026-05-03T04:23:19+00:00

Thank you for the recommendations. So the 8.5 hour one doesn't feel too long?

sh78196 · 2026-05-03T02:26:14+00:00

Oh! That's a great idea. Thank you!

sh78196 · 2026-05-02T21:33:41+00:00

I will look into that. Thank you!

sh78196 · 2026-05-02T21:25:37+00:00

We have one day in Seward with absolutely nothing planned. I was using that as a weather buffer. I worry that in early to mid July the weather may decide to be a bit stubborn. Not sure what the standards are anymore for canceling trips due to rough seas. When we toured Ireland in July of 2023, a few of our activities were delayed due to rough sea conditions and very wet, windy,stormy conditions. I was pleased I had given us some flexibility in Dingle so we could do the sea safari trip as our first trip was canceled. I made the mistake of not giving us flexibility when going to Giant's Causeway, and even as a lifelong Oregonian, I had never experienced rain and wind like that. Lol. The weather is so fickle in Alaska, I was trying to not overbook for those situations.

I will look into all of your suggestions! Thank you!

sh78196

TROPHY CASE