Day Thirteen--Travel back to Anchorage

The last day of the trip had us getting up late and having a quick breakfast before a 2.5 hour bus ride to Talkeetna in the rain. We stopped halfway for a quick break at the Alaskan Military Memorial. Yes Alaska played a big part in WWII with Japan taking a couple of Alluetian Islands hostage.

We had an hour or so to kill in Talkeetna before boarding our luxury railcar. We trekked down to the river, visited some shops and had a reindeer hot dog and chocolate malt. After the train rolled into the station we boarded and got our introduction to the train car. The railcar was a Royal Caribbean luxury car that had the scenic view open type top so our view was great and the seats were very, very comfortable and spacious. Thirty three of the group headed back down to the first level for a very fine dinner. The mix berry pie and ice cream was heavenly however, the brownie with ice cream was the boys favorite.

3.5 hours later we arrived in Anchorage for a quick 5 minute transfer to the charter bus and then to the Marriott. We said our goodbyes to Nathan and John our wonderful guides and headed to the room. After checking everyone in online to Delta, Sara bid us farewell and took a cab to the airport for her redeye flight. Poor Sara has to work tomorrow, but is excited to see her kitty cats and the Cooper (Boxer). We will meet up again on Thursday as we start the 4th of July weekend.

So off to bed with the sun still high in the sky behind the rain clouds so we can depart for the airport at 5:30 a.m. tomorrow. We'll make a few more adjustments to pictures and updates and close out the blog tomorrow while in Minneapolis for our layover.