Decisions and bookings

Everything is booked. What's left are day-of choices.

The trip framework is set, and every booking is now made (the Settled section below). What is left are a handful of day-of choices, none of which need reserving ahead.

All booked. Flights, the Nelsons, the Meares cruise, the Funky Château, and now the Valdez hotel are locked in. Nothing left to reserve; the items below are decided on the day.

Settled

Done
✓

July 9 return: driving, not the ferry

Done

We are driving Valdez to Anchorage (about 6 hours on the Richardson and Glenn highways) for the night flight home. No early-morning ferry, and no ferry vehicle slot to book.

See return details
✓

Glennallen lodging: the Funky Château, booked

Done

Booked the Funky Château Airbnb in Kenny Lake for both nights (July 5 and 6). The bathroom is an outhouse; everything else is a charming 2-bedroom cabin.

See Glennallen options
✓

Valdez cruise: Meares, booked

Done

Booked the Stan Stephens Meares Glacier Excursion for July 8 (9:00 am, 7.5 hours, the actively calving glacier face). If plans change, the refund tiers are full 16+ days out, 50% at 8 to 15 days, and none within 7 of the cruise.

Cruise brief
✓

Valdez lodging: Best Western Harbor Inn, booked

Done

Booked the Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn (100 Harbor Drive, right on the water) for July 7 and 8: a standard room with two double beds, fridge, and microwave. Check-in 4 pm, checkout 11 am, free cancellation until July 6.

Decide closer / day-of (no booking needed)

Later
1

First night plan with the Nelsons (July 2)?

Later

After landing and picking up the car from the Nelsons in Anchorage, we either stay the night in Anchorage or drive straight to the cabin.

Recommended: settle this with the Nelsons based on arrival time and energy.

Closer to the trip.

2

July 5 stop on the drive to Glennallen?

Later

Room for a short hike and a glacier view. The Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site has easy trails to overlooks, or we can settle for quick pull-offs along the highway.

Recommended: the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site as the one-stop choice. No booking.

Day-of.

3

July 9 stop on the drive back?

Later

Since we are driving back, there is room for one easy stop, for example Thunderbird Falls near Anchorage, before the night flight. No booking.

Day-of.

4

Anchorage on July 9 before the flight?

Later

A few hours in town in the afternoon or evening. Pick a dinner and maybe a short walk before heading to the airport. No booking.

Day-of.