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Testimonials

We're constantly hearing from our customers about how much they enjoyed their trip, how amazing their experience of Alaska was, and how they're telling everyone back home about the INCREDIBLE 49th State!

Below are just a few feedback excerpts, which we'll update from time to time:

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From: Ramdas Iyer
Sent: Wednesday, October 12, 2011 5:28 AM
To: Lisa Dunlap
Subject: Re: Alaska trip

Dear Lisa:

My Alaska trip was excellent and thanks for the good organization,

Best Regards,

Ramdas Iyer
New Jersey

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From: PEGGIE S.
Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2011 5:35 AM
To: Christy Belanger
Subject: Thanks fr Peggie S

Christy,
What an incredible vacation!!!  

LOVED the scenic train, I didn't have to worry about following a map, all I had to do was enjoy the scenery....and I did a fabulous job of that.  I took over 800 pictures, the luxury of digital cameras.  Printed 250 to share with family and friends....all couldn't believe what I had seen....even I can't believe what I saw.

Enjoyed all the tours you arranged for me, and I added one.....I know I told you that I hate to fly, but while I was at the Denali Chalet, I weakened and took a flight over Mt McKinley!!!  There are not enough words to describe the beauty, I was so overwhelmed I cried.  SO glad I did that. 

I have saved you email addr, I do plan on coming back, someday, and I will ask you to help me with the arrangements.  If you are ever in WNC, I would love to show you "my" mountains.  The Blue Ridge and Smokies are very different that the Alaska mts, but just as beautiful.

Thanks again,
Peggie

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From: Colleen T.
Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2011 3:34 AM
To: 'Lisa Dunlap'
Subject: RE: Final Payment ET32050

Hi Lisa
We returned home from our wonderful holiday on the 11^th September it has been very hectic with returning to work and family commitments. Kenton and I would like to thank you for the assistance for our holiday we had such a good time we really loved driving around beautiful Alaska. Our pictures we have taken do not do the scenery and colours justice, everything that was organized worked out well from the picking up of the vehicle and  travelpack to the completion of our trip. Denali National Park and Kennicott Glacier were amazing we even enjoyed our quaint accommodation at Chitina when we arrived we were dubious but the staff and locals (who gave us his smoked salmon) certainly made us welcome and the service we received was exceptional. We really enjoyed driving and visiting the places that were organized, we even visited the North Pole and took photos of Santa’s home on our way out of Fairbanks on our way to Chitina.

Once again many thanks for the excellent service we will certainly recommend your company to friends and family

Thanks
Colleen & Kenton T.

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From: Joseph P.
Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2011 5:47 AM
To: 'Michelle Slowik'
Subject: Alaska Tour

Michelle, Just want to drop a note to you about our Alaska experience. It was GREAT! We had a wonderful time visiting Alaska and everywhere we went was So beautiful, we loved every minute. Thanks to you and your staff for all the fine reservations, I will definitely use Explore Tours again for our next adventure.

Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!

Joseph P.

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From: Mary N.
Sent: Thursday, August 11, 2011 2:44 PM
To: 'Lisa Dunlap'
Subject: RE: ET31446

 Hi Lisa,

We have just returned from our wonderful vacation to Alaska. All the arrangements went very smooth with the vendors and hotels that you made arrangements with. We were not fortunate as far as weather conditions but enjoyed our visit very much. I was excited that we were able to do the bear viewing. We saw 20 to 30 bears and captured some nice photos.

On the Denali Park tour we had snow fall which was a treat for us since Texas has triple digit temps. We saw quite a bit of wildlife in Denali.

Thanks for your help. I will try to post some photos on Facebook once I have had time to recoup.

Mary N & John C
Plano, TX

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From: Nick P.
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 5:11 AM
To: Lisa.Dunlap@exploretours.com
Subject: Re: ET31023

Hello Lisa,

Janice and I made it home after a long journey and a wonderful adventure visiting Alaska. It is a terrific place to see and visit. Thank you so much for putting our program together.

Since our return we have been on the run, so we are a bit late with our thank you. We also would like to provide some more detailed commentary that we hope will help you putting together future programs.

At this point, however, we can provide two brief comments:

1. The day we spent with Sunny Cove was terrific. The scenery was spectacular, we saw all sorts of wildlife, and the Sunny Cove folks were super at making it an unforgettable adventure.
2. Our visit to Camp Denali was also terrific. It was a great way to put a finish on our visit.

Our visit to Alaska was spectacular!

Thank you.

Kind regards,
Janice L. & Nick P.

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From: B., Heidi
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 10:50 AM
To: 'christy.belanger@exploretours.com'
Subject: Excellent Alaska vacation by the B. Family

I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful time we had in Alaska. The trip you put together was fantastic. It was so nicely organized. When we got to the first hotel the packet was there with the itinerary and brochures. The itinerary had all the information we needed to make it to each hotel and event. We did take a side trip to Chena Hot Springs. It was great because we got to see two moose very close up (they roam around in the pond next to the hot springs). My whole family loved the ice museum. My favorite event was the kayaking and river raft ride. It was so peaceful paddling around Bear Lake. It was great how many of the events provided equipment (waterproof pants and boots) so you were all ready to go. My husband liked the flight out of Denali. I was a little nervous in the small plane. We didn’t find our fortune in gold but not for lack of trying. The kids loved all the events but especially liked the Marine and Glacier Tour out of Seward. We saw Humpback whales and killer whales. They liked the frozen drinks made out of glacier ice and the lunch was very good. It would have been nice if we would have had one more day because the animal nature preserve in Seward looked really neat. Next time. The hotels were fantastic. Every one of the places was wonderful and everyone was very nice. The two hotels that stood out the most were the hotel in Talkeetna (what a view) and the hotel in Anchorage. Did you know the Captain Cook Hotel has a haunted bathroom below the lobby. We took a spooky tour through the bathroom. The kids loved it. The suite was amazing. It was as big as an apartment.

My family and I would like to thank you for making our vacation a trip to remember.

Heidi, Dan, Olga and Dane B.
Findlay, Ohio

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From: Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, August 09, 2011 1:01 PM
To: Christy Belanger
Subject: You rock!

Christy:

I know you are just doing your job, but this Alaskan vacation is absolutely amazing!  I needed to add more glowing adjectives to my vocabulary before we left home!  Nothing has disappointed us, and all itinerary items have been spot on!  We really enjoyed Kennicott Glacier Lodge and the accompanying history.  We even met one of my college roommate's friends from Rhode Island at dinner!  Tomorrow, we are on to Denali....expecting it to be more crowded and commercialized, but, that is okay.  Thank you for requesting the birthday cake at Kennicott....nice surprise!  Illinois advertises its tourism as "mile after magnificent mile"; Alaska is far more deserving of the moniker!!!!!!!  You have made our dreams come true!

Cathy and Mike

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From: Noel
Sent: Thursday, August 04, 2011 1:33 PM
To: Lisa.Dunlap@exploretours.com
Subject: Re: ET31657 - Documents

Hello Lisa,

I just wanted to share with you that I had lunch with Hilda and Bonnie today.... they reported they had an AMAZING time on this trip.  Apparently everything went even better than expected.  It was so nice to see their glow talking about it.  I can't thank you enough for all your help.

Keep up the good work!

Noel

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From: Cathy S.
Sent: Thursday, August 04, 2011 8:55 AM
To: Christy Belanger
Subject: RE: It's time

Good morning, Christy!

I just wanted to take the time to tell you that this excursion to Alaska is just absolutely wonderful!  You have done such an incredible job of making arrangements for us, and everything has gone extremely well!  We are really enjoying the hospitality at the Orca Adventure Lodge and the gourmet dinners are delicious!  Mike went out on the fishing trip today; I am the ultimate woosie girl and I decided I didn't want to do that activity.  Oh, well, I have a good book to read, laundry to do, packages to mail....Cordova is calling me.

Thank you sincerely from a very happy client!!!!!!!!

Cathy B.

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From: B., T.
Sent: Thursday, August 04, 2011 7:24 AM
To: Christy Belanger
Subject: from Tom B.

Christy,
I wanted to thank you again for setting up our tour to Alaska.  AnAn was unbelievable and the tour up the Stakine was great.  Every city was a good experience.  Our last day on Rum Runner with Captain Chris was a perfect way to end the trip. We caught numerous salmon and sent home 88 lbs of fish. You did an incredible job of setting up our activities and days.
Best Wishes:

Tom B.

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From: FallowFarm
Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2011 12:55 AM
To: Christy Belanger
Subject: Re: ET31710 

Hi Christy, Would just like to say we are back home in New Zealand: Arrived today: Thank you so much for everything:  You done an amazing job putting our holiday package together and it went smoothly all the way: We had a terrific trip and I have already recommended you and your company to several people.  It was lovely to be able to have the freedom to go our way but have it all planned out for us.  Loved it all but really loved Knik River Lodge: Amazing place!!!

Many thanks again: Raewyn and Alex F: New Zealand

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-----Original Message-----
From: webform@exploretours.com
Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2011 10:56 AM
To: info@exploretours.com
Subject: Contact Us Form Submission

Name: Jack  M. 
Subject: Our Alaska adventure
Comments: We recently returned home from our 10 day Alaska adventure and my wife and I want to express our heartfelt thanks to Explore Tours and particularly, Anthony, for arranging such a wonderful trip. Everything was first rate and well thought out, from the train rides on the gold star coach, to the halibut and salmon fishing(we caught our limit), and the stay in Denali(we saw the big mountain several times). The accomodations were first rate and convenient. The train travel was and excellent way to explore, no driving and provided a recovery time from our excursions. One suggestion, we did the glacier airplane landing at the end of our stay which was an extra not in our package. It was the topper to our trip, kind of pricey but Explore Tours could get a better deal I'm sure. I would recommend it. Thank you again for providing us with such a wonderful adventure.

Sincerely, Jack & Leenan M.

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-----Original Message-----
From: webform@exploretours.com
Sent: Wednesday, July 27, 2011 5:55 AM
To: info@exploretours.com
Subject: Contact Us Form Submission 

Name: Andi B. 
Subject: AK trip
Comments: Thank you soooo much for putting together our AK trip.  We had the BEST time!  Everything went according to schedule & was better than great.  I only wish we'd had more time.  I'd have liked to taken the glacier tour in Seward too.  Oh well, maybe next time :)

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From: Paula S.
Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2011 11:51 AM
To: christy.belanger@exploretours.com
Subject: Alaska Trip

Hi Christy,
  
Franklin and I would like to say Thank You for planning such a wonderful trip for us,  July 11th thru July 21.  Everything went like clock work, it was the  trip that we always wanted to take.  The Scenery was breath taking everywhere we looked.  The planning was great, we were busy, but still did have some time for exploring! Our weather was perfect, guess we hit it at the best time.  Well just wanted to let you know we appreciate everything you did.  We have also recommended you to others.
 
Thanks again,
Franklin and Paula S.

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-----Original Message-----
From: Ed
Sent: Monday, July 25, 2011 4:03 PM
To: Christy Belanger
Subject: Re: Explore Tours

Christy,

You planned the best vacation that we have EVER had. Everything was perfect!  Don't worry about Alyeska, it was a beautiful place!  Never have we had everything done to a "T" like you did.

Thanks for everything!

Ed

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From: Laura G.
Sent: Friday, July 22, 2011 9:53 AM
To: lisa dunlap
Subject: trip July 10-17, 2011

Dear Lisa,

Tom and I wanted to thank you for making the arrangements for our wonderful trip in Alaska last week. All of the accommodations and activities you booked worked out beautifully. We appreciate your efforts on our behalf.

Laura G.

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From: Prema M. 
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2011 7:06 PM
To: Christy Belanger
Subject: Re: Explore Tours

We had a very wonderful time in Alaska. Everything was perfect!!  Thanks much!

Prema M.

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From: Leonard T.
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 1:34 PM
To: Anthony Giliam
Cc: Willie W.
Subject: ET30125 Alaska Vacation

Anthony Giliam,  We wanted to take just a moment to tell you, and your team how much we appreciate the organizing of a wonderful and memorable vacation to the beautiful state of Alaska. It was truly one we will always remember.

Thank You for working with us after missing our connecting flight in Denver. It all went smoothly, and the accommodations were splendid.

The only complaint is that we could not have stayed longer.

Sincerely
Leonard & Sue T.
Willie & Linda W.

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From: Jan D.
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 10:53 AM
To: lisa.dunlap@exploretours.com
Subject: Trip to Alaska

Hi Lisa,
 
Sarah and I want to thank you so much for our wonderful experience in Alaska.  Everything ran smoothly, and all the activities were beyond our expectations.  Thanks for the excellent service you provided in putting this trip together.  I will (and have) recommended Explore Tours to others.
 
Sincerely,
Jan D.

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Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 9:06 AM
To: info@exploretours.com
Subject: Contact Us Form Submission 

Name: Paula M.
Subject: Trip To Alaska 
Comments: We just returned from our Alaska trip and all lodging/tours booked by Explore Tours went very smoothly!  Thanks to Laura Savage for all her hard work!  We were surprised that even the Hotel Aleyska didn't have air conditioning!  LOL  We didn't particularly care for the Ramada Inn but that is one we picked ourselves.  Actually, we didn't really care for Anchorage but LOVED Denali, Fox Island and Kenai Fjords 9 hour tour, and train ride/float trip on Spencer Lake and the Placer river.  Also, loved our accommodations at Denali - right on the river!  I will definitely recommend you to others!

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From: John W.
Sent: Friday, July 15, 2011 5:45 AM
To: Explore Tours Michelle
Subject: Trip

We had great 3 week RV trip! The trip was a huge success and wanted to thank you!! RV was perfect! Thanks, John W.

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From: melanie w.  
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:56 PM
To: Lisa Dunlap
Subject: Re: ET32895

Thanks Lisa,

Again, I appreciate the wonderful itinterary you put together - loved Turnagain arm and the dome train from Seward the best, closely followed by everything else!

I will keep your contact info as i'm talking a friend into checking out the northern lights.

Great trip - thanks again for your expertise and professionalism. 

Melanie

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Sent: Tuesday, July 12, 2011 8:54 AM
To: info@exploretours.com
Subject: Contact Us Form Submission 

Name: Robert M.
Subject: Our Trip
Comments: We enjoyed our trip.  The tours that were suggested and booked were very enjoyable.  The accomadations were great.

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From: Kathleen W.
Sent: Saturday, July 09, 2011 6:59 AM
To: Isabelle Bornemann

Hi, Isabelle,

Thank you for planning such a perfect trip for us in Alaska.  I think the day with Val and Jerry and the day with you were two of the best days we had.  It is always fun for the planner in the family to do something unexpected.  We also enjoyed feeling like we were seeing places that were off the typical tour itinerary.

Steve is in Africa - I am not sure how he manages all this travel.  I am happy being home, relaxing and puttering and getting ready for my next vacation.  The summer is going by quickly.

Thanks again for all you did for us - we will pass your name to anyone planning a trip to Alaska.  And we just may decided to take a driving/b&b trip one of these days.

Best,
Kathleen (and Steve)

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From: Margaret S.
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 5:58 AM
To: Isabelle Bornemann
Isabelle,
Thanks for the update.  We had a wonderful time … many thanks for orchestrating the land portion of our trip.  As we shared, the informal “wanderings” through the local treasures of Alaska were a real pleasure. As a Northern Exposure fan,  I especially loved Talkeetna.  Harlan, in turn,  loved the gold mine.   It was a special treat to meet you in person; and we hope our paths cross again. 
We will pass along our contact information and hope lots of business comes your way!
Warmest wishes,
Margaret

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From: webform@exploretours.com
Sent: Tuesday, July 05, 2011 9:59 PM
To: info@exploretours.com
Subject: Contact Us Form Submission

Name: Elaine B.
Subject:Van transport
Comments: We had an absolute fantastic trip from Talkeetna to Whittier, with our drivers/guides Val and Jerry.  They were wonderful, stopping for us to take pictures, get lunch, and sightsee.  If there is a way to contact them would you please let me know?

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From: Carol
Sent: Friday, July 01, 2011 2:42 PM
To: Christy Belanger
Subject: Re: Explore Tours - Documents for ET31167 - Eisenberg
Dear Christy, I wanted to let you know that the Eisenberg's had a wonderful time in Alaska and were very happy with all of the experiences Explore Tours provided for them. I know they made a few changes but each one enhanced their trip even more. Thank you for all of your outstanding suggestions and coordination. I will look forward to working with you again. 
Sincerely, Carol

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From: Cheryl S.
Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2011 11:41 AM
To: Lisa Dunlap
Subject: trip
Hi!I just wanted to let you know that our trip to Alaska was wonderful.  You did an amazing job of getting everything lined up for us.  The sights, and activities were unbelievable.  We mentioned your name, and your agency, many times during our trip to let others know what a fantastic job you did for 'strangers'.   Best wishes, and if you are ever in the lower 48 I will be glad to show you around Nebraska,  no glaciers here though.  ;o)   
Cheryl S. 

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From: Cathie E.
Sent: Wednesday, June 29, 2011 1:41 PM
To: 'Lisa Dunlap'
Subject: Meekel res#ET31891
Thank you for all your hard work on getting my clients their dream fishing excursions.  They had the best time and lots of fish which they shared with me, so thank you! I hope to be able to book again thru Explore Tours.
Life is a journey, enjoy the ride!
Cathie E. 

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From: Carol S.  
Sent: Monday, June 27, 2011 11:38 AM
To: Lisa Dunlap
Subject: Re: ET32573 - Confirmation
Thank you Lisa for preparing our wonderful trip!   Every place we stayed and every tour we took were perfect.  Alaska was beautiful and you even arrange perfect weather!!!!!! God Bless
Carol & James S.     

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From: Ann B.
Sent: Saturday, June 25, 2011 5:32 AM
To: Christy Belanger
Subject: RE: ET30020 
Christy: Thank you. I have received them (tour documents) and am impressed with the completeness. Not so many companies provide such complete information these days! It seems we all depend too much on electronic materials. Thank you for all of your help with this trip. 
Ann

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From: BRIAN & JULIE G.
Sent: Thursday, June 23, 2011 9:23 AM
To: Lisa.Dunlap@exploretours.com
Subject: Alaska trip

Hello Lisa....I just wanted to tell you THANK YOU from the G. family for a fabulous trip.  We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and the country was breathtaking as well as all of the activities and things we saw.
Everything want like clockwork...only a few minor cliches, (which were our fault, but made for some great funny memories!!!)  We will highly recommend you and your agency to anyone who might be thinking of traveling north!!!
Again...thank you....
Brian and julie G.

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From: "M., Deb "
Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 8:34 PM
To: Lisa Dunlap
Subject: Re: ET31059-1 
Lisa, wanted to tell you thank you for setting up a fantastic trip. Everything was great and went off without a hitch.  We came home with a lot of great memories.  I will certainly recommend you to anyone who is planning on visiting Alaska. Again thanks.

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From: Maarten en Yvonne J.
Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 9:08 AM
To: Isabelle Bornemann
Dear Isi - we returned home safely after a wonderfull trip - thank, you very much for all the work you put in! - the bear viewing excursion on June 11th turned out to be very windy and very wet - my sister Colette's partner decided not to go and I took his seat on the plane - lucky me - we stayed with the (four) bears for an hour or so before we returned to the plane - content and wet and cold  - warm regards from Yvonne and me for Brian also - Maarten 

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From: Elke B. 
Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2011 11:02 PM
To: ibornemann@exploretours.com
Subject: Pack Creek was wonderful
Dear Isabelle, 
Thank you so much for making the bear viewing possible for my family. Thanks to your detailed information and descriptions, we felt really well informed and prepared for this adventure. We truly enjoyed being away from the crowds and simply enjoying the peace and sounds of mother nature. A nice looking brown bear made our day. Please let me know, if you would like to have some photos for further promotion. I will do my best to spread the word in Germany.
Kind regards,
Elke

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From: Lynn H.
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2011 11:27 PM
To: Christy Belanger
Subject: Re: Explore Tours
Thanks!
We are having such an amazing time. I am loving your gorgeous and literally unbelievable and indescribable home. Thanks for your good work on our behalf.
Lynn
Sent from my iPad

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A Golden Experience!

Donna's guests returned home from their August vacation in Alaska and had some awesome comments to share, along with a beautiful photo in front of Portage Lake:

From: Alison G.
Sent: Monday, August 17, 2009 4:51 PM
To: dlangit@exploretours.com
Subject: our trip

Hi Donna
I wanted to thank you for helping make our trip such a wonderful experience! I feel as if this trip tied my life up in a golden bow.

It was great fun to have Paul with me to experience all the beauty and size of the last frontier. We were able to do and see everything I had dreamed of doing. And I loved seeing how the city has grown and yet is the same in so many ways. When I left Alaska in 1963 I had no idea where I was going to live or what direction my life would take. I returned 46 years later as a successful, happy woman - what a triumph for me. I am going to attach a couple of pictures for you.

Thanks again,
Alison G.

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Thank you for a fantastic trip!

Lisa's clients recently returned from their July trip to Alaska and had some great comments to share along with a wonderful pic in Denali National Park in front of Mt. McKinley, below:

From: Ernest M.
Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 5:41 PM
To: Lisa Dunlap
Subject: Pictures for your blog

Lisa....
I again want to thank you for everything you did to make our recent trip as fantastic as it was.   We arrived on July 19 and spent just over two full weeks driving around this beautiful place called Alaska....  Even though this was our third trip, we enjoyed it as if it were our first.  Most all our B&B's were great (especially Stevenson's Retreat in Cooper Landing) and everything went smoothly the entire trip.

We ended up taking almost 550 pictures and my wife is hard at work on the new scrapbook as I write this.  I thought I would try to send you a few so you can see how much fun we had.
Again, thanks for everything and we will be talking later.....  We need to plan our next trip in three years....

Ernest and Tommie M. 
Tyler, Texas

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Amaaaazing view of Denali

Isabelle received the following letter today from her clients from Maryland. They traveled through Alaska during the third week of June. We're excited to share her wonderful photo of Denali captured on June 25 on the way back from Kantishna.

From: Peggy F 
Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2009 9:04 AM
To: 'Isabelle Bornemann'
Subject: RE: Recomendations

Isabelle:

We had a great time on our Alaska trip (it is hard to be back at work now).
The trip was even more beautiful than we had hoped.  We got great pictures of grizzly bears, moose, seals, otters, seal lions, whales and of course the beautiful mountains and glaciers. Denali Mountain peeked out of the clouds on our last day in the park, the attached picture is now on my screen saver at work!

Thank you for planning the trip, I will pass your name to others who see my pictures and now want to go to Alaska too!

Peggy F.

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Alaska Honeymoon Memories

We are thrilled to share the following client feedback from a honeymoon couple who came to Alaska during the first week in April. Their amazing winter scenery pic was captured while onboard the "Aurora" winter rail between Anchorage and Fairbanks on April 4th.
 

From: Sara L.
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2009 11:01 AM
To: cbelanger@exploretours.com
Subject: Re: RE: ET190556
 
Hi Christy,
I just wanted to follow up with you on how our honeymoon in Alaska went.....incredible!
It was very hard to leave and I just fell in love with Seward - I know I will be back again someday.
Thanks again for making this a truly incredible honeymoon and trip of a lifetime, we would not have been able to see so much of your beautiful state without your expertise!

Whew - it really was a perfect week.
Sara

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