Given that we are finally (!) back to school as of this week, I thought it would he appropriate to send one more #hacksthenewsletter that waxes poetically about summer travels before we officially turn the page to fall.

Three years ago, we had the pleasure to taking my late, great mother-in-law to Alaska on what would be her final big trip before her passing. We shared some the highlights in #alaskahacks part 1 here: https://alyssarapp.com/hacks-newsletter-week-140-hackingsoutheasternalaska/.
 
We had the opportunity to return for a “Cincinnati Reds Alumni” trip this summer.
Sharing a few new hacks from this summer’s adventure. Bottom line: it’s a must-see state!
 
Alaska Hacks Summer of 2025:
 
In Alaska Hacks part 1, we discussed our visit to Sawyer Glacier, Mendenhall Glacier, salmon fishing in Ketchikan and whale watching in Juneau.
 
This summer, we made a few different stops worth recommending for your next Alaska adventure:
 
Hiking Around Mt. Roberts in Juneau
There is an aerial tram or the option to hike straight up to the tallest peak in Juneau. But either way, the views from Roberts Peak are beautiful.

 

 
Ziplining in Skagway
The last “stop” on the one way road to Canada, Skagway impressed me with how petite it is of a destination but one that welcomes tens of thousands of visitors by ship during “cruise season.” From there, we did the Grizzly Falls Ziplining expedition- and man was it fun to soar above the trees in the mountains with the kids for a few hours.
 
Dawes Glacier
Yet another magnificent glacier, in “Petersburg Borough” portion of the coast.

 

 
 

Spend a day in Victoria, British Columbia on the way back!
Victoria is the capital of British Columbia- and is a cross between Washington, DC, London, and Seattle. It’s beautiful, British, and we thus appropriately went for high tea there and at the nearby Butchart Gardens, which were spectacular…!
 

 

 
Most importantly, enjoy the views!!
In general, admiring the views! Endless moments marveling at the soaring Coastal Mountains against the ocean are simply stunning throughout Alaska.