DH and I are doing the northbound Vancouver to Whittier trip, Aug 13, 2008. So I have a few questions for those of you who have already done this.
What are the temps in Aug? I am at the age where I can have my own personal summer at any moment!
Is there much rain?
What about mosquitos? Here in NC I step out side and the mosquitos ring the dinner bell!
And when we dock at Whittier how long of a wait do we have before getting on the bus/train to Anchorage, specificly do I have time to get a magnet?

Temps in August can usually be in the 70s, keep in mind that 70s up there is warmer than in the lower 48. I know this sound stupid but when my mom told me that I laughed...She got the last laugh, it was hot. No problem for mosquitos for me anytime I have been up there. They talk about them being the state bird but I dont remember 1 single bite and here in Minnesota they love me. Rainy season is pretty much all summer although on our last cruise we only had rain in Skagway. The first cruise we didnt have any and the 3 times I have been at my cousins in Anchorage there has been a little but that terential downpours. Have fun, you will want to go back. We are taking our 3rd cruise up there in 2008.

Trying ticker

We went to Alaska twice, once in June and the next year in July.t he first year we had just drizzle, it was on and off and really no trouble. The next year we had nothing and clear skies which they said was unusual. We wore just a windbreaker both times which was enough for us. But one friend we had with us had a winter coat and hat on. Needless to say she is always cold. The only time we had mosquito problems was when we took a bus trip up to the Tundra in Canada. Otherwise we had nothing.
Whittier really wasn't much of a town, so there was no shopping. We went from there straight to Anchorage where we spent the day before our flight.

We were in Whittier a couple of weeks ago and I recall no misquitoes. It's a port city with many boats but few bugs, IMO. Took the Alaska RR from Anchorage to Wittier. Great ride, wonderful views. If you call your cruise line they will have a schedule so you will know if you will have enough time to shop. (My guess is that you will have plenty of time) Of course, who knows when the ship comes into port? Note: all real property in Whittier is governmet owned~was an Army base in WWII.

Thanks to all of you for you replies.
Our cruise is still over a year away but I'm so excited!!! I can hardly wait!! My first granbaby will be born on thursday the 9th. so she will help keep me occupied till then and the time will go by faster.

Congratulations on your first grandchild; there is nothing like it--truly a gift from God. And what a wonderful way to occupy your time; and I'm sure your son or daughter and spouse
will appreciate the help.

And your cruise will be here before you know it.

Have a wonderful time.

quote:

Originally posted by loucna2:
DH and I are doing the northbound Vancouver to Whittier trip, Aug 13, 2008.

We will also be leaving Vancouver on an Alaskan cruise on August 13 -- only we are on a different ship (HAL Ryndam) and taking an Inside Passage itinerary. I'll check both itineraries as our paths might cross!