9 - 28 - 18  Visited stunning Alaska from Sept. 11 to Sept. 26.  A pristine, huge state, drove 2,200 miles from the eastern southern town of Homer, up to Anchorage, then north to Healy to hike in Denali National Park, next up 25 miles north of Fairbanks, which was 8 hours from the Arctic Circle on one road.  Scenic views everywhere the eye can see, always wanted to stop and view, snap a pix.
Then, back south to Seward, 3,000 people in this town who live there year round.   The people of Alaska are all outdoors residents, hunters, love the snow and have the months of May thru mid- September as their busy season, with tourists worldwide and plenty of sunshine.  This time of year during our visit was unusually warm with temps into the 60's and sunshine, only one rainy night.
Since we had the car lottery for Denali NP, which is for 5 days in the year and in September, we were able to drive the only road in the park to the end of the 92.5 miles.  Four hundred cars are allowed each of the 5 days, so there is very little traffic and not many cars stopping when viewing wildlife.
We did see 7 grizzly bears on parts of mountains, eating blueberries, some moose, eagles and dall sheep.  Some of the road was paved, some gravel and parts along a cliff with curves.  All of Alaska
is breathtaking and awesome.  The memories of visiting will long be remembered.

3 - 13 - 18  Revisited Cuba from February 27 to March 11 and couldn't wait to return.  Lovely, mild, sunny days awaited us in Havana, where we stayed in last years Casa Particular in Central Havana with Fina and Daniel.  A lovely couple who arranged places for us to stay in Trinidad and Varadero, along with getting us a collective taxi to take us on the road.  While in Havana we had the pleasure of seeing the ballet "Giselle" at the Grand Theatre of Havana.  We saw more tourists from around the world who are now flocking here from New Zealand, takes 24 hours, Czech Republic, Brazil, Estonia, Germany, France and of course the snowbirds from Canada.  Travelling south to Trinidad, took us thru the countryside, where farmers grew pineapple, sugarcane and mangoes.  Trinidad is an UNESO World Heritage town with cobblestone streets, old markets and churches.  A quaint town with people who want to talk to all the tourists.  Heading back north to the pristine beach of Varadero, with it's turquoise Caribbean waters, was once again welcoming.
Looking forward to visiting the eastside of Cuba, Holguin, Santiago de Cuba, Baracoa, at the very tip of Cuba and the Caribbean town of Guardalavaca.  Viva Cuba!