Alaskan Adventures

I am thrilled about traveling soon to Alaska. I begin in Anchorage, a city known for its culture and sophistication, to see the closing of the theatrical production that my friend's first book was turned into. I could not be happier for Lael Morgan's success and suggest you check out her fabulous books about the history of America's wild west including The Good Time Girls, Wanton West and Eskimo Star.

After my foray into big city life in a state known for its wild ruggedness, I will board a glass domed train to Seward to catch a ship to see the glaciers and to watch whales and bears. Then I hope to take a helicopter ride to Juneau to visit the capital of this magnificent state. With the exception of once taking a glass domed train through the gorgeous mountains in Colorado, all the rest of these adventures are entirely new to me and high up on my bucket list.

Afterwards, we are driving for seven hours through some of the most magnificent terrain our country has to offer to Fairbanks for a variety of adventures including a paddleboat ride up the river to the north country, a visit to the hotsprings that are enjoyed often during snowfalls, and a trip down Haul Road to the Arctic.

I am also looking forward to the ice museums and botanical gardens for which Fairbanks is famous. It does seem the perfect place for both. I looking forward to describing these adventures in future columns.

In deciding where to stay, we chose a Bed & Breakfast, a charming alternative to hotels or motels even in the most beautiful environments. I decided to rerun my column on B&B's below so you might also try this unique experience. I say unique because each B&B has its own style, character, type of food service and specialty offerings.

Bed & Breakfasts

Though an exotic vacation in a far-off place sounds attractive, it's not the only prescription for refreshment and rejuvenation. A change in scenery, attentive service, and someone else in the kitchen can do the trick, so consider a Bed & Breakfast in a town you've never visited.

The home styles are as varied as the locales--rustic cabins in the forest, sumptuous villas in the mountains, and charming Victorians with antique lace curtains and embroidered pillows in quaint little towns are just a few of the possibilities.

Visit www.bedandbreakfast.com (particularly on Wednesdays when it lists hot deals) for information about B&B's in your price and travel range. Then decide if you'll drive and see the country side, or fly to another part of the country or world. Be sure to include in your search any special dietary or housing needs like access for the disabled, vegetarian meals, whether or not pets are allowed, and senior discounts.

Ask the innkeeper if the room has comfortable chairs for reading, there are grab bars in the tub and shower and good lighting, particularly in the bathroom, to prevent falls in the night. If stairs are a problem, request first-floor accommodations, and see if you will have phone and email access.

Rather than choose the least expensive inn, select the least expensive room in a more expensive inn to get the most for your money. The reduced cost in the better inn is generally because it's the smallest room. Typically, however, even it has a queen-size bed and private bathroom, and you'll enjoy the same ambiance and amenities as those paying twice the price.

To further reduce the cost, travel off season (avoid holidays and school vacations) and stay mid-week. Ask for a reduction in price for staying multiple nights, and be flexible. Take advantage of last minute, get-away packages.

I Will Decide

I have a friend undergoing major surgery. He was afraid that he was not adequately prepared should he not make it or be incapabe of making his own decisions about subsequent medical care. He was right to be concerned.

If one hopes to direct the quality of last days, preparing is not only responsible but critical. According to Attorney Rick B. Weaver, elder law specialist (817-306-5962 or rweaver@shannongracey.com), “each person should consider signing three documents:


•A Directive to Physicians (giving the family directions when the person is on life support with no chance of recovery);

•A Medical Power of Attorney (appointing an agent to make medical decisions if the person is incapacitated); and

•A Do Not Resuscitate Order (done when a person is in extremely poor health and does not want to be resuscitated in a medical emergency).


The agent and back-up agent on the Medical Power of Attorney are important designations. They function like an executor on a will. If a person appoints someone as a medical agent who is not committed to carrying out the person's wishes, problems can result in the same way that an executor can fail to carry out the terms of the will.

The decision about whether or not to receive artificial feeding and hydration is becoming a larger issue each year. If a person does not want artificial feeding and hydration, this should be set forth in the Physician's Directive.

If a person does not want to be revived, it’s critical that the person sign a Do Not Resuscitate Order and keep it in close proximity. Otherwise, it’s possible that emergency medical personnel may revive the patient without knowing about the Do Not Resuscitate Order.”

Being prepared takes on new meaning when the quality of our life is at stake. You will also make it easier on family members who would be necessitated to make the life saving or altering decisions if these documents are not already in place.

Bus Stop

I am planning a trip to Alaska. I am flying there but making the arrangements using my miles was a task that took two hours and the patience of Job. It turns out those who use their American Airlines miles, even if you use what seems like a million of them, are so restricted now that I had few options for going and only a red eye coming home. You're confused about why it took so long then. So was I.

It  will be exciting when I get there, though, as I plan to take a glass dome train from Anchorage to Fairbanks and a ship to see glaciers, whales and bears on the way to Juneau. I'll let you know how those trips go.

Some of my readers who are planning vacations are reluctant flyers and concerned about the cost of train rides, so I did a bit of research on bus travel. There is a resurgence in interest in traveling by bus and that has forced the companies to redo interiors, add movie/tv monitorers and on board snacks and beverages.

I actually traveled by bus from Boston to Maine and loved every minute. The big windows allowed for great sight seeing and the seats with footstools were comfortable and even a bit luxurious. You can really recline in their seats that are bigger and more restful for long trips than you’ll find on airplanes.

You will also stop along the way for breaks, sightseeing, camaraderie and fun with your fellow passengers, and gaze out enormous windows that allow you to watch the changing countryside of our great land. So hop on a bus and see America because the routes are limitless.
Motorcoach tours are extremely popular with seniors, because bus travel is safe, comfortable, and a great way to meet new people. They offer the convenience of car travel without the drain of driving.

Custom tours can be organized from budget to deluxe itineraries and from one day to extended holiday experiences. They range from limited to all-inclusive packages (accommodations, meals, entrance/activity fees, taxes/gratuities and an on-board tour guide). Paid for in advance, the traveler doesn’t have to guess at costs along the route.

Luggage is handled for the traveler at each stop (bus to room and back to bus), and the traveler is given the agenda for the day that includes planned activities and free time to explore independently. Breakfast and dinner are generally the meals included in packages, and they can be tailored (i.e. low calorie or diabetic) for special needs. Be sure to discuss all requests when you book the tour.

To locate a dependable tour company in your area, call the National Tour Association (NTA) at 800-682-8886 or visit www.ntaonline.com to search for an NTA operator in your area. Also visit this site for a list of tour companies with their internet sites from all over the country.

Dedicated to selecting the most scenic route, the best accommodations, the finest dining, and all the must-see-sights possible, a motorcoach company makes the arrangements for a fabulous tour and resolves any concerns. The traveler just sits back and enjoys.

Adopt A Grandparent

I have been heartened recently with hearing from some amazing young people. I received the letter below and wanted to share it with you.


Dear Mrs. Altoonian:

I’m a freshman in college who was looking for a volunteer opportunity. My adviser suggested adopting-a-grandparent. I met an elderly woman with no family in my own neighborhood, and though I know I have helped my adopted grandmother, I’ve learned more from her than I can say. This special experience has turned out to be such a gift in my life, and I want others to consider doing the same.

A Grateful Teen

Dear Grateful Teen:

It’s so wonderful to hear a young person recognize the value of relationships with older people. Seniors are able to impart valuable wisdom gained from a lifetime of joy and heartache, can teach lessons learned in their work and family environments, and can share their friendship and love—capabilities that don’t diminish with age.


Harvard University research reveals that seniors who participate in social activities, spend time with friends and family, play cards and games, and exercise will live an average of 2.5 years longer than those who are more isolated. Being cared about by even one other person spares that senior from feeling alone and vulnerable.


Adopting-a-grandparent unites the generations. It offers young people an opportunity to receive precious gifts from seniors, and it offers seniors someone to visit and listen, help and serve, and love and comfort them—all critical for physical and emotional well-being.


A very successful Adopt-A-Grandparent (AAGP) program was founded by Linda Lanstraat in Atlanta, Georgia in 1978. In this organization, there are three types of volunteers who give at least two hours a week—a Friend who visits the senior at home, an On-call driver who takes seniors to functions and appointments, and an AAGP Board Member who raises awareness and funds.


Lanstraat can be contacted at linda@adoptagrandparent.org to discuss how to form a program locally and to order her newsletter. Call 404-627-4304 or visit http://www.adoptagrandparent.org.


Whether you are honoring the older generation in your family or the older generation in your life, remember them with your time, respect and love. They will be the givers in your life, the storytellers who are the lifeline to the past, and the one person you can depend on to be exceedingly joyful and grateful each time you call or visit.