katmai's VirtualTourist Home Page

When most people think of Alaska they think of ice, snow, and freezing temperatures. And that's not really fair because it is only that way 6-8 months of the year. : -) But seriously, there are many appealing attributes to Alaska. I'll limit my comments to a few choice destinations.

Denali National Park is where Mt. McKinley is located, also called Denali, or the Great one, by Native Alaskans of the Athabaskan culture. From what I hear the actual mountain is only visible a few days a year due to cloud cover. Still the natural beauty of the landscape, flowers, and wildlife gives a visitor much to appreciate. Plus the occasional sighting of a grizzly bear is pretty cool if from a safe distance, of course.
A few ideas concerning traveling into the park either by driving, bus, or hiking are these. First, there is only one time annually that people are truly able to drive into the park all the way. The one time is usually in the late summer, I believe, and given to people by a lottery. Second, traveling in by bus works well if you don't enjoy hiking or simply want to see alot in a short time. Just remember to take water, snacks, and rain/warm clothing. Third, if you choose to hike in consult with the rangers at the welcome center for planning a trail, tips, and park policy. They are very helpful and want to ensure a safe trip.

The "big" city of Anchorage has a lot to offer a visitor or resident. The scenery of the surrounding mountains create a wonderful backdrop to the skyline.
For those who only get to Anchorage for a day there are a few things that are recommended. The Anchorage Museum of Art & History has a great display all about the state's history including the native cultures. Downtown there are many good resturants of nearly any taste choice. The Public Lands office, also downtown on 4th Ave., has a very good display on wildlife and they show movies concerning Alaska. And if you are interested in the Native cultures the Alaska Native Heritage Center, on the northern edge of town, offers a brief education on the people and their way of life. There is also the Alaska Zoo to see wildlife safely contained if you prefer it so.

South of Anchorage, on the Kenai Peninsula, are the quaint small towns of Seward and Homer. These are especially enjoyed by fisherman seeking the colossal (& rather ugly) halibut--a bottom dwelling fish with white meat. These hamlets are also known for being peaceful retreats where one can camp on the beach.

Much of Alaska cannot be reached by the road system. So such small planes as these are used by those that live 'in the bush', as remote areas are called, to get in and out of town.

Winter, from November to March, is the dark time of year with as little as six hours of daylight in Anchorage.