"Life --- What A Trip!!" katmai's Profile

Living in Alaska

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.

  • Intro Updated May 22, 2005
  • Report Abuse

Comments

Share your travels with the world!

Join Now!
katmai's Profile Photo

katmai

“It is the set of your sail, not the force of the gale, that determines your course.”

Online Now

Female

Top 10,000 Travel Writer
Member Rank:
0 5 3 8 3
Forum Rank:
0 5 4 6 1
Real Name
Judith guest)
Location
Alaska, United States of America
Member Since
Nov 13, 2004
Website
www.jw-media.org

Badges & Stats

  • 38 Reviews
  • 36 Photos
  • 4,473PageViews
  • 6 Countries
  • 9 Cities

Latest Activity

See All Activity

Friends

No friends yet.

Top hotels

Paris Hotels
22200 Reviews - 54008 Photos
New York City Hotels
15557 Reviews - 30993 Photos
Orlando Hotels
3082 Reviews - 5778 Photos
London Hotels
23039 Reviews - 47275 Photos
Myrtle Beach Hotels
319 Reviews - 425 Photos
Rome Hotels
11942 Reviews - 26476 Photos
Manila Hotels
1912 Reviews - 4527 Photos
Cancún Hotels
1930 Reviews - 3719 Photos
Las Vegas Hotels
8369 Reviews - 17097 Photos
Toronto Hotels
4277 Reviews - 8800 Photos
Baguio Hotels
325 Reviews - 885 Photos
Panama City Beach Hotels
193 Reviews - 288 Photos
Istanbul Hotels
7699 Reviews - 19779 Photos
Melbourne Hotels
3342 Reviews - 7500 Photos
Dubai Hotels
2421 Reviews - 6530 Photos