3 posts tagged “state”
Jan. 3, 1959, Alaska became the 49th state of the United States. 50 years later and I find myself, at the ripe old age of 28, living here among the moose and bear and the even more unusual animals (read: humans). I never would have chosen Alaska as a place of residence on my own, and I still have plans to leave within the next couple years - but I can't deny that Alaska has its own particular charm and appeal. I could probably come up with a long list of things I dislike about this place, but on the other hand I could likely create a similar list of things I love.
Anyway, the 50th anniversary of our statehood was a few days ago and I was lucky enough to have a prime spot to enjoy the fireworks show. Standing atop the parking garage of our downtown 5th Ave. Mall, shivering in the negative 15 or 20 temp we had that night, I was still able to snap a few photos that turned out decent. We had to get there an hour early and the traffic jam getting out of the parking garage afterward was a joy filled 2 hour adventure, but I suppose it was all worth it for the light show in the sky.
At least I have photos to prove I was there!
MATANUSKA GLACIER
Camping: Spend a few days exploring the park. Camping areas available near and within park.
Ice Climbing: Guided ice climbing is available as well as basic ice climbing instructions. Matanuska glacier is an excellent glacier to learn the basics of ice climbing. We do recommend you be in fairly good shape for this adventure.
Fox Island Sea Kayaking and Wildlife Cruise
The 9AM to 5 PM tour includes: morning wildlife cruise to Fox Island, 3 hours of sea kayaking, salmon bake lunch, and a Kenai Fjords narrated wildlife cruise.
Schedule:
• Check in 8:15 am- Kenai Fjords Tours, Seward Small Boat Harbor
• Boat transfer to Fox Island departing at 9AM
• Kayak outfitting and instruction
• Guided sea kayaking tour (approximately 3 Hours)
• Grilled Alaskan salmon lunch at the Fox Island Day Lodge
• Depart Fox Island on the Resurrection Bay Tour 2:00pm - 5:00pm search for marine wildlife such as whales, sea otters, harbor seals, and birds
• Arrive in Seward at 5:00pm
• Minimum participant age is 8 years old
Price:
$159 per person (does not include gratuities)
KENAI FJORD NATIONAL PARK CRUISE
Welcome aboard for an Alaska glacier and wildlife cruise experience of a lifetime. Imagine pulling up close to otters, sea lions, puffins and whales for that perfect picture opportunity, or drifting slowly by the face of a massive silvery blue glacier, sparkling in all its glory. Breathe in the fresh air from the viewing deck of one of our large, comfortable tour boats and listen as a uniformed Ranger explains the dynamic habits of the surrounding wildlife.
Let Major Marine Tours be your guide to some of the most spectacular places on earth - the Kenai Fjords National Park and Prince William Sound. Cruises depart daily from Seward Alaska and Whittier Alaska. Our day cruises feature multiple sightseeing decks, giving you fantastic views of glaciers and the abundant wildlife. You will also have the opportunity to experience an authentic Alaskan tradition - Major Marine Tours' famous Alaska salmon and prime rib meal served buffet style. Whether touring the peaceful waters of Prince William Sound or whale watching in the Kenai Fjords National Park, you're sure to have a remarkable experience you won't forget!
Treat a loved one to an all inclusive package at Chena Hot Springs Resort. This specially taylored package includes an overnight in our recently redecorated Moose Lodge including Hot Spring Passes, Dinner and Breakfast for two a welcome champagne basket (champagne can be substituted for non-alcholic beverage) and a late check-out.
Also a long list of "Summer Activities".
Wilderness Explorer Glacier Cruise with Coach
- View numerous glaciers
- Visit a working Alaska salmon fishery
- Cruise scenic Esther Passage
- Large Groups of Otters & Harbor Seals
- Touch Glacier Ice
- 100 miles Round trip
- FREE Wildlife Pass
- FREE Alaskan King Crab Cake Lunch
- FREE Wildlife Guide
- Motorcoach Transportation Included
ALASKA BOTANICAL GARDEN
Early June begins with bulb emerging, Trollius and Primulas coming into bloom and lilacs appearing. The Garden is just waking up from a long winter sleep. The Rock Garden and Wildflower Walk will be at its best through June.
In early July, the Garden is in full swing with Peonies, Delphinium, Clematis, Columbine, and the famous Meconopsis, the Himalayan Blue Poppy. The Entry Beds are overflowing with color from vivid annuals.
The Garden is ever changing and by the end of July the Ligularia, Nepeta, Lilies, Roses, and Hostas are in their full glory. The Herb Garden is at it best through July and August.
In August the Thalictrum begin to take over the show, but are still accompanied by the Hostas, Aconitum, Veronicastum and Geraniums. The Herb Garden is full of culinary scent and has an impressive Kiwi Vine.
ALASKA RAILROAD TOURS
All along the magnificent journey (over 500 miles), through stunning scenic wild and panoramic vistas, guests are showered with thought-provoking commentary delivered by life long Alaskan tour guides. You might just find the stories, silly anecdotes, scrap books, and interesting historical narratives are the best part of the Alaska Railroad experience. Of course, the casual dining, breezy, down home atmosphere is quite a rewarding treat as well-and relaxing.
But
you can't beat the sweeping views of Denali, award-winning glimpses of
color-brushed tundra, and chance glances at moose, bear, eagles, and
the occasional fox. As you can imagine, the train's grand picture
windows come in handy for, well, superb pictures. This delivered right to your assigned, and ever so comfortable,
forward-facing seat in the lower level-with lots of legroom to stretch
out-all part of the personalized level of service found aboard the
Alaska Railroad's Adventure Class.
THREE BARONS RENAISSANCE FAIR
Although not part of the Society for Creative Anachronism this fair is Alaska's own homegrown version. A reenactment of the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries they encourage you to come in costume and get with the creative anachronistic side of your alter-ego.
ALASKA STATE FAIR
There are events for the young as well as the young at heart. The length of the fair attests to the number of things to do! Many people take several days to enjoy the many flavors, rides and unique sights.
August 21 - Sept 1
I did find it to be pretty interesting though, and you all know how I love to blog about the fine state of Alaska, so I thought I would go through the book and share portions of it with all of you. There are bound to be a few things that you might not of known.
This will be the first in a small series of posts I will be writing about the state.
Facts:
- Alaska is larger than the four largest states combined.
- Alaska contains 17 of the 20 highest mountain peaks in the U.S.
- Alaska is less than 3 miles from Russia (on very clear days, you can actually "see" Russia).
- Kodiak Island (in Alaska) is the 2nd largest island in the U.S.
- Our state capital, Juneau, has no road access to the rest of the state (The Alaska Congress has to charter planes for their meetings).
- Alaska's flag was designed by a 13 yr-old orphan by the name of Benny Benson.
- There are more than 3 million lakes in the state of Alaska.
- There are more private air plain pilots -- per capita -- in Alaska than in any other state.
- Half of the entire population of the state of Alaska lives in one city, Anchorage. (Hurray for Anchorage!)
- Alaskan National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias, is the largest National Park in the United States.
- Alaska is as big as England, France, Italy and Spain combined.
- If New York City had the same population density as Alaska, only 16 people would be living in Manhattan.
- Alaska is the only state to have coastlines on three different seas - the Arctic Ocean, Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea.
- Alaska's largest city, Anchorage, covers 1,955 square miles. The entire state of Rhode Island covers 1,045.
- More than 1/2 of the world's active glaciers are in Alaska.
