tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81095575091433612532024-03-13T12:40:13.908-07:00riverviewcommunicationsRV travel information, tips, tricks and insights for travelers on and off the highways from Alaska to the Panama Canal.Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109557509143361253.post-62065171720628339662013-03-01T16:36:00.000-07:002013-03-01T16:36:24.783-07:00Day Trip: Anchorage to Homer<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Distance and time: about 222 miles/4 hours</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Homer, Alaska, famous for its spit of land that reaches
out into Kachemak Bay, is also noteworthy for its tides and strong tidal
currents. The wide range—average of 15 feet and differential between very high
and very low tide of 28 feet—contributes to the rich estuary and salt marshes.
Homer lies at the end of the road from Anchorage, a 226 mile scenic Sterling
Highway drive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a special place on the spit known as the Fishing
Hole, a lagoon where children and others who aren’t up to the rigors of ocean
fishing can cast and take an opportunity to catch fish. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.islandsandocean.org/">Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitors Center</a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exhibits and presentations really drive home the concept
that one big ocean--in the best of all worlds a healthy ocean--links all living
things on earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCc6JmjjOCkV5oXHVRKXA4hA56HmQaILvAcrKDNszKv-v3UYbPP2gCZ6kt0zJG3Tv_VJmvbPIiPJzzLXD9cjxqctAmXMHHtAYYkgWzxf8OyqdFysIcdSrxpco9Six-YMkwjH4Bv6jZ/s1600/1-DSCN3131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCc6JmjjOCkV5oXHVRKXA4hA56HmQaILvAcrKDNszKv-v3UYbPP2gCZ6kt0zJG3Tv_VJmvbPIiPJzzLXD9cjxqctAmXMHHtAYYkgWzxf8OyqdFysIcdSrxpco9Six-YMkwjH4Bv6jZ/s400/1-DSCN3131.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Homer, Alaska is all about fishing</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ninilchik</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The town of Ninilchik was settled in the 1800s by Russian fur
traders. The town of fewer than 900 people has preserved its Russian heritage in a most picturesque way. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Might those be eagles in flight above the church yard? </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Russian Orthodox Church, Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord Chapel, sits on a hilltop overlooking the sea and shore below. It was constructed at the location where it now stands in 1901, its cemetery marked with simple white Russian crosses. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Summer brings a blaze of flowers to the Russian church yard</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Volcano Sightings</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weather permitting, the drive from Anchorage to Homer
presents some spectacular volcano viewing opportunities as you gaze across the
Cook Inlet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The closest to Anchorage is Mount Spurr. It stands 11,070 feet high
and last erupted in 1992. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Following and across from the town of Soldotna is
Mount Redoubt at 10,197 feet. It erupted in 2009 on March 22, dusting the
region with abrasive volcanic ash. No stranger to activity, Redoubt has had
five eruptions since 1900, including one 1989. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you continue on south toward
Homer, next in the series is Mount Iliamna at 10,016 feet. The last in this mini ring of fire is
Augustine Volcano, only 4025 feet south of Homer and out on an island. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109557509143361253.post-9935465559841979672013-02-14T11:13:00.000-07:002013-02-14T11:13:05.045-07:00Day Trip: Anchorage to Seward<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Distance and time: about 127 miles/2 hours 40 minutes</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Western Columbine, Kenai Fjords National Park</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">South of Anchorage, the Seward Highway, a designated
All-American Road, leads to Seward, Alaska. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EoiLVAWr4K9R9rNqPHLT5haApMUrGaSAXLAl3rrzhwOGe7JckTutTOQ3fBoCVAtodMxW-mLfanHIfpYjvjyrUzzIYHJN5fMiXZLSmCi7Lg_tSm7_RPq_LErxJ-omNSzCJhod2n8k/s1600/1-DSCN2922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EoiLVAWr4K9R9rNqPHLT5haApMUrGaSAXLAl3rrzhwOGe7JckTutTOQ3fBoCVAtodMxW-mLfanHIfpYjvjyrUzzIYHJN5fMiXZLSmCi7Lg_tSm7_RPq_LErxJ-omNSzCJhod2n8k/s400/1-DSCN2922.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seward, Alaska small boat harbor</span></td></tr>
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<b>St. Peter's Episcopal Church </b></div>
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The historic church, the first Protestant church established on the Kenai Peninsula, is at 239 2nd Avenue on the corner of Adams Street in Seward, Alaska. </div>
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The year 1904 marked the first services in Seward held in by an Episcopal priest from Valdez. Construction on the building itself took place between 1905 and 1906. Consecration was conducted by the first bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Alaska, Rt. Rev. Peter Trimble Rowe, on April 1, 1906. </div>
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In 1924, the Dutch artist Jan Van Emple came to Seward for an extended visit, and during the following year he undertook a sacred work of art, “The Resurrection,” inside the church behind the altar. Known as a reredos, the mural is a uniquely Alaskan depiction of the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFauLa6Gn5-EQsVJ8rQyxtoz9CQfKkJpKVxKqlYD-3_vwJEugtT1DHTV6iIYz_daee6mg_b6w2kSW_e4wgD49UA-dDfTJqVb-BkUJEkZ1ikTNoGbnyKju182fE-G18wZ4yCZ8gxiG_/s1600/1-DSCN2928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFauLa6Gn5-EQsVJ8rQyxtoz9CQfKkJpKVxKqlYD-3_vwJEugtT1DHTV6iIYz_daee6mg_b6w2kSW_e4wgD49UA-dDfTJqVb-BkUJEkZ1ikTNoGbnyKju182fE-G18wZ4yCZ8gxiG_/s400/1-DSCN2928.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Seward, Alaska</span></td></tr>
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Instead of the more expected and traditional appearing apostles, the painting depicts people of Alaska including, as the Seward Historic Preservation Commission describes, "Eskimos, a trapper, a fisherman and a pioneer woman make up the foreground. The little Indian mother is unable to lift her head to up to heaven with the rest because her baby weighs so heavily upon her back."</div>
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<a href="http://www.cityofseward.net/hpc/historic_properties/st_peters.shtml.htm">Seward Historic Preservation Commission: ST. PETER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRvbkHiFD3lRcNgfLCMLtRpNiVvWh32k2kbTmf63EeyDWhPopRlr4UT1ITNSlOueH5QugaSN20dwp7j-8T7bivAmIW3Hb5CzD6lFz7shLfUd9DfqN9ElrknyUYi0B6J9GYObiLG4P/s1600/1-DSCN2926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRvbkHiFD3lRcNgfLCMLtRpNiVvWh32k2kbTmf63EeyDWhPopRlr4UT1ITNSlOueH5QugaSN20dwp7j-8T7bivAmIW3Hb5CzD6lFz7shLfUd9DfqN9ElrknyUYi0B6J9GYObiLG4P/s400/1-DSCN2926.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One view of Resurrection Bay, Seward, Alaska</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWIUwwvu5on9w7RTGuxVLNJjYKnN-4FNhvFFSxY0QmVKGJG6vizFK3SxGyTk3EimdPoyuAbPQ_1Kcxt_WYiJeEMFx8nPhNtUptlf0iXkLMRNUopY8xQulVSABt5rHiKtqc_fXQdvz/s1600/1-DSCN2925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWIUwwvu5on9w7RTGuxVLNJjYKnN-4FNhvFFSxY0QmVKGJG6vizFK3SxGyTk3EimdPoyuAbPQ_1Kcxt_WYiJeEMFx8nPhNtUptlf0iXkLMRNUopY8xQulVSABt5rHiKtqc_fXQdvz/s400/1-DSCN2925.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another view of Resurrection Bay</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YlrBo8VQnnVfPQcRW0xLfS0x9UuhKoGL3F_NvvJWubpzv0LCH7O9AvLJx-ifJyJGzbxqTSH8h7fjLwrCzdbNQmE_3HMfGttrWGIH6BT0HfBRuf-pMtTGatzaogRK6ftu6l6VSuua/s1600/1-DSCN2924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YlrBo8VQnnVfPQcRW0xLfS0x9UuhKoGL3F_NvvJWubpzv0LCH7O9AvLJx-ifJyJGzbxqTSH8h7fjLwrCzdbNQmE_3HMfGttrWGIH6BT0HfBRuf-pMtTGatzaogRK6ftu6l6VSuua/s400/1-DSCN2924.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cruise ships regularly dock at Seward, Alaska</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alaska Sealife
Center<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Question: How much cold, fresh sea water does it take to
keep Alaska’s salt water aquarium fresh and friendly? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Answer: about 4,500
gallons per minute. Visitors to the Alaska Sealife Center are treated to Stellar sea lions, seals, puffins
and other sea birds and representatives of other arctic flora and fauna. It is Alaska’s only permanent marine mammal
rehabilitation center, and is also a marine research and education facility. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcqC4lxlOvNR6uqBBJVTqZSEvap6sN7nPfddCcv9kiu0kN-D9KFlM8Xoq61IJ_HG0zvvHvpS376J8RlF3Vy85zn3e9pHxiXkSebT9nEg1ik2VC_v2SuMSnH3DmFXPkJtrT47vNDqo/s1600/1-DSCN3181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcqC4lxlOvNR6uqBBJVTqZSEvap6sN7nPfddCcv9kiu0kN-D9KFlM8Xoq61IJ_HG0zvvHvpS376J8RlF3Vy85zn3e9pHxiXkSebT9nEg1ik2VC_v2SuMSnH3DmFXPkJtrT47vNDqo/s400/1-DSCN3181.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A puffin paddles for onlookers at the Alaska Sealife Aquarium</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Exit Glacier</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exit Glacier, in Kenai Fjords National Park, is one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers. It is an easy half-mile walk from the visitor’s center.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnFp9YzeZQTPXZ-9_ZqHrSEVX4GxbeVnWN_1pwSwvJrESvIWp91fe9CNlK8AK7IdaJAtVGOkqf2aS1ajWK7pDxviuT3nYTMidbeJ6FWsQdHsZdv9bVEWROuuWfdVKAIAQjqte0vve/s1600/1-DSCN3170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnFp9YzeZQTPXZ-9_ZqHrSEVX4GxbeVnWN_1pwSwvJrESvIWp91fe9CNlK8AK7IdaJAtVGOkqf2aS1ajWK7pDxviuT3nYTMidbeJ6FWsQdHsZdv9bVEWROuuWfdVKAIAQjqte0vve/s400/1-DSCN3170.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exit Glacier near Seward, Alaska</span></td></tr>
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Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109557509143361253.post-2117300867603885292013-02-08T16:25:00.001-07:002013-02-08T16:25:41.801-07:00Whittier, Alaska continued<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Images of Whittier</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqQQyWjOgIGFvif6TyWv4ekzc3b5ZVdna1m_tm7GsCw0hJmsDoVpCGQTXgEIKDhuw7b4Gn0fYH10Kk3UPsJQuALzXs_7vAt1qku4XP6tZt3Ml5z3zHWGEyNTZf-nIQfwI5FL2X_Ds/s1600/262-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqQQyWjOgIGFvif6TyWv4ekzc3b5ZVdna1m_tm7GsCw0hJmsDoVpCGQTXgEIKDhuw7b4Gn0fYH10Kk3UPsJQuALzXs_7vAt1qku4XP6tZt3Ml5z3zHWGEyNTZf-nIQfwI5FL2X_Ds/s400/262-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Water is the industry and recreation of Whittier</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo with thanks to Bobbi-Lynn Palmer</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnKzcz-rHdSfJK5EHUs8IA4rTrjWEJZ5m3SfDs3RtNSfn9gn2-6hVCnjCnnUF8c_XAm6YvcTPMZa1WuuDes77M-dHNdImpB5qjYF0lN6GbTyyPHLstTQajWMJQ90a3ehhaLOAzQx-/s1600/261-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnKzcz-rHdSfJK5EHUs8IA4rTrjWEJZ5m3SfDs3RtNSfn9gn2-6hVCnjCnnUF8c_XAm6YvcTPMZa1WuuDes77M-dHNdImpB5qjYF0lN6GbTyyPHLstTQajWMJQ90a3ehhaLOAzQx-/s400/261-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Winter residents of Whittier live in one building<br />Photo with thanks to Bobbi-Lynn Palmer</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtKPIx313C0bmntFBs2EXBNCmmyNE76v3yjMap70VLE12hZc6epod60ouwDgUXMH722XHW4xkzP2fSWFwhMRV3kRHMAtrP2G3GUCl3_X5YHxQqR7SwVltb-8qh_J-yzdDuF2dIcZo/s1600/259-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtKPIx313C0bmntFBs2EXBNCmmyNE76v3yjMap70VLE12hZc6epod60ouwDgUXMH722XHW4xkzP2fSWFwhMRV3kRHMAtrP2G3GUCl3_X5YHxQqR7SwVltb-8qh_J-yzdDuF2dIcZo/s400/259-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whittier is a major cruise ship port<br />Photo with thanks to Bobbi-Lynn Palmer</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrEDH-W0YTtIIqGSI5NtlUwlEDi5eDVMAmhs56aXYqpDk2nb0JAXbM6XK7Z1YxHw4yfivz3IQGYDV2yQX1PlWijYJ9X8DgMkPqLepliFRWdW2MFv2WpI0-koJa60-t_7mSLzPtV3Y/s1600/257-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrEDH-W0YTtIIqGSI5NtlUwlEDi5eDVMAmhs56aXYqpDk2nb0JAXbM6XK7Z1YxHw4yfivz3IQGYDV2yQX1PlWijYJ9X8DgMkPqLepliFRWdW2MFv2WpI0-koJa60-t_7mSLzPtV3Y/s400/257-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo with thanks to Bobbi-Lynn Palmer</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HwZvig2DXQO9Nkv9PMBIHIZrM3tUe-Q6vt2wxfEZSC3WlNYFMcs_UG2aMukLiUO-Ykfg5VrM7eDf_2hn6T9ewNY_cbcSx7HsKVzm3Yf8Dpvcxduvzf2PTODBY4UVwveL99roE2Kt/s1600/258-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HwZvig2DXQO9Nkv9PMBIHIZrM3tUe-Q6vt2wxfEZSC3WlNYFMcs_UG2aMukLiUO-Ykfg5VrM7eDf_2hn6T9ewNY_cbcSx7HsKVzm3Yf8Dpvcxduvzf2PTODBY4UVwveL99roE2Kt/s400/258-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo with thanks to Bobbi-Lynn Palmer</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109557509143361253.post-28635235445677936242013-02-04T15:46:00.000-07:002013-02-04T15:46:01.629-07:00Day Trip: Anchorage to Whittier<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Distance and time: about 61 miles/at least 1 hour 30
minutes</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whittier is both a town of fewer than 300 people and an
ice free port about 60 miles and one very long tunnel south of Anchorage. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfC8HeG8Lvk1osXEFNhCUzgOw0ZyW0bw_-zdDXlYsof_egf47bbZAzzC7DaB_xKwsxLUdGPRof59OB8Dc3QIwpdla3Js2nYJgFah-zAAeBUfl0H93VTCwgt9xhJQ6y6Kis6E2UF5aO/s1600/255-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfC8HeG8Lvk1osXEFNhCUzgOw0ZyW0bw_-zdDXlYsof_egf47bbZAzzC7DaB_xKwsxLUdGPRof59OB8Dc3QIwpdla3Js2nYJgFah-zAAeBUfl0H93VTCwgt9xhJQ6y6Kis6E2UF5aO/s320/255-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whittier is a busy port for cruises and excursions</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cruise ships make Whittier on Prince William Sound a port of call, and it also
supports all kinds of travel, recreation and commercial enterprise including
the Alaska State Ferry, commercial fishing, the Alaska Railroad, freight barge
service, a small boat harbor, and other recreation and tourism such as sea
kayaking. While the town is small, with most people living in one building
during winter, it handles visitors that number about 700,000 each year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weather is frequently wet, with the 20 feet of annual
snowfall interrupted by about 15 feet of rain per year. In winter, the
temperature range is from about 17 to 28 degrees. Summer average temperatures are
usually from about 49 to 63 degrees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUetPEK4PZSh1O5pex4gk-UI0mxoWRQVqOmoA13YH7UNp0hIWWGM3bFQEnNTz9DFqN73MAbkbf3ftZu08iTxn-qZleB23xjE8SIF_FzUlURMcAebYe3s80FtMJ7wUfq3xz226dZWH/s1600/1-DSCN2955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUetPEK4PZSh1O5pex4gk-UI0mxoWRQVqOmoA13YH7UNp0hIWWGM3bFQEnNTz9DFqN73MAbkbf3ftZu08iTxn-qZleB23xjE8SIF_FzUlURMcAebYe3s80FtMJ7wUfq3xz226dZWH/s400/1-DSCN2955.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The magnitude of Prince William Sound, like so much of
Alaska, is hard to comprehend. It covers 2,100 square miles, with fjords
reaching like long fingers and islands dotting the landscape. The area exceeds
the size of all of Vermont in the lower 48. There is no other intact marine
ecosystem in America that is larger. It is a rain forest, the northern-most one
in all of North America. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alaska’s glaciers fall into three categories:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Alpine or hanging glaciers are ice masses that
form high on mountain slopes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Piedmont glaciers originate as glacial ice fans
out at the foot or base of mountains</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Tidewater glaciers, like rivers of ice, are
under pressure from their own weight as they move toward the ocean. Where ice
meets water, great chunks or slabs of tidewater glacier ice will break away and
crash with tremendous force, a process called calving. The results of calving
are icebergs.</span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkETFJWwsA_GvS99OU7Q-xJU-uSzoMNXpKb5wEaE17p6o7Kv2Q33lxxtbY17NxLEApfPxC7nsl1riBvfr81bUS23IT3DOGBxPzTNUmM1tRIelPRI5ldnQLPu1yMVaJWI5akCQgWct/s1600/1-DSCN2997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkETFJWwsA_GvS99OU7Q-xJU-uSzoMNXpKb5wEaE17p6o7Kv2Q33lxxtbY17NxLEApfPxC7nsl1riBvfr81bUS23IT3DOGBxPzTNUmM1tRIelPRI5ldnQLPu1yMVaJWI5akCQgWct/s400/1-DSCN2997.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cruises out of Whittier are popular for glacier viewing,
since so many can be seen in a single day outing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.whittieralaska.gov/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Getting to
Whittier<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is often called the Portage
tunnel or the Whittier tunnel by Alaskans. The tunnel wends through Maynard
Mountain and connects the Seward Highway south of Anchorage with Whittier. In
fact, it provides the only land access to Whittier. It is 13,300 feet long (4,050
meters). That makes it North America’s longest combined highway and rail tunnel
in North America and second longest highway tunnel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfabN1V-JKdHakNBRFK2ZrprhYq0TujCDbgDKOtrpuLIpAOVKHwf_QscMRENuvl-qjACp6aqUWw3w-GSts5hYbquKxMuXke7kBfJQDimWSB0cZCrokfNVHN45MPBOg9cyvr3GceHG/s1600/1-DSCN3020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfabN1V-JKdHakNBRFK2ZrprhYq0TujCDbgDKOtrpuLIpAOVKHwf_QscMRENuvl-qjACp6aqUWw3w-GSts5hYbquKxMuXke7kBfJQDimWSB0cZCrokfNVHN45MPBOg9cyvr3GceHG/s400/1-DSCN3020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is a controlled single lane tunnel with alternating
vehicle and train use. Vehicles are required to wait in a staging area at each end
of the tunnel until the fifteen minute interval elapses before the next
scheduled departure in summer. During freezing temperatures and fixed winter
openings, schedules are different.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MhQD02F1qA8/T_zReK0-8mI/AAAAAAAAAys/NxsF3DtLUHE/s1600/DSCN3013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MhQD02F1qA8/T_zReK0-8mI/AAAAAAAAAys/NxsF3DtLUHE/s400/DSCN3013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.dot.state.ak.us/creg/whittiertunnel/index.shtml">http://www.dot.state.ak.us/creg/whittiertunnel/index.shtml</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are vehicle size limits: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.dot.state.ak.us/creg/whittiertunnel/vehiclesize.shtml<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are also schedule limits. Locals remind visitors to
be sure to exit Whittier before the tunnel closes at night. If you are caught
on the Whittier side, you become a POW, prisoner of Whittier, for the night.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109557509143361253.post-74686389226247574062013-01-31T17:56:00.000-07:002013-01-31T17:56:48.834-07:00Day Trip: Anchorage to Portage Glacier<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Distance and time: about 60 miles/1 hour 30 minutes</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-MCei4OE5l8wRwHQCOUh3Mivf_J_qrq1CgMmVlC7HfODDmZm89Vq3EkeeOY-KD5JumiXP_mhWDHIEno6D8gfA043E40fyoea4Y89p7peyr0gifY8t43mL5NuVEG4oY8Ow2cJYnIV/s1600/1-DSCN3051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-MCei4OE5l8wRwHQCOUh3Mivf_J_qrq1CgMmVlC7HfODDmZm89Vq3EkeeOY-KD5JumiXP_mhWDHIEno6D8gfA043E40fyoea4Y89p7peyr0gifY8t43mL5NuVEG4oY8Ow2cJYnIV/s400/1-DSCN3051.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Portage Glacier and Portage Lake</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Kenai Peninsula, were it not for a 14 mile isthmus, Portage
Valley, would be an island. As it stands, a small ribbon of land connects the
Kenai to mainland Alaska. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Long ago, Portage Glacier extended through the length of
the valley. Some glacial remnants are visible such as Burns, Byron, Explorer,
Middle and Shakespeare glaciers. These glaciers, massive and awe inspiring in
their current state, are only vestiges of the ice sheets that used to cover the
Portage Valley landscape.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5y3wpmW0H7Lm9uuLluvKAmTY4QdjF0YihdmAafrEVAu8b9nuaznUcitcZdGbnT1Up94Qd7GXSeQU0Kh-mO-81SrlmSc6zyGy51Ai1l72fjw2RJVYDqMdA5SjT5aEnboe7NV5r9ai/s1600/1-DSCN3054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5y3wpmW0H7Lm9uuLluvKAmTY4QdjF0YihdmAafrEVAu8b9nuaznUcitcZdGbnT1Up94Qd7GXSeQU0Kh-mO-81SrlmSc6zyGy51Ai1l72fjw2RJVYDqMdA5SjT5aEnboe7NV5r9ai/s400/1-DSCN3054.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Portage Glacier view</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are plenty of public campgrounds that can
accommodate tents and RVs in the Portage Glacier region. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Begich, Boggs
Visitor Center <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Within sight of Portage Glacier, the Begich, Boggs
Visitor Center stands, built on the glacier’s terminal moraine. A U.S. federal
installation, the Visitor Center offers award-winning exhibits, an Alaska
Geographic bookstore, educational opportunities and a film. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Catch these links to local information: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/chugach/home/?cid=stelprdb5251094">http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/chugach/home/?cid=stelprdb5251094</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.recreation.gov/recAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&facilityId=203882&agencyCode=131">http://www.recreation.gov/recAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&facilityId=203882&agencyCode=131</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4DAv6s-uNoIG2FZojCJE5wvw8sNRA5mEfHmLpnuTjbX7N7Rl4oTMtr2Yiv7hfKJJUfb4cGjrK134vIghiOR9wND53gpWfxkC3VaPt9nVhxBluXQJjehqmRQIiFnXq-hhuqWPyykr/s1600/1-DSCN3156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4DAv6s-uNoIG2FZojCJE5wvw8sNRA5mEfHmLpnuTjbX7N7Rl4oTMtr2Yiv7hfKJJUfb4cGjrK134vIghiOR9wND53gpWfxkC3VaPt9nVhxBluXQJjehqmRQIiFnXq-hhuqWPyykr/s400/1-DSCN3156.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Byron Glacier trail is easily accessible near Portage Lake</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/chugach/recarea/?recid=71943">http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/chugach/recarea/?recid=71943</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Portage Glacier
Cruises and Tours<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can catch a Portage Glacier cruise at Portage
Lake. Parking is available adjacent to
the dock. A number of tour companies will also provide transportation to and
from Anchorage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is just one link to an available source:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.portageglaciercruises.com/tours.cfm">http://www.portageglaciercruises.com/tours.cfm</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKw28vSaQcp1PD8qa_sPY3-z-EFH1oR0czKzZVLRySfXzV0pCEzZZNVAo0m2_cO-ahbvPpJx4uNT8UZa6g2CnR5SRAmbTiteYst_TXDgT6Q-Cy0sTF4hTVoFNuTsAcvngOs8ryjsjv/s1600/1-DSCN3153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKw28vSaQcp1PD8qa_sPY3-z-EFH1oR0czKzZVLRySfXzV0pCEzZZNVAo0m2_cO-ahbvPpJx4uNT8UZa6g2CnR5SRAmbTiteYst_TXDgT6Q-Cy0sTF4hTVoFNuTsAcvngOs8ryjsjv/s400/1-DSCN3153.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A view of Byron Glacier near Portage Lake</span></td></tr>
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Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109557509143361253.post-2502650408020353172013-01-26T17:24:00.000-07:002013-01-26T17:24:12.077-07:00In and around Anchorage: Alaska Public Lands Information Center<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Alaska Public Lands Information Center is housed in a
U.S. federal building. We appreciated knowing that in advance of our visit,
since we needed to present a passport or other federal identification. We also
passed through a security gate, emptied pockets and opened purse for a cursory
search.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Vb-EmePrqybOx1VNGVXjFc528Jt1woRkC85on1zzW_zsyQr6L0pG0Hs9stA2uTWXaWcB0kVUfPYpUIaBLVlOyHVFCno0iXEM13FNEi5D226nmX3YQ_ICCPjU8qE8qfvOkqhDIH82/s1600/Eagles-2011-Kenai-Peninsula-RN-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Vb-EmePrqybOx1VNGVXjFc528Jt1woRkC85on1zzW_zsyQr6L0pG0Hs9stA2uTWXaWcB0kVUfPYpUIaBLVlOyHVFCno0iXEM13FNEi5D226nmX3YQ_ICCPjU8qE8qfvOkqhDIH82/s200/Eagles-2011-Kenai-Peninsula-RN-002.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Information Center helps visitors<br />learn about Alaska wildlife; Photo provided<br />by Visit Anchorage</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Information Center shows films, provides maps, hosts
natural history exhibits, and is staffed with knowledgeable uniformed rangers
who answer questions and provide presentations. It is located at 605 W. Fourth
Ave. in downtown Anchorage. There is no charge for entry. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Click here details:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.alaskacenters.gov/anchorage.cfm">Alaska Public Lands Information Center: Anchorage</a></span></div>
Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109557509143361253.post-83343868806608902142013-01-25T11:56:00.001-07:002013-01-25T11:56:25.245-07:00In and around Anchorage—Earthquake Park, Point Woronzof, and Tony Knowles Coastal Trail<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nB6RQZLQepcjOwLreUh1A_eiEGUb1iWC4s2G-QY_MgD2DnOb3sb86KXjtd61SFz6UG01pxgSkCSHPqwaSyEQJrrwQK_wd6k_pt-5SlOqVJiF40oWhWMUKRno_mPyVr5A7qhzj0Hn/s1600/Flower-Moose---Wayde-Carroll_sized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nB6RQZLQepcjOwLreUh1A_eiEGUb1iWC4s2G-QY_MgD2DnOb3sb86KXjtd61SFz6UG01pxgSkCSHPqwaSyEQJrrwQK_wd6k_pt-5SlOqVJiF40oWhWMUKRno_mPyVr5A7qhzj0Hn/s1600/Flower-Moose---Wayde-Carroll_sized.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moose abound in Anchorage;<br />Photo provided by Visit Anchorage</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earthquake Park is located not far from Anchorage
International Airport. The park provides an expansive walking and bicycling
trail. On a day with great visibility, you can catch a wide panorama that
includes Sleeping Lady, aka Mount Susitna, that lies across the Cook Inlet from
Anchorage. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can also see the Alaska Range and even Denali, known outside of
Alaska as Mount McKinley. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Park, on West Northern Lights Boulevard near
Aircraft Drive, is fee-free and open daily. The trail system is dotted with
interpretative signs to help you understand how the landscape was formed. It
connects with the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Visitors should be advised that
the park is frequently visited by wildlife, with moose sightings particularly
common.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsgnNhz1ZcN8SkxQwDqd8GcYWt4OYi7L-cb05gf9BaOC0gwMp-BiaeomVeb8rpTc_SAUJ6rocP9P6SJ8W6EvndhVryvB1WeSMVlgA4eFXSWzWeAk3aaYhmdpi_fUKC3QQRtSZqlYQ/s1600/Anchorage-Skyline---Ken-Graham-Photography+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsgnNhz1ZcN8SkxQwDqd8GcYWt4OYi7L-cb05gf9BaOC0gwMp-BiaeomVeb8rpTc_SAUJ6rocP9P6SJ8W6EvndhVryvB1WeSMVlgA4eFXSWzWeAk3aaYhmdpi_fUKC3QQRtSZqlYQ/s320/Anchorage-Skyline---Ken-Graham-Photography+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anchorage skyline; photo provided by Visit Anchorage</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The area where Earthquake Park now stands was once
covered in homes. In 1964, when a 9.2 earthquake struck on Good Friday, more
than 70 of the homes toppled into the Cook Inlet. The earthquake, North
America’s largest recorded one, left $68 million in damages in its wake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The airport strives to keep to moose off runways with
high fences. When moose encounter the no-way-in fences, they tend to
congregate. As a result, the area of the Trail adjacent to Point Woronzof can
be wonderful for moose viewing from inside a vehicle. Keep a civil distance
between you and moose. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwz51KQVHVM1I_h1uuiVUIFV7K0O_hu16WQtLsaYkKS9J5hR4Uab4vea-Qt1_MbPpUMK-ZubVE9MdSX1MBguUoubgwxA2ezde4VK87BEXhLyEDolT3fS8hHDff3LVRbV0h5rrt7Im/s1600/Coastal-Trail-Biking,-Cathryn-Posey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwz51KQVHVM1I_h1uuiVUIFV7K0O_hu16WQtLsaYkKS9J5hR4Uab4vea-Qt1_MbPpUMK-ZubVE9MdSX1MBguUoubgwxA2ezde4VK87BEXhLyEDolT3fS8hHDff3LVRbV0h5rrt7Im/s1600/Coastal-Trail-Biking,-Cathryn-Posey.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bicyclists photo provided by<br />Visit Anchorage</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you like to walk, jog or bicycle, the Tony Knowles
Coastal Trail offers a great opportunity to see Anchorage from the coastal
perspective. The Trail follows the edge of the Knik Arm of the Cook Inlet and
provides a number of logical places to start and stop explorations from
Elderberry Park in the downtown area, to Westchester Lagoon or all the way to
Earthquake Park. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109557509143361253.post-81756866218693099702013-01-24T17:18:00.000-07:002013-01-24T17:18:42.069-07:00In and around Anchorage—Arctic Valley<br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Distance and Time: about 14 miles/30 minutes</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arctic Valley may be better known with Anchorage locals
than with visitors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vb4Sy2iGXbAvOJxsL01q755ctQqvispvNC1I6VnIaOhMYWWts3Q7xf4gbbf4J1Nj-NeoW3b9Rkn98cRUzB1bNsVhbzqvIpH-NUUjL6TPe9mWXfSa3iUyyW9ARohLe3MwIMG6hloW/s1600/1-IMG_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vb4Sy2iGXbAvOJxsL01q755ctQqvispvNC1I6VnIaOhMYWWts3Q7xf4gbbf4J1Nj-NeoW3b9Rkn98cRUzB1bNsVhbzqvIpH-NUUjL6TPe9mWXfSa3iUyyW9ARohLe3MwIMG6hloW/s640/1-IMG_0044.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A small stream atop Arctic Valley... the origin of Ship Creek? </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we drove into Arctic Valley, we entered Moose Run Golf
Course. This military course is open to civilians including visitors from far
and wide. Together, Moose Run’s Hill and Creek Courses are known
as “the world's northernmost 36-hole golf course.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyspeB98KGCeaMTRO8UuZ_ZpcaR0WcJkcz2wR-Xnp7pEbx4yplCRZJV2K45Sn3WzNxKQi_QdyniNOb8RcZ9ZbBciuVCyLszuN4jd1pNX7j8sXJ2BIFNggNvQMSMQPvCF5GPNhBrEMA/s1600/1-IMG_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyspeB98KGCeaMTRO8UuZ_ZpcaR0WcJkcz2wR-Xnp7pEbx4yplCRZJV2K45Sn3WzNxKQi_QdyniNOb8RcZ9ZbBciuVCyLszuN4jd1pNX7j8sXJ2BIFNggNvQMSMQPvCF5GPNhBrEMA/s400/1-IMG_0041.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wild geranium, one of many wildflowers in Arctic Valley</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the elevation increased on Arctic Valley Road, the
driving became a bit steeper and more challenging. This area east of and high
above Anchorage’s downtown invites visitors to hike, watch birds and other
wildlife, see wildflowers and in the summer pick berries. At the top near the Arctic
Valley Ski Area, set among a thicket of
trees, we found a wellspring of water we were told is the origin of Ship Creek. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The valley is accessible from Arctic Valley Road, a little
more than a 20 minute drive from Anchorage. From downtown Anchorage, take the
Glenn Highway east toward Eagle River. Take the first exit for Arctic Valley
and follow the road to the ski area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more information:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mooserungolfcourse.com/courses.html">Moose Run Golf Course</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mooserungolfcourse.com/Directions.htm">Moose Run Golf Course: Directions</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=viewinglocations.arcticvalley" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alaska Department of Fish and Game: Viewing: ArcticValley</a></div>
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Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109557509143361253.post-46799544179645471262013-01-22T21:15:00.001-07:002013-01-22T21:15:40.578-07:00In and around Anchorage: Lake Hood<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBVCwkeuxK0XooDyOkyn9Xgb0k7ZjPWcMHMKL-CN0g-pbT39AqCMJ3f4Bq_GER8jKm10u-3FT4myXqtB-T60u2lqVWEWtTH1PKKU3qqnF6xqMILpy-GBqhwCYRG4RjqiNUZRXKHdw/s1600/Lake-Hood-Flightseeing---Nicole-Geils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBVCwkeuxK0XooDyOkyn9Xgb0k7ZjPWcMHMKL-CN0g-pbT39AqCMJ3f4Bq_GER8jKm10u-3FT4myXqtB-T60u2lqVWEWtTH1PKKU3qqnF6xqMILpy-GBqhwCYRG4RjqiNUZRXKHdw/s200/Lake-Hood-Flightseeing---Nicole-Geils.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography provided by Visit Anchorage</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lake Hood is the world’s busiest float plane lake. It
handles about 190 flights every day. It is located about three miles from the
Anchorage downtown center, off Lake Hood Drive and just north of Ted Stevens Anchorage
International Airport. </span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109557509143361253.post-26068245931477081412013-01-17T17:13:00.000-07:002013-01-17T17:13:44.795-07:00In and around Anchorage: off-leash dog & other parks<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In our quest for dog parks in Anchorage, we found the
off-leash area at Russian Jack Springs Park most favorable. The huge open
meadow off Pine Street provided ample room for our large, energetic dog to run.
Another park our dog appreciated was at Jewel Lake, just north of West Dimond
Blvd. (yes, Dimond is the correct spelling) and west of West 88<sup>th</sup> Avenue. The lake was not excessively
cold in summer and our dog loves to swim and retrieve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we read about other dog parks in Anchorage, we found
Far North Bicentennial Park mentioned, along with the park adjacent to
University Lake near the University of Alaska campus off Elmore Road. We were
never able to locate the off-leash area at Far North Bicentennial Park, and we
heard from another dog owner that during their visit, the beavers at University
Lake had been aggressive toward dogs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Try these links for more information: </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://anchorageparkfoundation.org/directory/russian-jack-springs-park/">Anchorage Park Foundation: Russian Jack Springs Park</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.doggoes.com/parks/alaska/anchorage/russian-jack-springs-off-leash-dog-area">Doggoes: Russian Jack Springs Off Leash Dog Area</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.muni.org/Departments/parks/Pages/DogParks.aspx">Municipality of Anchorage: Parks and Recreation:Off-Leash Dog Areas</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONPABjxrIR-1l_QG_riliyqKJM01xWggxDb7X41UAXaswluyDe7A_MnuU2HU3Xbq8egMNYnUFpwgMZxp32GXpkzjlwBGEO8ZnHJw4ycqSA-qOcDNyhEoAMKFejT6aZ-5Mf4paTHy5/s1600/1-DSCN2429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONPABjxrIR-1l_QG_riliyqKJM01xWggxDb7X41UAXaswluyDe7A_MnuU2HU3Xbq8egMNYnUFpwgMZxp32GXpkzjlwBGEO8ZnHJw4ycqSA-qOcDNyhEoAMKFejT6aZ-5Mf4paTHy5/s320/1-DSCN2429.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All dogs, especially camping dogs, need a place to run</span></td></tr>
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Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109557509143361253.post-35566396173153042982013-01-16T10:12:00.000-07:002013-01-16T10:12:49.938-07:00Day Trip: Anchorage to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Distance and time: about 49 miles/1 hour</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQ9_o_OZMp3kQrOcFGLqw45KpL5TCgPxGPO6S8SLdYhxkALAS9cShy102jwhDRsflwcR3AlcjKrZb_xJNx52-19ILBCf5lwvPtYtwsa-1Lf7Hf6PXvSXoqvxh7ZdsxYDBjHAdsLiL/s1600/1-DSCN3149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQ9_o_OZMp3kQrOcFGLqw45KpL5TCgPxGPO6S8SLdYhxkALAS9cShy102jwhDRsflwcR3AlcjKrZb_xJNx52-19ILBCf5lwvPtYtwsa-1Lf7Hf6PXvSXoqvxh7ZdsxYDBjHAdsLiL/s400/1-DSCN3149.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adults and kids can see moose safely up close at the AWCC</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) takes in
injured and orphaned animals—more than 150 of them summer 2012—that are not be
able released to the wild. The AWCC works with other facilities throughout the
U.S. to place animals. Many live out their lives at AWCC. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcW5ttFFT1_Us7ISdNYpckwkJHNXYWY5MLemrY7aL4bnECC0PRJLPmimFjtwRuUFnH2wdPNU4KYISSxzEIbz1fFn2CXzwsdvlHwGg7B7lbj1Do1iJHO-wBPjc6fz42mad525TlXgMj/s1600/1-DSCN3140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcW5ttFFT1_Us7ISdNYpckwkJHNXYWY5MLemrY7aL4bnECC0PRJLPmimFjtwRuUFnH2wdPNU4KYISSxzEIbz1fFn2CXzwsdvlHwGg7B7lbj1Do1iJHO-wBPjc6fz42mad525TlXgMj/s400/1-DSCN3140.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A grizzly bear that cannot be released to the wild finds a home </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What AWCC does, in addition to providing great care and
enclosures with maximum freedom to roam, is provide education and opportunities
for visitors to Alaska to get an up close and personal view of animals without
danger to the animals or people. Visitors can either drive through or walk
through and see the frosty breath of caribou, musk ox, moose, bear, lynx, and
wood bison. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The wood bison at AWCC are just one example. AWCC is home
to only herd of wood bison in the U.S., and it is at work on an ambitious
restoration project to bring back these animals that were once believed to be
extinct. Location: Mile 79 Seward Highway</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVq4xncjzDGUiLicNXz5fx_SdKlRIO3uPFfgflpTa9NvQAonZT9EaVdZ3f2ELq9B9IU6UKWpopdoHCx3RTHN1Bgy4XqqtrLO_dEMasCp3YCKmP0hy0v4JN_X4BFgwTYT9jExW1KPi/s1600/1-DSCN3148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVq4xncjzDGUiLicNXz5fx_SdKlRIO3uPFfgflpTa9NvQAonZT9EaVdZ3f2ELq9B9IU6UKWpopdoHCx3RTHN1Bgy4XqqtrLO_dEMasCp3YCKmP0hy0v4JN_X4BFgwTYT9jExW1KPi/s400/1-DSCN3148.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wood bison are being restored at the AWCC south of Anchorage, AK</span></td></tr>
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Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109557509143361253.post-70442922374352934222013-01-14T14:45:00.000-07:002013-01-14T14:45:07.788-07:00Day Trip: Anchorage to Iditarod Headquarters<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Distance and time: about 45 miles/ 50+ minutes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbKmdqCRWg4nDQ9pUg-JWbADjTDxPTLLfavjdiumexBObESjcVn-A3Wgmh_2fwmfM1Tgy6ZnWX9VBpLKZM5vurl0Em35Pq-t3yPeYMtl6qM90p59RQw7kEsTbItpIR_15bXimJyNF/s1600/1-DSCN3137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbKmdqCRWg4nDQ9pUg-JWbADjTDxPTLLfavjdiumexBObESjcVn-A3Wgmh_2fwmfM1Tgy6ZnWX9VBpLKZM5vurl0Em35Pq-t3yPeYMtl6qM90p59RQw7kEsTbItpIR_15bXimJyNF/s400/1-DSCN3137.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Iditarod Headquarters is located in Wasilla. The center
has a museum, a gift shop, and videos about the race for viewing. When we
visited, there were also puppies to visit and hold. The headquarters encourages
you learn about the history of the <a href="http://iditarod.com/">Iditarod</a>, and perhaps even ride down the
trail. We especially enjoyed going into an adjacent shed and reading the labels
on the dog food to compare nutrient content to pet store dog food brands. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">P.S. We left our dog safe in our vehicle. The sled dogs
seemed inclined to howl their interest in visiting dogs, and we didn’t want
them to be disturbed by her presence or our pet to be intimidated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTFlO7oRS9BTpEpeRwkiB7B9D-Okkncw3ryjIYhoUC1mXxR2kpMLoZ_KdbHwmcxGcy8TCqQwmJ2mH0hcRqSi9XBJFr2d-zProlaH9SSVYPGvW88UHgumW18gMlBjTrjtvM2lElVJa/s1600/1-DSCN3138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTFlO7oRS9BTpEpeRwkiB7B9D-Okkncw3ryjIYhoUC1mXxR2kpMLoZ_KdbHwmcxGcy8TCqQwmJ2mH0hcRqSi9XBJFr2d-zProlaH9SSVYPGvW88UHgumW18gMlBjTrjtvM2lElVJa/s400/1-DSCN3138.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109557509143361253.post-78602837945754816152013-01-11T17:12:00.000-07:002013-01-11T17:12:27.776-07:00In and around Anchorage--Anchorage Weekend Market & Festival<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This summer market and festival is held in the open lot
at the southeast corner of Third Avenue and E Street every Saturday and Sunday
usually beginning mid-May and early to mid-September. Hours are usually 10 a.m.
to 6 p.m. The festival features crafts, locally grown produce as it appears
seasonally,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">souvenirs, food booths and
often live entertainment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vB2m5bKZGzda3wOlzT9jmXfmaW87PpKay7k_WXAD2AryUvd_TmC-wjOFblEZjHmW1MBCPjv8pW3XMx3UEu-gi7lFsggHoHOMTVB9OqMhoW3CVTKMrrCvImS-b8CfkR55-pJvs2s1/s1600/Saturday-Market---ACVB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vB2m5bKZGzda3wOlzT9jmXfmaW87PpKay7k_WXAD2AryUvd_TmC-wjOFblEZjHmW1MBCPjv8pW3XMx3UEu-gi7lFsggHoHOMTVB9OqMhoW3CVTKMrrCvImS-b8CfkR55-pJvs2s1/s200/Saturday-Market---ACVB.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (Photography provided by Visit Anchorage)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The event is pet friendly, with a wide open grassy
hill adjacent. Pets should be leashed and cleaned up after. Pay parking is
available for cars. During the festival, there is no oversized vehicle parking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What we enjoyed especially during summer 2012 was that prices were exactly as posted in Anchorage. There was no
sales tax inside the city. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109557509143361253.post-78588240962849296042013-01-10T17:10:00.000-07:002013-01-10T17:24:21.041-07:00In and around Anchorage: Anchorage to Flattop and Glen Alps Trailhead<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The name and location of the most-climbed mountain in
Alaska may surprise you. It’s Flattop. By Alaska standards, it is certainly not
tall—only 3,510 ft. It’s only a few minutes’ drive from downtown Anchorage,
within Chugach State Park. Chugach itself spans about 500,000 acres, and is one
of the largest state parks in the U.S.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ibTrpgx_-V4/UJAzQkvyQKI/AAAAAAAABcc/V-T6LXkhlMc/s1600/DSCN3059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ibTrpgx_-V4/UJAzQkvyQKI/AAAAAAAABcc/V-T6LXkhlMc/s400/DSCN3059.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alaska's Chugach State Park extends over about 500,000 acres</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to being accessible from Anchorage, the trail
offers a moderately challenging, steep climb shy of the summit. Lower areas of
the trail are easy to follow and include railings on stairways, steps and some
switchbacks. The overall 1.5 mile climb to the summit, a 1,280 ft. rise, leads
to some very ground and loose rock. Additionally, even well into June and July,
there can be snow and ice on the trail. Hikers are advised to wear appropriate
shoes and when in doubt, return to the trailhead and sit it out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The view from the Glen Alps Trailhead, weather
permitting, permits some stunning photo opportunities of a distant downtown
Anchorage and the Cook Inlet. Parking at the trailhead has a nominal fee. At
the time of our visit, summer 2012, it was $5.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/chugach/webcam.cfm">Alaska Department of Natural Resources: Division of Parks& Outdoor Recreation: Glen Alps Webcam</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/maps/flattopmountaintrailguide.pdf">Guide to Flattop Mountain Trail in Chugach State Park</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<br />Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109557509143361253.post-6162404690506385462013-01-09T17:07:00.000-07:002013-01-09T17:09:54.871-07:00In and around Anchorage—Ship Creek & Ship Creek Trail<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Walking, cycling and fishing in downtown Anchorage</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ship Creek Trail is a relatively flat walking and
bicycling trail that extends 2.6 miles along the creek and the railroad tracks
in Anchorage. We often entered the trail from a number of access points, including
behind the Ulu Factory and from the parking lot of the Bay View Building on
Ship Creek Avenue. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwA6JabY8JMm0-qVZ0iSYTMs8xOlpkkG3u4wATp_UhLqtD0fXKLC14RFQM12ruHRFhePnzRs7wofmNc6nc5NcxOedwhWKq7n44xfzLpph5RxtwumxhaCS9PyZwQGNQQIeikjRlufRx/s1600/1-DSCN3090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwA6JabY8JMm0-qVZ0iSYTMs8xOlpkkG3u4wATp_UhLqtD0fXKLC14RFQM12ruHRFhePnzRs7wofmNc6nc5NcxOedwhWKq7n44xfzLpph5RxtwumxhaCS9PyZwQGNQQIeikjRlufRx/s400/1-DSCN3090.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Ship Creek Salmon Viewing Platform on the footbridge
that crosses Ship Creek gives visitors an opportunity to view salmon as they
arrive for seasonal spawning. The bridge and trail also give visitors a chance
to see some animated urban “combat” fishing when the season is high. Fishing is
permitted as directed by Alaska Fish & Game. Night time fishing is
prohibited. Fishermen need to note the cable that spans the creek downstream
from the bridge and fish viewing platform, and only fish downstream of it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Valid State of Alaska fishing licenses are available in a
number of locations, from the downtown Army Navy Surplus store (an experience
in its own right) to Walmart and sporting goods stores. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Traditionally, the king salmon run begins in early June
and lasts until early to mid-July. Silvers, also known as coho, follow the
kings, with a run from late July until as late as October. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkO8YWAo-9ccB2OjD-YIRwBW9E-oysAbNcm6FC_-tA5lWZhK48shnQ9ziBItaW4LulcAh0ufey9KJFxTkG2BRGsPpaLaQb16zXPzBGRTPdj8H-L_39Ig_vv4E6ct1ZHTMYiMMwi7NT/s1600/1-DSCN3092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkO8YWAo-9ccB2OjD-YIRwBW9E-oysAbNcm6FC_-tA5lWZhK48shnQ9ziBItaW4LulcAh0ufey9KJFxTkG2BRGsPpaLaQb16zXPzBGRTPdj8H-L_39Ig_vv4E6ct1ZHTMYiMMwi7NT/s400/1-DSCN3092.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fishing takes place from the shore and via wading in Ship Creek</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ship Creek, center
for combat fishing</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ship Creek has its source in the mountains atop Arctic
Valley and flows into the Cook Inlet in Anchorage. Visitors stand along the
bridge with its viewing platform in the hopes of seeing salmon throughout the
summer months. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1lc3hJdISlmKZ0FrfNgS5vJRXVvG1lEK2fLFuUnG7D6rwSF8elZOcfC_MNjC5SbD_JG26cd5CB-Ni_JpljKsMrznn0MgSu-jB9Jfgo3iq0WkAPpRchKuvlIoV9q8oSsB0L-nTYIY/s1600/1-IMG_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1lc3hJdISlmKZ0FrfNgS5vJRXVvG1lEK2fLFuUnG7D6rwSF8elZOcfC_MNjC5SbD_JG26cd5CB-Ni_JpljKsMrznn0MgSu-jB9Jfgo3iq0WkAPpRchKuvlIoV9q8oSsB0L-nTYIY/s400/1-IMG_0052.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fishermen fish from along the banks or wade into the creek
to catch salmon during their various seasons--kings in early June until the
middle of July and silver salmon most commonly in August. It is not uncommon
during a big salmon run to see people fishing shoulder to shoulder in what is
known as "combat fishing." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Disabled fishing access</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Along the trail very near the Comfort Inn in Anchorage is an access point where less-sure-footed people including small children and those with disabilities can cast. It is the Sarah Bidwell Handicapped Fishing Platform. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=viewinglocations.shipcreek">State of Alaska: Alaska Department of Fish and Game: ShipCreek: Wildlife Viewing</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjraXIcqVsDe7Ji9FNYGtvd0qRFWc9m3bUKhvHXdBtMMrAqNMT2IB-Xa2Z7fPeTyVXhb24-zGtJ41MsMe41ulBdlZiFk8iedfHYj8olnhhNmd5hIfY4NIWMYhuYDWnTrCP8jUws5KbK/s1600/clover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjraXIcqVsDe7Ji9FNYGtvd0qRFWc9m3bUKhvHXdBtMMrAqNMT2IB-Xa2Z7fPeTyVXhb24-zGtJ41MsMe41ulBdlZiFk8iedfHYj8olnhhNmd5hIfY4NIWMYhuYDWnTrCP8jUws5KbK/s400/clover.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Summer clover bloom along the Ship Creek Trail</span></td></tr>
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Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109557509143361253.post-22645533507716954242013-01-08T20:15:00.001-07:002013-01-08T20:15:34.377-07:00Be a sourdough—talk like an Alaska local<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnq5b7lqseKSpiyp4m9_8LAPEvuXxZxRz6wfuubjE5u-6amR7KdnQBp9LzLQWH4Kz1e7hepysgkhRNGvL5ubVnp9nACGcm34ouZ9o3fz14pboTxrhFYJAi1zVgJuCwNjQJDxiP7LH/s1600/1-DSCN2844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnq5b7lqseKSpiyp4m9_8LAPEvuXxZxRz6wfuubjE5u-6amR7KdnQBp9LzLQWH4Kz1e7hepysgkhRNGvL5ubVnp9nACGcm34ouZ9o3fz14pboTxrhFYJAi1zVgJuCwNjQJDxiP7LH/s400/1-DSCN2844.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Breakup is not a sad thing. Breakup means rivers will soon be ice free</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q. What is “Breakup?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A. Breakup is a shoulder season akin to mud season in
Montana in the lower 48. The snow melts in spring. The ice that covers rivers and
streams begins to break apart, or break-up. Chunks of ice float
downstream. Breakup means winter is ending and summer is on its way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvoYVk7gPsXuu1Ovb1fKHtBKClfrDnX13nhUzqhWczmOwud7gAA1NF612EEZpd_A442hEf2YQ7ewaiZar7C7HrOrAe_oMZ0s_WisGK6caakh6Yw0sBdW62BpuBI_Kiv8lQysPfYMB/s1600/1-DSCN3028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvoYVk7gPsXuu1Ovb1fKHtBKClfrDnX13nhUzqhWczmOwud7gAA1NF612EEZpd_A442hEf2YQ7ewaiZar7C7HrOrAe_oMZ0s_WisGK6caakh6Yw0sBdW62BpuBI_Kiv8lQysPfYMB/s400/1-DSCN3028.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some ice floes on sea ice refuse to participate in breakup</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q. What is "Outside?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A. Outside is any location other than Alaska. This
includes all the contiguous U.S. states. If someone is from somewhere other
than Alaska, he is from Outside. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q. What is “PFD?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A. Qualifying Alaskans receive money each year from
dividends on a Permanent Fund, monies related to oil and gas sales. In Alaska,
PFD, or Permanent Fund Dividend, is distributed once each year. Much like
dividends from other kinds of investments, it can vary from year to year. In
some years, it has meant an additional one or more thousand dollars a year to
individuals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q. What is “termination dust?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A. Termination dust is snow, a specific snow event. On
some mountains, snow is never fully gone. However, many Alaska mountaintops
emerge green in the midst of summer. When the first dusting of snow coats the
peaks with white, summer is drawing to a close. Summer visitors tend to leave
before the mountain passes are difficult to traverse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmj1rSqn7ZD4dWTGssNCGX7FA0SOW86s2po1zFUSPt7KrN9HCTurUWJIfeo_PnaRCachTjfCgv-PCaoiQwTTnua9Uh_pldyhyphenhyphen6HzWGdagJA5PlZLNH974SAGWfTxX4_F-6fvW_O2B8/s1600/1-DSCN3038.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmj1rSqn7ZD4dWTGssNCGX7FA0SOW86s2po1zFUSPt7KrN9HCTurUWJIfeo_PnaRCachTjfCgv-PCaoiQwTTnua9Uh_pldyhyphenhyphen6HzWGdagJA5PlZLNH974SAGWfTxX4_F-6fvW_O2B8/s400/1-DSCN3038.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q. What is “the valley?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A. It’s not the San Fernando Valley or the Shenandoah
Valley. It is the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. The valley is the farmland outside
of Anchorage. In it, also known as the Mat-Su Valley, are towns including
Palmer, Willow and Wasilla, and the huge recreational area, Big Lake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>And as for those other questions that continue about Anchorage...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q. Directionally speaking, how does Anchorage compare
with other major cities? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A. Helsinki, Finland, and Anchorage are about equally far
north. Honolulu, Hawaii and Anchorage are similarly west. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q. With 22 hours of functional daylight in the longest
days of summer, how does Anchorage fare for daylight in shortest days of
winter? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A. Anchorage has only about five and a half hours of
daylight. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109557509143361253.post-80029542379417913902013-01-07T20:03:00.000-07:002013-01-08T18:22:30.656-07:00Perspectives on Anchorage--boat and train<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubVyv9HjhRaiuhUkKcx0TngHpFkHSBkaujyLZk7TvdQTjKDC4be1LIB5ViKyqaYBaNVgSulRNZvN-W6QKTSFBlCBtYB7ztaMnIIH9UHa2XYBb7tyHVYPO8VfAvwMGlgpa-_oyRJPs/s1600/1-photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubVyv9HjhRaiuhUkKcx0TngHpFkHSBkaujyLZk7TvdQTjKDC4be1LIB5ViKyqaYBaNVgSulRNZvN-W6QKTSFBlCBtYB7ztaMnIIH9UHa2XYBb7tyHVYPO8VfAvwMGlgpa-_oyRJPs/s400/1-photo.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Commemorative anchor at the small boat launch</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX06svoek6KrMGS8VUvMpRGS0y1S2NqGIWhXh9JRUkdeTqrvpdVGrdsH5Oc6zu5BStX0Bp2WBRuIIPLBCSMMfj0LOSq48IWajuagbrN2tnltLlIKMp8miWKmVmctuwwKdoB9pT4yDG/s1600/Port-of-Anchorage---Frank-Flavin_sized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX06svoek6KrMGS8VUvMpRGS0y1S2NqGIWhXh9JRUkdeTqrvpdVGrdsH5Oc6zu5BStX0Bp2WBRuIIPLBCSMMfj0LOSq48IWajuagbrN2tnltLlIKMp8miWKmVmctuwwKdoB9pT4yDG/s1600/Port-of-Anchorage---Frank-Flavin_sized.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anchorage Small Boat Launch<br />Photography provided by Visit Anchorage</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In and around
Anchorage—</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anchorage Small Boat Launch</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The small boat ramp in Anchorage, while it does not offer
much in the way of park ambiance or seating, offers some panoramic views of the
water and the city. To get there, we traveled north on C Street, crossed Ship Creek, bent left onto Ocean Dock Road and drove on Ocean Dock between the stacks of
containers. We continued to the end and found ample parking. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGHRfP3IUepM3NzACTBYCtpVe5T6GrxR2R-yH8kNBYmKutzhIiaK-P1MSB-gtjEiIY6fKCotMKRq_8dhfpaI4mP1athi_orXYe_mUuKPmwHRRdHJ19tLtrg5t_xIlVl5AP6PKt3hP/s1600/small+boat+dock+Anchorage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGHRfP3IUepM3NzACTBYCtpVe5T6GrxR2R-yH8kNBYmKutzhIiaK-P1MSB-gtjEiIY6fKCotMKRq_8dhfpaI4mP1athi_orXYe_mUuKPmwHRRdHJ19tLtrg5t_xIlVl5AP6PKt3hP/s640/small+boat+dock+Anchorage.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anchorage Small Boat Launch on a cloudy day</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alaska Railroad
Whistle Stops<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage
of an old-fashioned idea—the train <a href="https://www.alaskarailroad.com/Destinations/SpencerGlacier/ChugachWhistleStop/tabid/106/Default.aspx">whistle stop</a>. As just one example, the train
that runs south from Anchorage along the Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet lets
people off at Girdwood. There is no station, but there is plenty of opportunity
for adventuring for a few hours before catching the return train. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alaska Railroad train along the Turnagain Arm near Girdwood</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anchorage, Alaska
Q & A continued…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q. Is Anchorage an international city?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A. If the school district is any indication, most
certainly it is. In local schools, the number of languages approaches 100. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q. On the North American continent, is there a community
larger than Anchorage that lies on the north side of the 60<sup>th</sup>
parallel?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A. No. Anchorage is the largest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q. Anchorage is the Alaska city with the highest
percentage of people who reside there. Is there another U.S. state with a
higher percentage of people in its largest city?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A. Yes. New York. It is the only other state. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109557509143361253.post-10265780849262790722013-01-06T15:32:00.000-07:002013-01-06T15:32:49.669-07:00Some easy ways to get around downtown Anchorage, Alaska<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Getting Around
Anchorage—Ulu Factory free trolley shuttle<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From our RV site at Anchorage Ship Creek RV Park, it was
an easy walk to Ship Creek, to the Alaska Railroad Depot and to the Ulu
Factory, home of the famous curved edge ulu knives. The Ulu Factory also
provides a free—as in no cost—shuttle via a vintage trolley. Since the walk to
downtown is up a hill with a long, rather steep staircase, the trolley is a
welcome resource. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The shuttle runs from the factory at 211 West Ship Creek
Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501-1603, to the downtown Log Cabin Visitors Center. The
schedule, from 10:00 and to 7:00 pm June, July and August, is posted on the Ulu
Factory web site: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://theulufactory.com/">The Ulu Factory</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anchorage City
Trolley Tours<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a way of getting acquainted with Anchorage and getting
an overview of the city, Anchorage City Trolley Tours provides a one hour
trolley tour for a fee. Tours begin at 4th and F Street, next to the Log Cabin
Visitors Information Center. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.alaskatrolley.com/">Anchorage City Trolley Tours</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5hP3fevdqhzNQOqq_n-7MOxIH2o-lv8ZIge_LSCKHOJMS5up3TepxEQqZgMvVB2EGO2sDXpKBsYBnLLgWR2dIi1k1s_IqqOI5LoHmsOf7m-qf1rCn06xv-ZxM5wRkRZ9yjML8cQq/s1600/1-DSCN2945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5hP3fevdqhzNQOqq_n-7MOxIH2o-lv8ZIge_LSCKHOJMS5up3TepxEQqZgMvVB2EGO2sDXpKBsYBnLLgWR2dIi1k1s_IqqOI5LoHmsOf7m-qf1rCn06xv-ZxM5wRkRZ9yjML8cQq/s400/1-DSCN2945.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Alaska Railroad station, an historic landmark, is within walking distance<br />of downtown Anchorage high rise buidlings</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The authentic sod-roofed Log Cabin Visit Anchorage
Information Center is the cornerstone of Alaska adventure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.anchorage.net/visit-anchorage-information-centers">Visit Anchorage Information Centers</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q. How many mountain ranges can you see when you are in
Anchorage?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A. Six. They include in alphabetical order the Alaska,
Aleutian, Chugach, Kenai, Talkeetna and Tordrillo ranges. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q. Is Anchorage city water clear and pure?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A. The water of Anchorage has received the honor of being
named the best tasting water by none other than a conference of U.S. Mayors in
a city water taste-test of cities across the USA. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q. Has Anchorage ever been designated an All-America
city?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A. Yes. Not once, and not twice, but four separate times
by the National Civic League. The years on record are 1956, again in 1965, once
more for 1984 to 1985, and additionally in 2002. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109557509143361253.post-71985850300470028052013-01-05T11:33:00.000-07:002013-01-05T18:24:13.264-07:00Anchorage, Alaska RV Parks<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4T5pcx4no42vkWNEeByE8oFXq-DafnQTv9rHeazqvdHbu5gJlZK4Qxawcn6uP73DUBZvS3BoCeD4LmH_1mgBqSqj7QC5XWbbSx-8UKpEnDBdqwHJwuC0-VWlyMvTiivsf_zTT0iRC/s1600/1-IMG_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4T5pcx4no42vkWNEeByE8oFXq-DafnQTv9rHeazqvdHbu5gJlZK4Qxawcn6uP73DUBZvS3BoCeD4LmH_1mgBqSqj7QC5XWbbSx-8UKpEnDBdqwHJwuC0-VWlyMvTiivsf_zTT0iRC/s400/1-IMG_0053.JPG" width="367" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Visitors from Outside Alaska need to know that Ship Creek<br />is wide and can run fast from snow melt</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Golden Nugget RV Park has 215 Sites and is open
year-round. It is located close to downtown but not in old downtown, and is
within walking distance to public transportation, city bike trails, and the
more centrally located Anchorage Costco store.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://goldennuggetcamperpark.com/">Golden Nugget RV Park</a>, Anchorage, Alaska. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Creekwood Inn RV Park has 68 spaces, 58 of which offer
full hook-ups. It is located at 2150 Seward Highway, Anchorage, AK 99503.
<a href="http://www.creekwoodinn-alaska.com/rvpark.php">Creekwood Inn RV Park</a>, Anchorage, Alaska. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ship Creek RV Park, open seasonally, is located at 150 N.
Ingra Street, Anchorage, AK 99501. It is the closest RV park to downtown
Anchorage, and is about a 10 minute to the heart of downtown. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anchorage Ship Creek
RV Park (from <a href="http://www.bestofalaskatravel.com/">Alaska Travel Adventures®</a>)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Centennial Campground is operated by the Municipality of
Anchorage: Parks and Recreation. It is located at 8300 Glenn Highway (off
Muldoon Rd & Boundary Ave). Its location allows guests to have campfires in
designated areas. Bear aware practices are also advised.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.muni.org/Departments/parks/Pages/Camping.aspx">Centennial Campground</a>. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPsPVJW9-fvkyOPcs5CSb7y3tP4-uwr2as6wwkEL1AU0vaQJkWhBSWVEbpUT0xUwePYo7vg2XebjOUrryyt7vvdhZxa5w_SaevoWJ8GGreQSCS8d_tYB5pz5FGP6dGjYMOuLZXsyx/s1600/1-DSCN3090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPsPVJW9-fvkyOPcs5CSb7y3tP4-uwr2as6wwkEL1AU0vaQJkWhBSWVEbpUT0xUwePYo7vg2XebjOUrryyt7vvdhZxa5w_SaevoWJ8GGreQSCS8d_tYB5pz5FGP6dGjYMOuLZXsyx/s400/1-DSCN3090.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fishing is restricted to a specific area below the bridge at Ship Creek</span></td></tr>
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Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109557509143361253.post-69752362381602521792013-01-03T10:34:00.000-07:002013-01-03T10:34:11.838-07:00Anchorage--a dog-friendly town<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things to bring to
Alaska—pet supplies<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just as we could not bring along enough food for months
of travel, we knew we would need to purchase pet food and treats during our
Alaska stay. As it turned out, dogs are not just pets in Alaska. They are a
lifestyle. We were set. Resources were all around. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzIw4mpNTvEp1Aq9AjOjNhG51gP7x-VqJ3abvPZZ5ZHJMdrtaK-UYDdi2WWC2-BSY0dDte-98TGn8P8UwDvMmCPvW19sADDGW1AC0ERKZeS1Y4LJxDdL2zoOb6Ix70jLfPiBDYoOs/s1600/Iditarod-Start-2,-Photo-Credit-Rebecca-Coolidge,-Anchorage-Convention-&-Visitors-Bureau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzIw4mpNTvEp1Aq9AjOjNhG51gP7x-VqJ3abvPZZ5ZHJMdrtaK-UYDdi2WWC2-BSY0dDte-98TGn8P8UwDvMmCPvW19sADDGW1AC0ERKZeS1Y4LJxDdL2zoOb6Ix70jLfPiBDYoOs/s200/Iditarod-Start-2,-Photo-Credit-Rebecca-Coolidge,-Anchorage-Convention-&-Visitors-Bureau.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Start of the Iditarod Race<br />Photography provided by Visit Anchorage</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Costco carries familiar
brands. There are Petsmart stores in Anchorage. We also became fans of Alaska
Mill and Feed in Anchorage, with its pet supply section that rivals big box
stores plus a knowledgeable staff that is super helpful and willing to spend
time helping customers make selections. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6DJijY9aH1zMePtM6tkmdXweXwzJClB7Z_k9rGjIbRvLsZfKSSPz8RtgjDTpBDrScv9-Bi158sf3C-DVUY1yk7TpN-ic5PAeNBEWofSZcISz3hkBcvCT8MK-g54j7UtMVrAvaPT1/s1600/Alaska+Mill+Feed+&+Garden+Center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6DJijY9aH1zMePtM6tkmdXweXwzJClB7Z_k9rGjIbRvLsZfKSSPz8RtgjDTpBDrScv9-Bi158sf3C-DVUY1yk7TpN-ic5PAeNBEWofSZcISz3hkBcvCT8MK-g54j7UtMVrAvaPT1/s400/Alaska+Mill+Feed+&+Garden+Center.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo courtesy Alaska Mill and Feed Anchorage</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alaska Mill and Feed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.alaskamillandfeed.com/">http://www.alaskamillandfeed.com/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PetSmart North Anchorage Alaska</span></div>
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<a href="http://stores.petsmart.com/Store/Details/2093" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://stores.petsmart.com/Store/Details/2093</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anchorage Alaska
Quiz Continues<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q. With its Metropolitan Statistical Area population of
about 290,000, how big is Anchorage in terms of area covered?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A. It is about as big as the entire state of Delaware,
covering just under 2,000 square miles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q. What percentage of Alaska’s population calls Anchorage
home?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A. 44 percent, as reported in the 2010 U.S. census. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q. In its origin, was Anchorage a mining town, a fishing
town, or a railroad town?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A. Anchorage grew out of a tent camp along Ship Creek,
populated by people who worked and built the railroad. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109557509143361253.post-80963865125732385192013-01-01T17:19:00.000-07:002013-01-01T17:27:23.038-07:00Arriving and Driving in Anchorage, Alaska<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Driving in Anchorage with all of its one-way streets can
be tricky, but there is an easy way to get your bearings. Remember that there
are two highways named “1.” </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIRTmZOZB7oAhE6U632eiv_XNtwTHLNYgD2idRQ8kBHq82ALSRn5p5hQCIpTKvVlpUWIQ3wTUZL52C1BXTY_zvjW3qsPDcw8nrwYfQvrSbI4TdtNMnJQ2cs-xptRyIXhM6Ymxdhc0/s1600/6655_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIRTmZOZB7oAhE6U632eiv_XNtwTHLNYgD2idRQ8kBHq82ALSRn5p5hQCIpTKvVlpUWIQ3wTUZL52C1BXTY_zvjW3qsPDcw8nrwYfQvrSbI4TdtNMnJQ2cs-xptRyIXhM6Ymxdhc0/s400/6655_jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo Credit: Skyline of Anchorage From the Water: Region Southcentral:<br />Location Anchorage: http://commerce.alaska.gov/apl/photo2.cfm?q=1</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Glenn Highway, 1, heads from Anchorage to points
north and east such as Wasilla, Denali and Fairbanks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The New Seward Highway, 1, terminates at its north end in
downtown Anchorage. In its final northern few blocks, it is Ingra Street
northbound and Gambell Street southbound. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The New Seward Highway southbound follows the Turnagain
Arm of the Cook Inlet to the Portage Valley, Whittier and the Kenai Peninsula
that ultimately includes Seward and Homer.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3D5KFNE_j6X2RvHF6JuhYh9DoatNZdZdBM9UmeBleK5VcG3tlSPoP7RC86jePMCxEgohJvoDdzV8Dwqyo6sH_JUhds_Ryz6sDzFRPXXZyjkBsuZZnmL4F88T8RgXQznuWky8aJQd/s1600/anch1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3D5KFNE_j6X2RvHF6JuhYh9DoatNZdZdBM9UmeBleK5VcG3tlSPoP7RC86jePMCxEgohJvoDdzV8Dwqyo6sH_JUhds_Ryz6sDzFRPXXZyjkBsuZZnmL4F88T8RgXQznuWky8aJQd/s400/anch1.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anchorage, Alaska map with thanks to the Alaska Public<br />Offices Commission (APOC)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A note about Alaska
and satellite radio<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the lower 48, we subscribe and enjoy satellite radio.
We were assured by a satellite radio rep that it would work in Alaska. The
relationship between the satellites and far northern horizon is such that
reception just didn’t happen. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An Anchorage, Alaska Quiz<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q. In which Alaskan region is Anchorage located?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A. Southcentral. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q. What is the official name of Anchorage?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A. The Municipality of Anchorage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things to bring to
Alaska<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Food<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had heard and found it to be true that food is
expensive by “lower 48” standards in Alaska. We had sticker shock when saw a
single apple costing about four times what it would cost in Arizona. Upon
reflection, it is easy to see why. Fresh fruit has to travel a long way to
Alaska, so of course it is costly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We packed and brought items that we figured would be
expensive and perhaps hard to find. We left the rest to providence and it all turned
out fine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Costco, we discovered, holds their prices in Alaska close
to “lower 48” prices. Once we were settled in to Anchorage, we shopped at
Costco to take advantage of the prices. Similarly, Walmart proved to be great a
great grocery resource. Other grocery stores such as Safeway, called Carr’s in
Alaska, and Fred Meyer were also our go-to stops. With both, we followed the
sale flyers online to take advantage of the current best buys. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109557509143361253.post-3195752318310181282012-12-30T15:16:00.000-07:002012-12-30T15:16:13.543-07:00All roads lead to Tok, Alaska<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tok, Alaska<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is said that “All roads lead to Tok,” and nothing
could be truer for adventuring in Alaska. Tok is also known as the dog capital
of Alaska for its breeders and mushers. From Tok, visitors can head toward
Anchorage, Fairbanks, or to Valdez. </span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJgUzafNuA4kDcXkU0ywyJRrDF3rsNDErL9GnY69YAgM5LnUOtfrpMYzqe0Ltp1f-OJPY7yQLd1xlRTCvLv607jte0ujOlUQGvu2fcOrNIJOYxE_wSGm0CMX6gomB2dpeazz2SF4G/s1600/campground+map+of+tok.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJgUzafNuA4kDcXkU0ywyJRrDF3rsNDErL9GnY69YAgM5LnUOtfrpMYzqe0Ltp1f-OJPY7yQLd1xlRTCvLv607jte0ujOlUQGvu2fcOrNIJOYxE_wSGm0CMX6gomB2dpeazz2SF4G/s400/campground+map+of+tok.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Map with thanks to alaskacenters.gov</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The town, because of its strategic
location, is a great place to catch up on road conditions, fishing reports,
spend a night and fuel up. We stayed at Tok RV Village. The hospitality was
warm and we enjoyed getting to know fellow travelers and comparing notes. When
the summer season is on, Tok RV Village operates a car wash. For those who have
picked up the thick glacial silty road dust of the Alaska Highway, few things
could be more welcome. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tok RV Village<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.tokrv.net/">http://www.tokrv.net/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjLoUc4_rjbkQyPCTkgWtYn0CPZ51N8lGpllxSXM6IXxvgqeueh21REbsizVzF3jCeUCub9l3vvF0VrALss12ctU5deJBJ4T3fAGEaKc7chcD-6Tz8MtQH8dFxGA2csaUxAHcO6xQ/s1600/1-DSCN2877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjLoUc4_rjbkQyPCTkgWtYn0CPZ51N8lGpllxSXM6IXxvgqeueh21REbsizVzF3jCeUCub9l3vvF0VrALss12ctU5deJBJ4T3fAGEaKc7chcD-6Tz8MtQH8dFxGA2csaUxAHcO6xQ/s400/1-DSCN2877.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heading toward Tok, Alaska</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Getting ready for the
Alaska Highway—nylon compartmentalized travel bag<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We stored our other very lightweight items in a fabric
travel bag with clear plastic zipper pocket compartments of varying sizes.
Cotton swabs and balls, dental floss, eyeglass cleaning cloths and a tiny
emergency sewing kit find their home here. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109557509143361253.post-69722965266341449772012-12-28T13:42:00.000-07:002012-12-28T13:42:19.033-07:00West toward the Yukon, Canada and Alaska, U.S. international border<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Haines Junction,
Yukon<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Long before the advent of the Alaska Highway, Haines
Junction served as a crossroads for trade. During the period of construction
for the Alaska Highway, in 1942, the village of Haines Junction took shape. It
sits today about 95 miles west of Whitehorse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its backdrop includes some of Canada's highest mountains
and most spectacular scenery. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The town, about two hours west of Whitehorse, skirts up
against Kluane National Park </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and Reserve.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Getting ready for the
Alaska Highway<o:p></o:p></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">—</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stocking the Medicine
Chest</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We kept the medicine chest for frequently used items such
as refillable shampoo, conditioner and bath gel containers and deodorant. The
items in the chest are secured against bouncing with small extension rods.
These can be purchased at a camping supply store or you can do as we did;
purchase and mount inexpensive short curtain rods. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZS9fBwrbHxJ_krHt4YPFbGqV8Dx5ND7IMowUdoADflElI405PF2H5Cur1Q2uAE02QOkRBEkX9gMT__oKWGHOACJG2Y3KEUBa5U4d5fNvAu6AKPIFv-BxRgwS8Lryut4DFObDw6Ex/s1600/1-DSCN2875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZS9fBwrbHxJ_krHt4YPFbGqV8Dx5ND7IMowUdoADflElI405PF2H5Cur1Q2uAE02QOkRBEkX9gMT__oKWGHOACJG2Y3KEUBa5U4d5fNvAu6AKPIFv-BxRgwS8Lryut4DFObDw6Ex/s400/1-DSCN2875.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kluane Region, Yukon<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">North of Haines Junction, the Alaska Highway runs
parallel to the outer rim of Canada’s Kluane National Park and Reserve, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">an area protected internationally for its mountains, its glaciers and its wildlife that includes grizzly bear, moose, wolves, Dall sheep and mountain goats. The Park</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> received designation in 1980 as a </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">UNESCO World Heritage Site.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The drive continues
along Kluane Lake villages Destruction Bay and Burwash Landing toward Beaver
Creek, which is Canada’s most western community as you approach the Canada-U.S.
border.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Getting ready for the
Alaska Highway—plastic baskets<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some bathroom items don’t lend themselves to upright
travel. We had hair brushes, toothpaste, straight and electric razors ride in
inexpensive plastic baskets on available shelves. Toothbrushes hung from a
plastic wall-mounted holder affixed to the medicine chest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMfMLU6B_UxuBrcCbnCsvZO4khx9Ft_B0B4k1PGqvnXFXJERDJWl96vWIe4jUhA6Ru4ECzv6xwqn4MWfwewEX_CEbp-1oIqxgwXJWAcPibcwheXEeth4CJxrulN9o8utCB5F0hfMP/s1600/1-DSCN2868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMfMLU6B_UxuBrcCbnCsvZO4khx9Ft_B0B4k1PGqvnXFXJERDJWl96vWIe4jUhA6Ru4ECzv6xwqn4MWfwewEX_CEbp-1oIqxgwXJWAcPibcwheXEeth4CJxrulN9o8utCB5F0hfMP/s400/1-DSCN2868.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Road conditions—steep
shoulders</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another aspect we observed about roads in the Yukon is
the slope of the shoulder. In many instances, the asphalt trails off abruptly
to a less than inviting downward curve. Fortunately, there are many designated
turnouts of generous size. By stopping frequently at turnouts, you can check
the rig and address some potential problems before they arise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109557509143361253.post-85998211479050648392012-12-23T14:33:00.001-07:002012-12-23T14:33:52.683-07:00Skagway, where throngs of visitors outnumber Alaskans 1,000 to one<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrz8Tetcku6Xx_zakXbrQdqT7vl0MWXcHZHomETA1NSxvNEygpCm8qH31V3FQyfGF5xd-Yx1WW76Y583Alyt2J33NU4wdBZes7yJ70Vrf4aNer6AhEdqeT54zaA9Zzkr-P9k3AC3S/s1600/DSCN3201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrz8Tetcku6Xx_zakXbrQdqT7vl0MWXcHZHomETA1NSxvNEygpCm8qH31V3FQyfGF5xd-Yx1WW76Y583Alyt2J33NU4wdBZes7yJ70Vrf4aNer6AhEdqeT54zaA9Zzkr-P9k3AC3S/s400/DSCN3201.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Downtown Skagway visitors from one of many<br />cruise ships in port</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Skagway, Alaska</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The once fishing village of Skagway, inhabited by about
920 souls according to the 2010 U.S. census, is visited by cruise ships
carrying thousands upon thousands of visitors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Population is likely to double in the summer tourist and
cruise season to accommodate the rush of visitors. Estimates of summer
visitation range from 900,000 to 1,000,000 people. Most of these, roughly
three-fourths, disembark from cruise ships to explore the town and take
excursions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The downtown historic district with its wooden sidewalks
and colorful street-side window flower boxes has around 100 gold rush era
buildings, many of which are now restaurants, shops and other attractions for
visitors.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpw9LIYeLupv27t-T9315sPKLePMS5rEEUQAZ2FINlyno09GxdIsgZl7zYHNhYlwNUki1S864NkyFtFFeV95xiEOF8zSwCo5Pnz6DT3XLcy6RgLegMP3LrYs6nRIW_aRk-CH7mwoF/s1600/DSCN3199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpw9LIYeLupv27t-T9315sPKLePMS5rEEUQAZ2FINlyno09GxdIsgZl7zYHNhYlwNUki1S864NkyFtFFeV95xiEOF8zSwCo5Pnz6DT3XLcy6RgLegMP3LrYs6nRIW_aRk-CH7mwoF/s400/DSCN3199.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Skagway shoppers use their hours in port<br />to buy Alaska souvenirs and mementos</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its White Pass and Yukon Route railroad (WPYR)
claims to be Alaska’s most popular cruise excursion, and for summer scenic
drama, it packs in a lot. The lakes and mountains visible in this panhandle
region provide a great window on Alaska for visitors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">White Pass and Yukon Route<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.wpyr.com/</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As an aside, reportedly, the Skagway border crossing
between the U.S. and Canada was once featured in an episode of the television
show Homeland Security USA, with its claim to fame as this: it is the
least-used international border crossing in the United States.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdyDnjOTK3fSDL9J0RmPGzzwxOHFcHPJhkhauoXj9OtstRNLHZ3SW0yb_zT3arrplU2bowMbDiUiZBd50oRPvHAK8bSF5Cjxl5V_sApGA9GeSgM87psd9nnrxNCctRYuZN4fCGFo_/s1600/DSCN3202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdyDnjOTK3fSDL9J0RmPGzzwxOHFcHPJhkhauoXj9OtstRNLHZ3SW0yb_zT3arrplU2bowMbDiUiZBd50oRPvHAK8bSF5Cjxl5V_sApGA9GeSgM87psd9nnrxNCctRYuZN4fCGFo_/s400/DSCN3202.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fortunately for jaywalking visitors who are focused on shopping,<br />Skagway vehicle traffic may be light</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109557509143361253.post-16870884589467944702012-12-21T18:12:00.000-07:002012-12-21T18:13:53.197-07:00On the Klondike Highway south from Whitehorse to Skagway<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJJR0-iJNyAVtaqTMIRV1yh89ajAlYRejuvOpC6GwraNlZY6pQmuOdpanGi5u3t6cx88i8HruOq_y5zZyIuTO6EmoS_vMz4H4KcAtD_p0dhmhu16jxkU9Yr1aIlKHpf2kukqSI-dh/s1600/DSCN3197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJJR0-iJNyAVtaqTMIRV1yh89ajAlYRejuvOpC6GwraNlZY6pQmuOdpanGi5u3t6cx88i8HruOq_y5zZyIuTO6EmoS_vMz4H4KcAtD_p0dhmhu16jxkU9Yr1aIlKHpf2kukqSI-dh/s400/DSCN3197.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emerald Lake on the Klondike Highway south</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Side Trip Route
Klondike Highway South<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The route south on the Klondike Highway leads in Southern
Lakes region. Among the scenic attractions are Emerald Lake, Spirit Lake and
Lake Bennett. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The deep green color of Emerald Lake is attributed to a
mix of clay and calcium carbonate deposits at the lake bottom.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Near historic Carcross, the contemporary abbreviation for
Caribou Crossing, you can even visit shifting sand dunes.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Getting ready for the
Alaska Highway—clothes <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We anticipated we might need clothes for all kinds of
weather just shy of deep winter clothing. We were right. We brought swimwear
and our heavyweight Wolverine hiking boots, clothes for campground work and clothes for being
a tourist. Since it has also happened that we’ve needed socially acceptable
clothes for unexpected events, we brought dressy enough stuff for a birthday
party or a visit to a church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We packed the RV with clothes we figured we would wear
most. The rest went in marked containers stored in the camper-shell enclosed
truck bed. Yes, it is a bit of an inconvenience, but swapping out clothes when
we need them is minor chore and having well-fitting clothing saves us from
emergency shopping on the road. Also, since our trailer has specific carrying
limits, the trailer load remains light and the weight rides where it can be
best handled, in the truck. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overloading could be a temptation, so we came up with a
loose rule. The space we have for clothes waiting to be washed is limited to
the size of a single laundry basket. Our solution is to limit the volume of
clothing we carry in the travel trailer to only a little more than can be
stored comfortably in the laundry basket. An exception to this is the one
outerwear closet we share, since jackets and other outerwear aren’t usually
washed after wearing.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Bob and Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163662412197378721noreply@blogger.com0