Alaska Vacation News, Stories and Photos from an Alaskan Perspective
The Alaska Vacation Blog is my mini-journal about South Central Alaska. I'm a local Alaskan, having all the fun that tourists have when they come here, except that I never have to go home!
I like to think of myself as a "full-time" Alaskan tourist!
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Flights to Alaska - Cheap Alaska Air Travel in 2010
Flights to Alaska are to increase significantly in summer 2010 thanks to United, Continental and US Airways airlines
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Ketchikan Weather - Be Prepared for any Ketchikan Alaska Weather
Prepare for Ketchikan Weather - What to wear while visiting Ketchikan Alaska
Ketchikan Alaska - Ketchikan Weather - Things to See and Do
Ketchikan Alaska is paradise on Earth when the weather cooperates. Ketchikan tours, fishing and things to see and do.
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Whittier to Anchorage: Which Side of the Train or Bus to Sit On?
I received a question about which side of a vehicle (train, bus etc) should one sit on when traveling from Whittier to Anchorage.
Use the link, below, to view my response.
Knik River Lodge
The Knik River Lodge is at the end of the Knik River Road. It is an eleven mile extension of the Old Glenn Highway, near Palmer Alaska.
The lodge hosts, Evelyn and Peter, claim that the road, and especially this lodge, are still a relative secret. Many Alaskans do not realize that it even exists.
I can vouch for that. My family and I discovered it only last December, while out on a Sunday drive. Its location is ideal and the surroundings are very beautiful. The Knik Glacier is not too far from here. You'll see it, in the distance, as you approach the lodge.
Here is a short video, produced for the Knik River Lodge.
Knik River Lodge from Rika Woodhouse on Vimeo.
Permalink -- click for full blog post "Knik River Lodge"
Moose in The Backyard
One of the greatest things about living in Alaska is seeing a moose or two (or 3) when you least expect them.
Seeing them in your yard never gets old. Even after living here in Wasilla Alaska for almost eight years, we still get excited and run to look at the moose, out the window.
Today we had a yearling in the yard. He even bedded down for a few hours out near one of our large birch trees.
Alaska Vacation Planning Help
Hi Mike, My family and I are planning our second trip to Alaska, this upcoming July, 2010. We'll have 15 days total. We'll be flying into Juneau,
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Top Hotels in Anchorage, AK
Some of the other preferred hotels in Anchorage are (not in any order): 1) Hotel Hilton Airport 2) Hotel Sheraton 3) Holiday Inn Express 4) Captain
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Anchorage Map of Local Attractions and Things to See in Anchorage
An Anchorage map detailing the layout of Anchorage as well as popular Anchorage sightseeing locations and Anchorage hotels
Hotels in Anchorage Alaska - A Locals Perspective on The Best Anchorage Hotels
Hotels in Anchorage Alaska vary greatly. Select Anchorage hotels that fit your budget, are in good neighborhoods and that come highly recommended
Girdwood Alaska: An Enchanting Little Town High on Culture, Skiing and Nature
Girdwood Alaska is uniquely located in Alaskan rainforest and boasts world-class skiing and tremendous sight seeing and nature hike opportunities to those who visit.
Alaska Travel Info - Great Vacation in Alaska Sitemap
Alaska Travel Info - Easy to find list of all Alaska vacation pages on Great-Vacation-in-Alaska.com
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Experience Wasilla Alaska
Wasilla Alaska, and the surrounding area, is where Alaskan's come to play. Wasilla is an outdoor paradise
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Anchorage Zoo - Anchorage Attractions Review
The Anchorage Zoo is one of many great Anchorage Alaska attraction. See pictures from our visit
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Alaskan Cruise Attraction - Alaska Zip Line
This is one of the coolest videos that I've seen. Although I love thrill rides, like roller coasters, just watching this video made my toes curl!
Located in Icy Strait Point Alaska, is this zip line that stretches more than 5000 feet (1646 m) and will have you "flying" high above the trees.
For more information click here
Shipping Fish To Your Home From Alaska
Just the other day I was talking to a middle-aged man and his wife. They were from the Palm Springs California area and they had traveled here in their RV.
He had about 50 lbs (22.7 kg) of Alaskan halibut that he wanted to ship home. He told me that UPS wanted nearly $200 to ship it.
Instead, he went to Wal-Mart. Purchased a small chest freezer that he could fit into his RV.
I thought this was pretty smart. Instead of giving his money to UPS, he bought the freezer. At least when he got home, he not only got his fish there, but he also HAS a freezer...to show for it.
Of course, if you are not traveling in an RV this wouldn't be an option. But it is always smart to think things through and think of alternatives.
If you are not traveling by RV and still wish to ship fish, you might want to check the procedures for shipping your fish on your particular airline.
Here is the Alaska Air guidelines for shipping fish.
http://www.alaskaair.com/as/www2/cargo/Shipping-Fish.asp
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Alaska Hiking Trails - Alaska Hiking Guide for The Butte in Palmer Alaska
Alaska hiking trails like The Butte near Palmer Alaska makes for a great Alaska hiking trip
Hiking Eklutna Lake Trail - Hiking in Alaska
Eklutna Lake offers multiple trails for some of the very best hiking in Alaska
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Alaska Hiking Trail Photos, Information and Videos - Hike Alaska
Alaska hiking suggestions for Anchorage region. Hike Alaska photos and tips
Breaking News: Alaska Govenor Sarah Palin to Step Down
It was just announced today, at 11am Alaska Time, that Governor Sarah Palin will be stepping down as Alaska's Govenor in two weeks.
The announcement came from her home in Wasilla. She made no mention of national plans or ambitions, during the announcement.
Lt. Governor Sean Parnell will be sworn in at the governor's picnic in Fairbanks later this month.
Notes from the Alaskan Highway. Traveling Alaska Highway
Be prepared for Alaskan Highway travel - Driving ALCAN Highway is an experience
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First King Salmon Spotted at Ship Creek
It was reported that the first King Salmon arrived in Anchorage's favorite fishing location.... Ship Creek on Saturday.
Get your fishing poles ready!!
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Save Money on Alaska Cruise Excursions
I just read a blog post by Rick, that simply restates what I've always said. When it comes to an Alaska cruise, do your homework.
Alaska cruise ships offer all kinds of excursions, but contact those tour operators yourself....and see what kind of price discount they may be able to offer you.
Rick saved almost 45% on a day excursion in Skagway Alaska. The tour operator (a local Alaskan) talked to Rick for almost an hour on the phone, booked him into a longer (by 1 hour) tour, with more fun things to do...and saved him, as I said, nearly 45%.
Instead of $386, Rick paid $218. So if you are looking for an Alaska cruise discount, make a few phone calls (or emails) before you go.
Save your money on these day excursions.
I've had similar experiences with booking at Alaskan bed and breakfasts. I saved about $20 a night by contacting the Alaska B and B directly.
Hope this helps you on your Alaska Vacation!
A Funny Anchorage Fishing Moment
On one of these quick fishing trips to Ship Creek something funny happened. I went to the creek with the same friend, but this time another friend,
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Anchorage Weather and Regional Alaska Weather
Anchorage Weather both strange and wonderful! Be prepared for weather in Anchorage and Alaska weather in general
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Alaska Airline to Start Charging for First Bag
Alaska Airline announced yesterday (April 23rd) that it will begin charging $15 for your first piece of luggage.
A similar policy has been put in place by other airlines previously.
The new policy will take effect July 7th 2009.
Alaska Video Page
Alaska video taken in and around various Anchorage attractions and other parts of South Central Alaska
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National Weather Service - Snowfall and Ice Almost At Near Historical Averages
Just purely going off my own memory, I would say that this winter has been the snowiest, since I moved to Alaska seven years ago.
Now, I have the National Weather Service telling me that my hunch has been correct.
The National Weather Service is predicting a messy spring (we call it breakup) and that many remote villages face possible severe flooding because of the huge amount of snow and ice.
Hydrologist Larry Rundquist says snowfall and the thickness of frozen ice is almost at historical averages in much of the state.
He also went on to say that temperatures, in Alaska, have been holding about 3 to 5 degrees colder than normal.
No wonder most Alaskans laugh when the subject of global warming comes up!
Mt Redoubt - Alaska Volcano Video
I came across this time-lapsed video clip the other day. It shows one of the many eruptions of Mt. Redoubt. This particular occurrence was on March 27th.
Mt. Redoubt is about 150 miles fromwhere I live, in Wasilla. The only ashfall that we've had, was a trace amounton Sunday morning. One could smell thesulfur in the air.
The multiple eruptions have been reakinghavoc on the Anchorage air traffic. Flights, inbound and outbound, have beencanceled, off and on.
Focus on Whittier Alaska
Whittier Alaska is different than anyplace you've ever experienced
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Iditarod - Day 3
Alaska is having a heavy snow year and Iditarod 2009 is underway. Follow all the action, updates and each sled dog team!
Whittier to Anchorage or Anchorage to Whittier Travel - How to Get There
Whittier to Anchorage travel arrangements are needed for most all north-bound Alaskan Cruises arriving in Whittier. If you arrive by one of these cruises then you will need transportation from Whittier to Anchorage. Perhaps you need Anchorage to Whittier transportation
Anchorage Restaurant - Snow City Cafe
An excellent Anchorage Restaurant choice is The Snow City Cafe, in downtown Anchorage
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Alaska Vacation Insider Newsletter - Issue #001
17 Feb 2009 - Issue #001 of The AlaskaVacation Insider Newsletter. Alaska Glacier Cruise,Alaska Native HeritageCenter and more!
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Anchorage Attractions - What to do in Anchorage
Anchorage attractions are many
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Alaska Halibut Fishing Trips - How To Prepare
Must Know Info for Alaska Halibut Fishing Trips, What to Take--Not to Take
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Enjoy Winter in Alaska!
Winter in Alaska is cold, beautiful and fun!
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Anchorage Tour, Alaska
Top Anchorage Tour Attractions. I'm local. I'll let you know what to see on your Tour of Anchorage
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Anchorage Airport Car Rental and Other Transportation Options
Transportation from Anchorage Airport including Anchorage Airport Car Rental Information
Wasilla-Lodging-Agate-Inn
The Agate Inn in Wasilla is our favorite place to stay - Wasilla Lodging
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Anchorage Restaurants
Four Star Seven Glaciers Restaurant is one the best Anchorage Restaurants to dine at
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Alaska Moose Videos
Collection of Alaska Moose Videos and Photos
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Video - Grizzly Bear Attacks Moose in Driveway
Homer, Alaska - The news of a GrizzlyBear attacking a moose in the driveway ofa Homer, Alaska home over the weekend ismaking big news here in Alaska.
How would you like to wake up to this inyour driveway? You've gotta love Alaska!!!
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Alaska Photography | Bird Creek Alaska
Pictures taken at Bird Creek Fishing Action! - Alaska Photography
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Alaskan Grizzly Bear and Brown Bear Viewing in Alaska
Where to View Alaskan Grizzly Bear s | Bear Viewing in Alaska
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Alaska Wildlife in Anchorage
Alaska Wildlife Hotspots in and Around Anchorage
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Road to Juneau Alaska?
I think it was in 2001, when I first moved to Alaska, that I realized that there were no roads to the Alaskan State capital of Juneau.
That is embarassing to admit, but I know I'm not the only one that thought that!
Anyway, I wanted to fill you in on the current plans to connect Juneau, via a 50 mile highway, to other Lynn Canal communties such as Haines and Skagway.
The State of Alaska is still waiting for needed permits and Federal approval, but advanced road materials orders have been made.
The order includes steel culverts, concrete girders and steel pile pipe for bridges!
There is opposition to this project, of course.
There are some that believe that the cost of maintenance will suck away funds to the Alaska Marine Highway System, which currently links Southeast communties by ferries.
Advocates say that a road would provide new economic and recreational opportunities for the area.
Right now, the only way to reach Juneau is via airplane or boat. Both are expensive ways to get there.
This new highway would make Juneau more accessible to Alaskans and tourist alike!
New Slogan and Video for Anchorage!
The City of Anchorage, in an attempt to create a new brand and market itself to the world released the results of it's $80,000 project yesterday!
Here it is...are you ready?
"Anchorage...a Big, Wild, Life!"
My first impression? Say what...? I wasn't all that impressed. Surely they could have come up with something better.
But, after watching the new video, the new made a little more sense.
Overall, I like it now. I think it should have been a little more energic in presentation.
Watch the video and see what you think. Does it improve your image of the City of Anchorage Alaska?
Click the link below!
Anchorage Airport Shuttle and Other Transportation Options in Anchorage Area
Anchorage airport transportation options and shuttle services
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