Friday, October 27, 2006
The 49th Reel
Iditarod 2006 Ceremonial StartPhoto by Mary Curtis
The Anchorage Convention and Visitor’s Bureau has just made a really nice addition to their web site featuring some of the unique and interesting things to see and do in the beautiful city of Anchorage, Alaska. My good friend, Rosemary Dunn, who lives and works in Anchorage, brought this unique Alaskan experience to my attention. Rosemary works in the travel and tourism business in Alaska and has been a Visitor Information Staff volunteer with the Anchorage Convention and Visitor’s Bureau since 1997.
The 49th Reel includes short travel features produced by the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau, which present a unique and colorful view of Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska.
Unique and interesting activities featured in the Reel include:
-The Great Alaskan Shootout
-Resident Moose
-The Last Great Race
-Top Trail Town
- Marathon - A Family Affair
-Summer in the City
-Salmon Run Wild
-July 4th Celebration
-A Winter Trio
-Fur Rendezvous
Click on http://www.49threel.com/ to view videos online or download them to your video iPod.
Enjoy the many unique Alaska experiences available without ever leaving beautiful downtown Anchorage.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Photo by Tom OggBurger Queen
As I got off the ship in rainy Ketchikan that Monday I was looking for one thing…the famous Burger Queen. (No, it is no relative of the “King” with a similar name.) I easily located the place right along the street into town but, alas, it was Monday and they were closed!!!
As a result, until I can get to Ketchikan on a day other than Monday, I must recommend this place on the word of several reliable folks who have enjoyed the famous halibut and chips served by this very popular local carryout establishment. I hear tell that they will even deliver your Alaska sized order to the bar across the street where you can enjoy a local Amber with your lunch.
Tom Ogg, an acquaintance, leads seminars for travel professionals aboard ships and has been to Alaska many, many times. Below are his comments on dining at Burger Queen:
Want to know where the locals go to eat their lunch? This little burger stand serves the best halibut and chips I have ever had (at any price) in my life. I liked it so much I ate there twice. I suspect everything on their menu is exceptional, so if you want a break from cruise food, I couldn't recommend a better restaurant in all of Alaska. Don't let its appearance fool you. Be aware though, it is always crowded.
If it is any day except Monday and you find yourself in Ketchikan, head on over to Burger Queen for a fine halibut lunch and some good conversation with the locals. Maybe I will see you there.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
At the 140-acre Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, jaws drop in awe-even those of longtime Alaskans who've studied grizzlies and other animals up close. AWCC's mission is to provide refuge for orphaned, injured, and ill animals-those that can't survive in the wild. The center, which opened to the public in 1993, also educates visitors about Alaska's wildlife. On your visit, you might see a Siberian boar snoozing, moose foraging, baby moose napping, plus caribou, elk, bison, baby Sitka black-tailed deer, eagles, and other animals. The musk oxen are worth the visit all by themselves.
Operating funds are obtained through: admission fees, gift shop and snack bar sales, grants and donations.
I had the pleasure of visiting this amazing place in the company of three Alaskan friends, Rosemary Dunn, June Price and Mary Dillingham, in late August of this year. You can drive through the grounds or take a nice leisurely walk to see all the wonderful animals.
I had the pleasure of visiting this amazing place in the company of three Alaskan friends, Rosemary Dunn, June Price and Mary Dillingham, in late August of this year. You can drive through the grounds or take a nice leisurely walk to see all the wonderful animals.
The center is located at Mile 79 Seward Highway in Portage Glacier, Alaska
To learn more: Alaska Wildlife Consrevation Center
To learn more: Alaska Wildlife Consrevation Center
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Barbara's and Joe's Alaskan Adventure
September 2006
Photo Courtesy of Barbara Drake
Kennicott/Kennecott Mine
Barbara says that her favorite, of all the places she and Joe visited on their extensive driving tour of The Great Land, was the lodge at Kennicott Glacier near the old Kennicott/Kennecott copper mine.
What a great shot of the old mine! You can almost see the ghosts of the long gone miners.
Photo Courtesy of Barbara Drake
Fall in Kantishna
September is already fall in Denali Park. This shot shows fall in all its glory in the Kantishna region near the end of the park road.
Photo Courtesy of Barbara Drake
PUPPIES!!!
Barbara and Joe stopped off for a visit with four time Iditarod Champion Jeff King at his kennel near Denali Park. Too bad all those adoreable puppies needed cuddled, huh?
Remember these faces. One may be a golden harness winner of the future.
