Wednesday, May 23, 2007
"Zipping" Through Alaska
Icy Strait Point, located about 50 miles north of Juneau, Alaska, has opened North America's longest and highest zip-line tour. The 5,330-foot-long zip line takes thrill seekers from the heights of a mountaintop to the beach below. "Guests will receive a brief history on the area and its people on the drive up the mountain to the start of the ride," said Johan Dybdahl, president of Icy Strait Point. "Wildlife sightings -- Sitka black-tailed deer and Alaska coastal brown bear -- along the way are common."
The zip-line launch pad sits amid dense forest 1,330 feet above sea level. Riders are buckled in securely, and within seconds are treated to an eagle's-eye-view of the surrounding mountains and ocean.Traveling at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, riders reach the bottom in 90 seconds. Six individual cables allow up to six passengers to launch simultaneously or independently. Built by ZipRider, the zip-line features a braking system that is activated, but not controlled by the rider's weight. Once the rider leaves the loading platform, the brake is constantly applied, eliminating the uncontrollable speeds seen in traditional zip-line systems. In addition, the rider hangs four feet beneath the cable and cannot interfere with the trolley or its braking system.
Rider restrictions are based on weight rather than height, with 90 pounds being the minimum and 275 pounds being the maximum rider weight.
Because the zip-line consists of only a launch tower and landing platform and no ground contact between the two terminals, there is minimal impact to the environment. As with Icy Strait Point's other shore excursions, cruise passengers may reserve their zip-line tour when they book their cruise, during their cruise, or upon arrival at Icy Strait Point, if space is available. Independent travelers may also visit Icy Strait Point and enjoy the available tours in addition to the zip-line. For more information, visit http://www.icystraitpoint.com/.
Take a virtual ride at: http://www.ziprider.com/media/video/icy-strait-point/index.php
Copy from: http://www.modernagent.com/
WILDRIDE SLED DOG SHOW
NEW for 2007- The dogs are coming to Anchorage!
NEW for 2007- The dogs are coming to Anchorage!
You have endured that long, tiring plane ride from somewhere Outside and you are finally on the ground in Anchorage basking in the midnight sun and breathing that clear Alaskan air! You are on your way to a fabulous cruise or tour and you only have a day or two to spend in “ the biggest small town in the world”. You want to experience something truly Alaskan and something really FUN! Well here is your solution!
The dogs are coming to Anchorage! After 15 years of providing "the best sled dog ride/tour in Alaska" at their Seward and Sterling homesteads, the Seavey's are expanding to Anchorage. The WildRide Sled Dog Show, led by Dallas Seavey, will feature the 2004 Iditarod champion sled dog team, world champion weight pull dogs, Iditarod mushers, and FlapJack, who plays "Buck" in Disney's EIGHT BELOW, demonstrating the amazing abilities of the Alaskan Husky in a very entertaining fashion.
The Seavey family guides you through the history of sled dogs - from transport to sport – telling their real stories from the trail, and demonstrating the incredible power and athleticism of their Iditarod champion sled dogs, in this family oriented show. After the show, meet the real Iditarod dogs and mushers, cuddle some adorable husky puppies (my absolute favorite!!!), and get a picture of FlapJack, one of the stars in Disney's "Eight Below".
The show is presented in a covered arena, beside the Comfort Inn, near Ship Creek in Anchorage. Friends who have seen the previews of the show tell me that it was hillarious. “I don't want to spoil the fun,” says Eric Rogers, a friend and an Iditarod finisher, “but if you have ever wanted to see the dogs turn the tables on the mushers you should check it out ;-).”
The Seavey family also offers exciting summer sled dog rides at Grandfather Dan's homestead in Seward, and at Mitch's kennel in Sterling. Both tours give guests a behind-the-scenes tour of an Iditarod racing kennel and 100% of proceeds from all the tours go to supporting the Seavey Team racing efforts.
For more information about this Unique Alaskan Experience, and for additional information about all the tours, the Seavey family and the Seavey Racing Team...
http://www.ididaride.com/tours/anchorage/wildride.htm
