Alaska is not your typical vacationing spot, and I'm having trouble finding people who've been there and can give some good advice.  I was hoping maybe someone on the board has been there and could PM or post some good suggestions.

I'm planning on taking on a 1-2 week trip to Alaska with a wonderful lady I'm seeing, in late June/early July. I've never spent more than a few days there myself (usually on layovers to Asia) and could use some advice on flights, hotels and fun activities. The goal is to have an active, fun, memorable exploration of Alaska.  

We're both outdoorsy people and I've seen some interesting articles on bear tours, glacier explorations, helicopter rides, kayaking, hot spring resorts etc. but not much luck in finding people who've been there and done that.  So if you have, and can pass on any good advice, that would be much appreciated.  The woman I'm seeing rarely vacations and I would like to make this a memorable trip for her.  Thanks.

Also, I am planning on taking a break from hobbying for a while to see how things work out.  Not for the usual reasons--the lady I'm seeing knows I hobby and doesn't mind it.  My heart just isn't into hobbying, right now.

...don't do it! lol

B-Pop

check your pm

Try the link I have posted.  The state posts a lot of good information.  Places run by Cruise lines tend to be very expensive.

Be very careful about wandering alone in areas you do not know about.  Alaska is not a big petting zoo.  The animals you see have you on their food chain, not them on yours.  Never carry open food, bears can smell food 5 miles away.  

Otherwise it is a beautiful State in a rugged sort of way.

Enjoy.

Reon't go to Alaska or don't date the girl? -eom

Congrats to you!
Alaska is suppose to be wicked cool. I just hope the girl is warm.
Too bad your breaking. Just when I am on my way this month.
Maybe I'll get your pleasure another time!

AngieRenee
XOXOXOXOXO

Yes, I know penguins are only in the southern
hemisphere.

Reon't go to Alaska or don't date the girl? -eom

I think he meant don't quit the hobby.  I'm sure he will be back on soon to clarify.

I have read the posting thread here.  I have been to Alaska for two weeks (twelve years ago) and it is an OUTSTANDING vacation destination, ESPECIALLY for "outdoorsy people".

 We did the obligatory cruising (on a yacht in our case) into the smaller most scenic fjords and glaciers of the inland waterway, as well as Glacier Bay and Prince William Sound (and the so called College Fjord glaciers).

 On the mainland, we were mostly in Denali and the Wrangal--St. Alias National Parks.  We did much hiking and some canoeing.  Even had an upclose Grizzly encounter (a momma and two sows).  That was fortunately from a school bus.  Still made my hairs stand on end, though.  Will never forget it.

 The standard rap on Alaska is that it gets the off-sea breezes and cool fog in the summer (which most often obscures Mt. McKinley and the mountaintops of the tidewater glaciers).  That is often true, however when we were there we were getting the equivalent of California's Santa Anna winds which were off-land (or so called off-shore).  It was quite sunny, clear, and downright HOT (90 degrees in most places and over 105 dry degrees in the desert area of Fairbanks).  

 Our siteseeing was outstanding.  What obscuration we DID get was from a huge wildland fire that was going on well east in the Northwest Territories of Canada.

 If you would desire more 411, please feel free to pm.

-- Modified on 6/1/2005 12:29:18 PM

-- Modified on 6/1/2005 12:32:00 PM

I had heard this joke before but couldn't remember it, luckily Google found it for me.

http://www.hotbars.net/funny/joke/j2282j8.html

I liked it, but then again..........

It's cold, don't go.

Next question.

Reminds me of another one regarding how to tell the difference:

 If you run away, climb a tree, and it climbs up after you, it's a Black Bear.

 If you climb the tree and it shakes it like an earthquake, splits its main stump, and you fall off onto the bear, it is a Grizzly.

Reon't go to Alaska or don't date the girl? -eom

lol, I was just joking around about not going to Alaska

B-Pop

I lived in Alaska for three years in the mid 80s.  Personally, I hated it and from the day I arrived, I was ready to leave.  To each their own.

I think it's a great place to visit for a week or two, but I wouldn't wish living there on my worst enemy.  Many folks consider it a hunter/fisher paradise, but depending on where you are at that may or may not be true.  Personally, I don't want to huddle in the woods or sit on a frozen lake around a hole chopped in the ice while freezing my rear end off for hours, in the slim hope of shooting or catching something, but to each their own.

Of course I lived in the Interior, near Fairbanks.  The winters there are usually more cold, and the summers more warm, than the southern coastal regions or the Kenai peninsula.

Going in the summer can be great, but remember to bring plenty of insect repellant so you can ward off the Alaska state bird, the mosquito.  You can usually see them swarming behind you while walking, and god forbid you stop!

Enjoy your vacation.

I thought it was me.. I hated that place with a passion.. I spent three yrs there also.. Seem like the closer I got there the more I dislike the spot. Great hunting,fishing but I grew up in Atlanta.. We had friends that offer to take us on a cruise to Alaska last yr, we declined.. Sorry D.C go to Hawaii..lol