So you're like John Locke of the TV series
Lost and simply (literally) dying for an adventure. Or maybe you're
just bored to death and you want to experience more of life. Have
no fear… no need to travel across the globe to taste adventure
in the wilds of Africa or the rainforests of South America. Why
should you when you've got Alaska. Alaska… the 49th state and
fondly known as the Land of the Midnight Sun and The Last Frontier.
Most people believe that Alaska, a name which comes from an Aleut
word meaning "land that's not an island" is simply tundra in the
middle of nowhere because of it's distance from the lower 48 states
and because most of the stories you hear about it are usually
related to the cold and snow and so-called vast, desolate, open
spaces. But you thought wrong.
Alaska - the largest state (by land mass) is also one of the least
populated - is a land that combines the beautiful snowy scenery
of the Alps with the challenge of an adventure trip to the Congo.
Don't believe me?
That's okay because I've got proof.
River Fishing
When someone mentions Alaska, people usually visualize a land
of ice and frozen desert. So it's a bit hard to imagine people
being able to fish in such a place. But like I mentioned earlier,
Alaska is a place filled with adventure, a place well worth traveling
to.
For your Alaska fishing adventure, you can try your luck at hooking
any of a variety of prized fish like: Silver Salmon in Resurrection
Bay during August and September, the King Salmon of the Lower
Kenai River from May to July or Red (Sockeye) Salmon, Dolly Varden
and Rainbow Trout in the Upper Kenai River.
Rafting
Yes, you can raft to your hearts' content and pretend you're a
lone wanderer having an adventure in the midst of the vast array
of Alaskan wildlife. Travel and encounter the many natural wonders
of Alaska. Listen to the stories of the natives. Catch a glimpse
of moose and bald eagles as you hold on for dear life while traversing
the rapids of Kenai River Canyon - a trip that is highly recommended
and one that you don't want to miss.
Backpacking
This is an adventure you must grab because there's virtually nothing
that compares to backpacking in Alaska. You can of course choose
your own adventure travel destination: Brooks Range, Artic Refuge,
Talkeetna Mountains, and Wrangell-St. Elias to name just a few.
Sea Kayaking
This not so common adventure is one that only traveling to Alaska
can bestow upon you. This is not for the feint of heart and make
sure, that you don't attempt this alone.
Expeditions to Walrus Island
So you haven't seen any of those furry adorable creatures up close?
Find yourself aching for more of a marine adventure rather than
a landlocked one? Or perhaps you're content to simply watch. Have
no fear because Alaska's Walrus Island has it all. You can view
walrus, other marine mammals and rare bird species from the comfortable
deck of a cruising yacht. But if you want a bit more of a challenge,
you can take a hiking trip and see more of the Alaskan wildlife.
Dog Sledding
This is probably the most popular sport in Alaska and an adventure
worth telling your grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends,
barber or whoever will listen. If you so choose, you can simply
watch the dog sled races or try it out yourself by mushing your
own team. The Siberian huskies, are highly trained so there's
no need to worry about your safety. Plus, if you have the time,
you can also visit the renowned author, husky owner and Alaskan
original Mary Shields.
Fjord Exploration
If you've ever dreamed of experiencing the sheer scale of an honest-to-goodness
glacier that the pages of a book or movie screen just can't convey
then Alaska is the place to be? Unless, of course you prefer Greenland
or Iceland for your icy adventure. I think not... and just another
of many reasons why we should be thankful for the great State
of Alaska.
So... are you now convinced that traveling to Alaska is an adventure
that you must not miss? I sure hope so because if you're not -
what's wrong with you. Just kidding, however before making reservations
be sure you've got everything you need like clothes for wide range
of temperatures and a comfortable pair of hiking boots.
And clearly... compare the available travel packages being offered
by the travel agencies that cater to Alaska or you can make your
own travel itinerary and then simply hire a guide to assist you
along the way. A great place to start planning your trip is Alaska
- The Last Frontier. A website dedicated to being a complete resource
on Alaska.
Have a great trip and enjoy everything that Alaska has to offer!
Copyright 2005 Brian Cahill All rights reserved.
About the Author
Brian Cahill is a contributing writer to the following websites:
Alaska - The Last Frontier: http://www.eyeonalaska.com and VoIP
- Internet Telephone: http://www.eyeonvoip.com. Permission is
given to publish this article provided the author resource box
is included in its entirety.
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