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The advent of planes, trains and automobiles for the purpose of efficiently transporting humans around the globe has meant more than just fast travel. Clinging to our bodies, gear and found within the air we breathe are millions of viruses and infections, some mild, some not, but each harboring the potential to wreck a vacation. A perfect example is this year’s influenza outbreaks in the United States, where experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) raised the alert of high flu incidence to 43 states, Alaska included (...
In my travels I've found that, yes, chain hotels are always dependable just for the fact that they're, well, everywhere, but I really don't care for them. This summer we stayed at a Comfort Inn somewhere in Illinois, and it freaked me out that I couldn't open the window. And this is something that most chains do as the use of the heating and cooling system determines the air in the room. I like fresh air and do not like air conditioning – I believe most Alaskans would agree with me. I also r...
If you've not visited the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center lately, it may be time. Yes, the newly-recreated Alaska Exhibition is a contemporary upgrade from the previous space; certainly the "Cruisin' the Fossil Coastline" exhibit featuring artist Ray Troll is whimsical. The museum's atrium has also been remodeled to reflect the true nature of the space, and the Discovery Center provides a worthwhile look at science for guests of all ages. But it's the programming that I'm focusing on for 201...
In a world seemingly full of dangers, it might be best to turn to countries where there have been civil wars and its people moved on to a more stable society. One place would be Ireland, the ancestral home to many Americans. Aside from peace there's also the convenience that English is spoken here, there are familiar foods and they brew most excellent beer. It was not always so. "The Troubles" (1969–1997) was a conflict between nationalists (mainly Roman Catholic) and unionists (mainly B...
The question "to check or not to check?" is one of the most common among air travelers, with passionate justification on all sides of the argument. Some travelers swear by the philosophy of carrying luggage on board an aircraft, especially if they have experienced the inconvenience or expense of lost bags and crowded queues at airport baggage claims. Others, however, prefer the ease of free hands and fewer items to track as they make their way around airports. What is not up for debate is that...
It's hard to ignore the headlines of terrorist attacks on tourists or random acts of violence involving crowds, particularly at popular tourist sites and entertainment venues. It is a sad and frightening time to travel. What to do? The Department of State recently alerted U.S. citizens to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks throughout Europe, particularly during the holiday season, advising U.S. citizens should exercise caution at holiday festivals and events through Jan. 31, 2018....
There are two times during the year when grandparents are most likely to travel with their children's children. One is during the time-honored tradition called summer vacation, a relaxed, happy time of bonding activities, lazy schedules and lots of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors together. The other is during the holidays, a season of joy, certainly, but also with more excitement and potential for stressful situations if families aren't prepared. Those who regularly travel together in a...
Part three in a series. The trails of wood smoke far behind us, we arrived in Dawson City, Yukon Territory, for its Riverside Arts Festival that coincided with Discovery Days. Annually, the 160 placer and hard rock miners take time off and flood the town for to celebrate the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. As the rush's epicenter, Dawson is a time capsule with dirt streets, historic building preserved by Parks Canada and a few left in their original state. I love this place. Busy weekend in the...
It's here; the annual scramble to book the next year's adventures. Alaskans love to plan trips, especially trips to warmer weather, and November marks a milestone for many, whether they purchased a PFD airline sale ticket on a whim, or have been plotting a 2018 getaway for months. Is this you? Have you pored over the online advertising that beckons eager Alaskans to wander the globe, or checked out local specials at some of Alaska's hidden gems? Either way, November is the time to make some...
We hit the Alaska Highway after escaping British Columbia's own Bermuda Triangle - Fort St. John. Like a scene from the movie "Groundhog Day," where the main character repeats the same day over and over until they attain a higher consciousness, we circled that town in a desperate attempt to go in the right direction. Leaving Fort St. John, or so we thought, I suddenly realized the sun was on my left, signaling we were traveling south and not north. Amazingly, we maintained emotional equilibrium...
For Alaskans, history and cultural traditions are intertwined in a complicated and very personal narrative unlike that found anywhere else in the United States. The combination of a vast landscape and diverse residents means a tapestry of many colors that require sensitive storytelling. We are shaped by our environment. The Anchorage Museum recently unveiled new spaces that seek to continue the story of Alaskans past, present and future. The Rasmuson Wing and Art of the North Galleries bring an...
We roared out of Bennington, Vermont, to cover 977 miles the first day and somehow avoided speeding tickets. This after deciding we did not like Bennington and would return to my mother's home town of Gloucester, Massachusetts, and so put the house up for sale. We worked on the house for over 10 months and it was high time to go on an adventure. And that would be to Dawson City, Yukon Territory, to participate in the Dawson City Riverside Arts Festival and then on to the family cabin across the...
Last weekend I awoke to the sound of pounding rain and a sharp breeze whipping birch branches against my window. The day was as raw and wet as they come, and provided a stark reminder that fall is indeed on its way. Time for one more Alaska road trip. Last Frontier residents are lucky -- we have the advantage of quiet roadways and fewer crowds once the Labor Day weekend fades away and most Alaska attractions button up for another year. Yes, popular places may be closed, but the good news is that...
Nearly 331 million people set foot inside a national park last year, thanks in part to the agency's 100th birthday and a societal push to spend more time in the great outdoors. America's public lands may be the best idea our government ever had, but they are now in need of financial support to keep up their natural beauty and a level of access expected by an ever-growing number of visitors. In 2016, Congress passed Centennial Legislation P.L. 114-289, giving public land agencies authority to...
Alaska craftspeople who work in gems and silver rush every year in late January to the Tucson Gem Show where 250 dealers hawk the supplies that keep local artisans afloat and viable for the tourism trade. It's a huge affair. Not so the small, regional wool and sheep shows where sheep farmers and yarn makers bring out their best to show and sell. The Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair in Cummington, Massachusetts, a mere blip on your GPS, is held Memorial Day weekend and is a real look into...
Rivers of ice that tell the story of Alaska's geologic past, glaciers rank high on sightseeing bucket lists. Hanging from alpine cirques or plunging directly into deep fjords, 100,000 glaciers in the Last Frontier represent the rugged, remote Alaska visitors come to see and residents respect as barometers of the state's overall environmental wellness. Formed when centuries of snow is compressed and moves under its own massive weight, glaciers are scenic symbols of Alaska. Standing near one of...
Palm trees and swans in the harbor may not seem possible in England, but in Cornwall it is. Its temperate ocean climate is the mildest and sunniest in all of the United Kingdom due to its position at 50.503632 degrees (Anchorage is 61.217381 degrees) with the Gulf Stream wafting warm air from the south. The region shares a literary mythical relation to Alaska. Considered a magical place, Cornwall is home to the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Roundtable, and notably his sister...
Denver is an outdoor city filled with urban adventures. The Mile High City is known for its world-class cultural attractions, thriving craft breweries and famous music scene, all within easy reach of the Rocky Mountains. Situated in the South Platte River Valley, this modern city draws openness from the Great Plains to the east and embraces the spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains to the west. Residents of this mile-high landscape are noted for their sunny dispositions-to match the area's...
Vermont is all about maple syrup and that's just fine with me. Here in the springtime, smoke fills the air from sugarhouses busily boiling the sap from sugar maple trees in vats over wood-fired boilers. But much has changed in this cottage industry as maple-syrup-making hit the 21st century, and nowhere have the leaps in technology been so evident as on the Smith Maple Crest Farm in Shrewsbury, Vermont, where maple trees seven generations old twist toward the sky. Jeff and Mary Smith continue...
Just a week in the sun makes Jack much easier to live with. Truly, the lack of sun in wintertime does tax one's sanity in Alaska. I was of the mind that I was a true Alaskan and didn't need any stinking winter vacation - until I took a week in Kauai. Before I went, someone said to me in Utqiagvik, "warm sand between your toes." The image almost made me break down as I looked around at the minus-degree scenery and blowing snow while I waited for a bus. Heeding the call, winter slipped by easily...
Cemeteries might not seem like a likely place to visit as a tourist but they are. Some people visit cemeteries to pay homage to presidents, artists, poets and other influential individuals. Others go to admire the art and architecture, while still others find the beautifully landscaped gardens a place to reflect. 1. Arlington National Cemetery. The military cemetery located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., is the most visited cemetery in the United States. It is the grave...
This column has talked about riding the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS), and that it is an experience many Alaskans revel in and more should try. It will be especially so in 2018, when AMHS hopes to roll out its two Alaska class ferries, now being constructed at Vigor Alaska in Ketchikan, that will serve as day boats. At 280 feet long, they can seat up to 300 passengers and stow 53 standard vehicles on their car decks. For speedy loading and unloading, they will have bow and stern doors,...
As the centennial year for the National Park Service comes to a close, I want to share some of my favorite parks in Alaska because this state has the most parks, the largest park and the most varied geologically. With its 54 million acres in the state's eight national parklands, add on top of that national historic areas. Alaska has 15 prehistoric landmarks that are archaeological sites dating back to pre-European (also called pre-contact) time and 34 historic landmarks detailing the state's pas...
Thanks to the inherent isolationism of Brits, Americans can benefit this winter from the country's vote to leave the European Union. The pound has fallen to levels not seen since the mid-1960s - now at $1.30 as of the last week of September. If you're an Alaska Airlines frequent flier, do go with British Airlines for a mere 65,000 miles for coach. The spaciousness of BA's seating will leave you to forever grumble. The play's the thing I was lucky enough to have spent 1997 to 1998 in London...
This year the National Park Service celebrates its 100th birthday. Help them celebrate with a visit to one of their parks and/or monuments. There is bound to be one near your home. America owes a big thank you to John Muir, whose writings convinced the U. S. government to protect Yosemite, Sequoia, Grand Canyon and Mt. Rainier as national parks. Think what would have happened if they were not protected or fell into the hands of private promoters. Another thank you goes to Theodore Roosevelt...
