James Hawie Johnson asked:
The very name Alaska conjures up powerful images of a beautiful wilderness, and the perfect destination to go for an unforgettable adventure. Alaska has something for everyone, as it offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities, cultural tours, whale watching, and mountain biking and hiking. Experiencing Alaska travel and weather firsthand can make for the vacation of a lifetime.
Alaska is the least densely populated state in America. It is also the most northerly and was the second to last state to be created. It borders British Columbia in Canada and the Yukon. Mount McKinley is the highest mountain in the United States.
Alaska is thought to be the first state in America to have been occupied by humans. The first European landed in Alaska in 1741, and was the Russian Aleksei Ilyich Chirikov. The Russians then settled in Alaska until it was bought by America in 1867. It did not become a state until 1959.
Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, with a population of just under three hundred thousand. It is one of the most northerly cities in the world. It has many restaurants and a healthy music scene. There are also museums and theatres and all the amenities that you would expect from a city of this size.
Anchorage is surrounded by the wilderness and it is possible to go fishing and hiking just a few minutes outside the city. In the winter the city is transformed into a snowy playground with dog sledding, ski trails and skating rinks all to be found within the city limits. It is possible to have a vacation based in Anchorage and to arrange many interesting day trips from this location.
Alaska offers many opportunities for wildlife viewing. It is possible to see a wide range of species including polar and grizzly bears, humpbacked and killer whales, wolves, lynx and moose. There are many trips available for wildlife viewing that vary in duration and destination.
Alaska is an excellent destination for anyone interested in fishing. It is possible to just cast a line from the roadside or charter a boat or even a float plane to take you to some pristine fishing spots right in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness. Accommodation for fishing trips ranges from the basic to the luxurious.
If you are interested in hiking but would like to do something a little bit different then why not try glacier hiking. A guided tour will take you safely onto the glaciers. Trips are available for different levels of fitness and experience. Guided cycling tours and hiking tours are also available for many different areas of Alaska.
Alaska weather during the summer is not as cool as you might imagine. High temperatures have been recorded with summer days averaging between sixty and eighty degrees Fahrenheit. The mornings and evenings tend to be cooler, and the fall season starts sooner. In general it is best to dress in layers. By September there will also be fewer hours of daylight. Check the weather forecast, dress appropriately, and have fun.
