A History: The MICA Mocha Ice Truck If you have ever found yourself winding down the the Matanuska Valley from the East, it isn't long before you reach mile marker 101. Beyond the reflective sign and blooms of fireweed, the black hood of an old Ford ice truck sits at rest. Although this antique automobile may be out of commission for delivering ice, the signage indicates the ice truck's new [...]
Ski Alaska Alaska can be a winter wonderland for outdoor recreation. One way to explore these snowy landscapes is by skiing. Maybe skiing has been a long time passion or you're just getting your boots on for the first time. Ski Alaska and enjoy a sprawling selection of skiing activities to enjoy outside this winter. Gear and Recreation Coming to Alaska often means taking a plane, boat, or a long road [...]
Alaskan Volcanoes and the Roman Empire The Roman Empire Scientists have recently concluded that an Alaskan volcano erupted and played in a contributing role in the fall of the Roman Republic. In the same vein, the rise of the Roman Empire. From 43-42 BC, most of Europe (and likely the rest of the Northern Hemisphere) experienced a cold wave. This brought temperatures down by as much as 17 degrees Fahrenheit on [...]
Gold Panning in Alaska The roots of gold panning in Alaska run deep. In August 1896, three men found gold in the Klondike River in the Yukon Territory of Canada. This small event would go on to not only set off a gold rush, but also shape people's perceptions of Alaska. The Klondike Gold Rush The Klondike gold rush lasted for about two years, enticing people to board ships that would [...]
Unique Places to Stay in Alaska Alaskan residents have an incredible relationship with the land around them. Many who stay in Alaska live off-grid, without traditional amenities like power or water. While you may not want to rough it completely, there are many unique lodging options available to give you a taste of that authentic Alaskan experience. Mountains and Valleys Book Luxury Camping [...]
The terrain up Sheep Mountain is both rocky and plush An Alpine Start A midsummer day lead to the start of an abrupt and unexpected adventure, hiking to the peak of Gunsight Mountain. The curator of this event, our locally seasoned owner/operator/mentor of our outdoor company, Don Wray reached out to me. He handed myself and two other Apprentice Guides a sheet of paper. Further, the paper informed [...]
Alaska By Coupon Choices When planning a trip to Alaska you likely want to fit in as many experiences as possible into your visit. One of the best ways to experience Alaska is through tours. These are experts in their field, trained to give you the best trip possible. However, some of these tours are not cheap, and it can be hard to do everything you want to do while saving [...]
What to Pack for Alaska While it is likely one of the most beautiful places on earth, Alaska is also one of the wildest. You need to be able to plan for the unpredictable. This may make packing a little more complicated than you’re used to. This guide will help you figure out just what you need to pack for your trip to Alaska. Clothing Sunglasses and rain resistant [...]
Removal of the ‘Into the Wild’ Bus 142 Moving Living History Midway through June, the Alaska Army National Guard airlifted Bus 142 from the Alaskan wilderness to an undisclosed location. The 'Into the Wild' bus, made famous by the book and movie “Into the Wild”. The bus memorializes the life of Christopher McCandless. This historic item was originally placed in the forest to house employees building a pioneer access road. In [...]
Traveling Alaska During COVID-19 Traveling this summer and experiencing the effects of COVID-19 can be a daunting task. However, the state of Alaska currently has no special entry or travel testing requirements. (State of Alaska) It is important to understand the guidelines and changing precautions before traveling to Alaska. Pre-Travel If not yet vaccinated, please take a COVID-19 test to limit the spread of COVID-19. There is no need for fully [...]
