How it Started The Iditarod is often known as the last great race on Earth, and for good reason. Historically, dog sleds have delivered mail, groceries, gold, furs, and medicine. It wasn’t until the winter of 1925, when there was a diphtheria outbreak in Nome, AK, that the long-distance relay became popular. (Alaska Geophysical) During the diphtheria outbreak, the nearest antitoxin serum was 1,000 miles away in Anchorage. Sea [...]
Roadside Camping: The Glenn Highway While visiting Alaska there are a few different accommodations for rest and relaxing. For some, a vehicle that supports an adventurous lifestyle is what they look for when traveling. Working and living out of a van, even part-time, is an experience in itself that requires planning. Roadside camping requires more nuanced systems and awareness so that you can have a successful balance of work [...]
History of MICA Mocha If you have ever found yourself winding down 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 life: an espresso [...]
Alaskan Swells Although Alaska might not have the warm and tropical temperatures as other volcanic shorelines, it has elements that you cannot experience anywhere else. These rocky beaches and brisk cold waves connect you with breathtaking scenery and natural wonders, and offer you a view of wild ecosystems like you haven’t seen before. Whether it’s a day trip or a short multi-day experience with a helicopter or boat, this [...]
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. (Sustainability) 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 [...]
An Alpine Start A midsummer day led to the start of an abrupt and unexpected adventure, hiking to the peak of Gunsight Mountain. The curator of this event, the locally seasoned owner/operator/mentor of this outdoor company, Don Wray, reached out to me. He handed two other Assistant Guides and me a sheet of paper. Further, the paper informed us this new assignment was to take place the next day. [...]
An Exploration of McCarthy Entering the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, from either side, shows you the grace of being something so small in this immense and intricate world. Giant snow-covered peaks sit atop rolling coniferous forests here. The boundless skies that back the landscape showcase the iridescent colors of the rising and setting sun. This gradient of mysticism only highlights the features of this expansive terrain. [...]
Hiking the Gold Mint Trail Hatcher’s Pass offers many hiking opportunities. Its varied terrain and access to the backcountry of the Talkeetna Mountains will have you yearning for more with each visit. Some days offer an abundance of time and resources, while others leave you with only an afternoon to spare. On a summer day in the Mat-Su Valley, we chose to keep the logistics simple and set out [...]
Matanuska-Susitna Valley Geology The Matanuska-Susitna Valley has been perfectly carved over thousands of years to frame glaciers, mountains, and rivers, and to serve as an entrance to exploration. This valley is located in the southeastern region of Alaska, dipping into the Interior. You’ll pass giant peaks etched away and dropping into cliffs that meet the river basin. Accessing the geological wonders this valley has to offer is as easy [...]
Alaska Bears Alaska is home to many plants and animals. With ample food and habitat resources, there is typically more than one species of animal. Like the bear. There are about four distinct species of bear in Alaska: brown bears, grizzly bears, black bears, and polar bears. Each bear has behaviors and characteristics that result from adapting within its environment. Learning about bears is your best way to be [...]
