Alaska is absurd. Bears, moose, mammoth mountains, soaring pines, jagged peaks, water streaming past boulders, surging down valleys, crashing against sand. We started in South Dakota, attending a wedding in the Black Hills the weekend prior to departure. This was July of 2014. On Sunday, we drove to Denver, hopping an Alaska Airlines flight to Seattle, using two companion certificates. Our departure from Seattle to Anchorage was delayed. We … [Read more...]
Going Green: Alaska Ecotourism
There is a rush to Alaska. In 1898 the stampede was for gold. Today visitors are heading to the 49th state seeking the ultimate wilderness experiences in a land filled with superlatives. Alaska is the largest and western-most state. It has the longest days, the biggest fish, the longest coastline, and the most extensive wilderness (53 percent). The challenge is how to balance over two million visitors a year with conservation ethics, … [Read more...]
Driving the Denali Highway
During our eight days in Alaska, I don't think we had a single bad view, and the Denali Highway was no exception. The 135 mile, mostly-unpaved road connects the town of Cantwell to Paxson and was once the only road providing access to Denali National Park. Due to harsh winter conditions, the road is closed from October through mid-May, but if you have the opportunity to drive this road during the summer months, it will not disappoint. If you … [Read more...]
Erden Eruç: Global Circumnavigater and Adventurer
Recently we stumbled upon adventurer Erden Eruç through the great social connector, Twitter. His story appeals to all on a number of levels. He first came up with the idea to circumnavigate the globe under human power in 1997. It was an idea but he never pursued it at the time. Then in 2002, tragically he lost his friend and global adventurer Göran Kropp while rock climbing together and Erden was inspired to do something in his honor while … [Read more...]
New Denali National Park Tour Starting June 1
Windows Into Wilderness Tour Includes a Bus Tour and Guided Hike into the Park ANCHORAGE, Alaska - May 1 2013 As vacationers begin to make summer plans, Doyon/ARAMARK Joint Ventures introduces its new Windows Into Wilderness Tour. Beginning June 1 through Aug. 31, the Windows Into Wilderness Tour allows adventurers to travel deeper into Denali National Park in less time. The six-hour tour has been crafted as a suitable alternative for those … [Read more...]
Denali National Park – April 2008
Denali National Park is located between Fairbanks and Anchorage and is home to the mega attraction, Mt. McKinley - North America's tallest mountain at 20,320 feet. Unfortunately McKinley is only seen about 25% of the time as this mountain creates its own weather and which means it and most of the park are covered in clouds the majority of the time. Come prepared to expect any type of weather anytime of year. But if you luck out and visit on a … [Read more...]
Mt. Rainier, WA
In every inspiring natural creation there is a realism that speaks to you. In every moment on a mountain you find it more and more. You discover yourself in ways not possible through other means. This stays with you and guides you for the rest of your life. May everyone have this chance at least once. ~ Dave Mt. Rainier is the crown jewel of the Pacific Northwest and the 700 mile long Cascade range spanning from Mt. Lassen in the south, all … [Read more...]
Alaska & Canada Bicycle Trip Part III
Alaska and Canada Bicycle Trip First Leg -- Anchorage, Alaska July 3, 2001 I finally found a computer that I can use to send an update from Alaska. We just arrived in Anchorage after riding a four hundred mile loop through Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. So far, the riding has been absolutely epic with vast expanses of spruce and hemlock forest, fast flowing rivers, snowcapped mountains, hug ice fields, and glaciers. Surprisingly, the weather has … [Read more...]