When it comes to visiting Alaska often times many think of visiting during the summer months when the grass and trees are green and wildlife is abundant. Thoughts of winter tourism are instead filled with images of recreational lovers indulging in such activities as skiing, snowshoeing, or in some cases even ice climbing. Yet in the past few years Alaska has found itself experiencing an exponential growth when it comes to winter tourism.

And with abundant recreational activities in addition to a winter landscape filled with images of calm serene snow with the northern lights dancing overhead, who could blame them? Winter in Alaska also holds such bonuses as off season hotel packages and car rentals making the journey here much more affordable. For those that may not be recreation minded there exists an abundance of other activities one can participate in. Including the winter festivals that occur in many towns and villages throughout the state.

One in particular has become well known throughout the world and that is Anchorage’s Fur Rendezvous festival which is seen as the kick off to the world famous Iditarod. Fur Rendezvous or Fur Rondy as it is known is typically held the last two weeks of February. Spread over 10 days with an abundance of activities it allows participants to truly get out and experience winter in Alaska - including having a little fun to boot. Some of the activities are those that you would normally find this time of year such as ski racing (vis a vie the Tour of Anchorage) and the World Championship Sprint Sled Dog Races. But many of the events are built to bring the community together and in fact can be quite off the wall. Case in point would be snowshoe softball, the outhouse races, and this years inaugural Running of the Reindeer. As is always the case with Alaska winters one never knows what Mother Nature will throw at you. During 2007’s Fur Rondy Anchorage was greeted with temperatures of 15 below and as a result many of the events suffered from low attendance. We were on the verge of watching Fur Rondy in fact vanish from our eyes as the event itself was encountering numerous obstacles with a budget deficit and lack of support from the public. But not one to give up hope the team that runs this pulled together and cut corners where necessary and found themselves with a $300,000 budget surplus for 2008.

“Reindeer Games”
Reindeer Skijoring, Anchorage Fur Rendezvous
Southcentral Alaska

Anchorage’s Annual Fur Rendezvous Carnival began as a winter sports tournament in 1935 and emerged as one of the largest winter festivals in North America. Today the winter carnival lasts 10 days and includes a myriad of events including an amatuer photography contest (in which one of my bear prints placed for the first time), sled dog racing, native cultural events, eskimo blanket tosses, the dog weight pull and the inaugural Running of the Reindeer - much like the Running of the Bulls but with a northern twist.

American Bald Eagles
Homer Spit, Alaska

When it comes to planning vacations the obvious surfaces when it comes to Alaska travel. And that is the adage of “How much can I truly see on a budget?” And lets face it many of us are not made of an endless bounty of coin. Alaska after all tends to have higher prices when it comes to traveling here. Whether it is paying for the airline ticket, accommodations, etc. It is a trip that many people dream and penny pinch for, for days, months or even years. 

However it might actually surprise people that there are things to do in South-central Alaska that require limited funds yet still allow you to experience and view what Alaska is all about.

1. Let your feet do the walking. With over 400 miles of trail Anchorage is a recreational lovers paradise. And whether one likes to bike, run, rollerblade, or simply walk, it is this trail system that allows its users to experience Anchorage and its views at its best. Whether its the picturesque views of Cook Inlet or the birch lined paths of Russian Jack Park - it offers it all.

2. Pack it In. Anchorage feels its daily influences of its surroundings by being situated in the foothills of America’s third largest state park (Chugach State Park). A park that provides a mountainous backdrop and is home to browsing moose, alpine wildflowers, and glaciated creeks. Whether it’s back country bushwhacking or hiking along a groomed trail, the Chugach offers it all. And what better way to experience these splendors than by packing a picnic lunch and packing it in to places like McHugh Creek, the Eagle River Nature Center, Portage Glacier or even Girdwood’s Winner Creek Trail. All situated within Anchorage’s own back yard.

3. The Average Joe. With nearly three coffee shops per 10,000 people lets face it - Anchorage loves its caffeine. And whether it’s a double shot of espresso, a mocha, or a macchiato, there are many shops that offer that location that one can just simply relax and enjoy the surroundings. One such place is the Millennium Alaska Hotel in Anchorage situated on the busiest float plane base in the world. That of Lake Hood. What better way to enjoy the sites and scenes around you by sitting on the outdoor patio of such a place and watching the planes take off and enjoying the land of the midnight sun.

4. The Hunt. Have an air for mystery? Did you consider yourself another version of Maxwell Smart growing up? Then join the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce in solving your own mystery when they hold their annual Salmon on Parade. As a fundraiser for the Campfire Alaska Council, Anchorage Concert Association and the Alaska Conservation Foundation, the Wild Salmon on Parade appears throughout downtown Anchorage from June to August of every summer. Spread throughout Anchorage these wonders created and displayed by local artisans. The challenge of course is in finding them. What better way to experience downtown Anchorage and its sites by joining the hunt and perhaps experiencing a little mystery of your own.

5. Big Wild Life. In 2007 the City of Anchorage branded itself with the slogan of “Big Wild Life”. Seen as a place of abundance its land and surroundings are thought to create a larger than life existence. Especially when it comes to dreaming big and seeing/experiencing what most visitors outside of Alaska don’t get to see — the mecca of wildlife that exists here. And lets face it. Everyone that comes here hopes to see at least some of Alaska’s wildlife, whether it’s a moose, bear, wolf or even a caribou. And for those that can’t get outside of Anchorage and experience these potential sightings there is a place that one can wander through and learn about the natural history of Alaska or perhaps even engage their time in a movie about Alaska’s Wildlife and other subjects. And that is at the Alaska Public Lands Center in downtown Anchorage. It’s a great place to spend a few moments to get your questions answered or even engage in a variety of activities, from geological walks to slide/video presentations. And better yet, it’s free!

Of course if you don’t find any of these suggestions to your liking, there are more traditional ways to experience the grandeur of Alaska through the eyes of the automobile. Alaska offers over 2,000 miles of road system and some great getaways. Whether it’s seeing the wildlife of Denali National Park, experiencing the goldrush beginnings in Hope, or finding your own version of Northern Exposure in Talkeetna, Alaska. Each town offers a quaintness and originality all their own.

Simply put the challenge of experiencing Alaska in her best and on a budget is simply allowing your mind to remain open. The sky is definitely the limit when it comes to this true Last Frontier.

Happy Trails and better yet, Happy Traveling!

It is no standing secret to those that know me that I am what one would call a glorified bibliophile. The love of books and words is always one that has been able to brighten even the dimmest of days. And while my favorite genres have changed over the years, the love of words has remained constant.

However over the past few years I have found myself completely captivated by the subject of books dealing with this wondrous state I live in. Whether it’s from its earliest beginnings or chapters filled with details about its flaura and fauna. Usually if I find an Alaskan title that captures my attention, I will add it to my pile of books to read.

In my wanderings it is not often I find a book that has such a sense of spirit to it that the moment I open and begin to read I am completely riveted. It is these books that often encapsulate the Alaskan spirit I have come to know over the years that make their way to the front of my recommendation list. And it is one such book that has done exactly that as of late. That is Waltz With Me Alaska by Donna Blasor-Bernhardt.

Waltz With Me Alaska is the compelling true story of the Berndardt family who pulled up roots from their Anchorage home and ended up in Tok, Alaska where they struggled to survive in frigid arctic temperatures while building a log cabin. It was during that time the family survived by living in an old army tent. Through their perseverance of love, survival, and challenges, Blasor-Bernhardt weaves a enriched tale of what the true Alaska Spirit is all about.

Church of Saint Nicholas
Nikolaevsk, Southcentral Alaska

With an area rich in Russian Heritage, Nikolaevsk Village’s roots date back to the early 1900s when Old Believers sought a place to worship openly in the way of the Old Rites. The Staro-Obrachestvo, or “Old Rite Russian Orthodox” was then created and the area remains home to those that continue to preserve their lifestyles and beliefs.

American Bald Eagle,
Homer Alaska

All in all a very challenging weekend for shooting conditions…
…near white out conditions.
…wind gusts to 40 miles per hour.
…wind chills to 30 below zero.

But alas I have 400+ photos to sort through and many stories to tell. Including the fight that happened right on top of my car during today’s eagle feeding frenzy. A particular juvenile bald eagle dropped his catch and it happened to land on top of my car. The fight was then on, which I was able participant to watching through my sun roof. I still have fish guts covering my car. That will surely land me a date on Valentines Day.

In Preparation
Southcentral Alaska

It’s that time of year again for the preparation of Anchorage’s Fur Rondy Amateur Photo Contest. I have six entries this year. 5 color and 1 black and white. The Fur Rendezvous began as a winter sports tournament (hockey and basketball) in 1935. It was during that time that Vern Johnson, Clyde Conover, Thomas Bevers and Dale Bowen came up with the idea of a party that would encompass all of Anchorage. The main focus of the carnival was to bring people together, to show community support and celebrate the beginning of the end of winter. In those days revelers purchased a $2 ticket that gained them admission to all of the activities.

Because fur trading was the second leading industry in Alaska at the time, fur trading became an important part of the festival. It provided a golden opportunity for trappers and buyers to meet in Anchorage to ply their trade and cut out the middle-man. Trapping contests were held, and prizes were awarded for the longest fox, the best fox and the finest ermine pelts. The festival continued to grow and today Anchorage Fur Rendezvous is one of the largest winter festivals in North America.

No matter the season I have long since learned there is beauty in every scene around us. Especially when it comes to winter in Alaska. And though I have never professed to being a lover of winter, in fact it is a season I merely tolerate - I do admit that each day it brings is beautiful.

And as I sat there this morning with my knees knocking and teeth chattering with temperatures having at 27 degrees below zero at my house, I once again found beauty as I watched the sun rise over the Chugach Range and the wisps of steam rising up from local chimneys intermingled with the sun’s rays as if waltzing a lovers dance.

And even though the sun has chosen this month to visit us, bringing with it these frigid temperatures, I constantly find myself looking for ways to get outside and enjoy it. Even after giving myself a bad case of wind burn / frost nip last weekend when I was out engaging in some photography. I will say one thing folks, remember your sunglasses during times like this. Because while I may have been bundled up with three layers and had everything covered with the exception of my eyes, frost nip on the eye lids is not a fun thing to have to suffer through. Alas I will not let it stop me. On this weekend’s agenda is a trip down to Homer for some eagle photography. Projected to be sunny and with temperatures below zero once again.

Sitka Black Tailed Deer Doe
Southcentral Alaska