ALASKA

Anchorage is noted to have more float planes than any place else, and Rust's Flying Service does an excellent job to taking you to great areas for fishing, hunting and generally getting to see the plethora of wildlife. Taking off and landing on the water is an exhilarating experience. While flying to the lake we were generally at 3,000 feet and yet we were still below the peaks of the mountains we flew through. Our small group were flown up to a lake to see the brown bears. Once at the lake we were transferred into a small pontoon boat. We traveled around the lake, and there were many bears wandering the shoreline looking for Sockeye Salmon to gorge on as hibernation time was almost on them. Seeing how they catch the salmon was fascinating. There were also momma bears with their cubs there as well. It was an amazing day which ended with dinner again at the Glacier Brewhouse. Definitely have a meal there when you visit Anchorage.

We then returned to out hotel for 2 days of meetings with both suppliers of tours, travel insurance, and special peer to peer meetingswith other Travel Agency Owners. This was an excellent opportunity to learn more about Alaska and Anchorage. 

The final day of the Forum we were taken on a Glacier Cruise. During the cruise we saw sea otters, seals and even a Beluga Whale.

We saw so many Glaciers, but the highlight was seeing one of the larger glaciers calve a huge piece into the water.

I flew round trip first class on Alaska Airline, and was very pleased with the service. First class on this relatively short trip was, for me, not much more expensive than economy.

  Visiting Alaska is a good idea because it offers a unique and unforgettable experience of nature, wildlife, culture, and adventure. Alaska is the largest and most diverse state in the U.S., with stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and rich history. Here are some of the things you can see and do in Alaska:

See the Northern Lights, one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world. The best time to see them is from mid-August to mid-April, when the sky is dark and clear. You can join a guided tour or try to spot them on your own. Some of the best places to see the Northern Lights are Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, and Chena Hot Springs.

Explore the glaciers, which cover more than 5% of Alaska’s land area. You can see them from the air, from the water, or from the land. You can also hike, kayak, or ice climb on some of the glaciers, such as Matanuska, Exit, or Mendenhall. You can also visit Glacier Bay National Park, which has 16 tidewater glaciers that calve icebergs into the sea.

Encounter the wildlife, which includes bears, moose, caribou, wolves, eagles, whales, and more. You can see them in their natural habitats, such as Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, or Katmai National Park. You can also visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which rescues and rehabilitates injured and orphaned animals.

Learn about the history and culture of Alaska, which has been influenced by the Native Americans, the Russians, the gold miners, and the oil boom. You can visit museums, historical sites, and cultural centers, such as the Alaska State Museum, the Sealaska Heritage Institute, the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, or the Alaska Native Heritage Center.

Experience the adventure, which can range from mild to wild. You can go fishing, skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, rafting, ziplining, or biking. You can also take a scenic drive, a train ride, a cruise, or a flightseeing tour. You can also participate in the Iditarod Race, the world’s longest and toughest sled dog race.

These are just some of the reasons to visit Alaska and some of the things you can see and do there. Alaska is a place that will amaze you, inspire you, and challenge you. It is a place that you will never forget.