Seward's Folly? I Don't Think So!: Alaska (USA PartIII, Chapter 3).

Alaska's State Flag

This the third and final chapter of my coverage of Alaska. As many of you are aware, when the USA purchased Alaska from Russia for 2 cents per acre, the general feeling amongst Americans at the time was money not well spent. In fact Alaska was known as "Seward's Folly" after the Secretary of State that presided of the deal. How wrong they were! Alaska has proven to be anything but a waste of money. The State is the largest reserve of oil for the USA, supplying up to 3.5% of the country's daily needs, and if that is not enough, there are reserves of gold as well.

Trans-Alaska Pipeline.

Trans-Alaska Pipeline.

Some would say that the pipeline is an attraction in itself. When you consider the facts and the engineering  involved, you would find it hard to disagree. The pipeline was completed in 1975 and carries oil from the oilfields around Prudhoe Bay to the port of Valdez, Alaska's northern most ice-free port. The pipeline stretches for 800 or so miles (1200 km) over some of the harshest terrains on earth and transports 735,000 barrels of oil every day, about 3.5% of the USA's daily oil consumption. The Trans-Alaska Pipeline is one of the largest pipelines in the world.

Far North Region.
Barrow is the northern most city in the USA. It is so far north that it gets 24 hour sun from sunrise on 10 May to sunset on 2 August  every year. With evidence from around 500AD Barrow is quite possibly one of the oldest sites of human habitation in the USA. Before the settlers arrived, Barrow was known as and still is by the native peoples as Ukpaegvik which in the Inupiaq language means " The place where we hunt Snowy Owls". In fact hunting and gathering still features heavily in today's culture and economy of Barrow.

Barrow, Alaska.

In the summer months it's possible to view Polar Bears, Snowy Owls, Orca and Whales in the area. The traditions and culture of the Inupiat can be seen at the Inupiat Heritage Centre which offers arts and crafts such as baleen boats, carved ivory, masks and traditional parkas and fur mittens.

Other places of interest are the Cape Smythe Whaling and Trading Station, built in 1893 it is the oldest framed building in the Arctic. The Birnirk Archaeological Site which is made up of 19 dwelling mounds of the Birnirk culture which existed around 500-900 AD, and is considered to be a key link to the prehistoric cultures of Alaska and Canada.

How to get to Barrow.
Forget about driving! Barrow has daily scheduled flights to Anchorage.For times, prices and online bookings, just click on:
www.globaltraveldeals.biz 

Gateway To The Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska.

Coldfoot got its name way back in 1900 when the "Gold Rush" prospectors arrived. They apparently got "cold feet" and turned back so the story says. Today, it is one of the very few communities in the Far North region to be accessible by road. The "Haul" road makes its way to the far north to Deadhorse through this town. just be aware that the highway is mostly gravel and not paved.
Coldfoot serves as the stopping off point for the nearby "Arctic National Wildlife Refuge" and the awe inspiring "Gateway to The Arctic National Park and Preserve"

The Interior Region.
Fairbanks was founded in 1901, and is known as the "Gold Hearted City", due in part to its role in the 19th century Gold Rush. The city is a hive of activity whether summer or winter and there is never a shortage of things to do or see. With Creamer's Field nearby, birdwatchers will be able to see Canada Geese and other species of birds stopping over on their migration while the culture vultures can always visit the Alaska University's Museum of the North, where artifacts and other exhibits highlight Alaskan history, life and customs.

Ice Alaska.

If you happen to be in Fairbanks in February/March time you would not be disappointed if you visit "Ice Alaska" World Ice Art Championships. The competition attracts accomplished ice sculptors from around the world and the sculptures themselves are quite stunning to see during the day AND the night, the colours in the ice are quite breathtaking.

Now, maybe like me you thought that the back wheel paddle steamers were only to be found in the southern "Dixie" States of the US, but nothing could be further or north of the truth. The Chene River has its very own river steamer tour where you can while away the time seeing the Alaskan landscape and experiencing the traditional Alaskan culture. Or should that not take your fancy why not learn about panning for gold and learning how it was done during the Rush as well as how miners prospect nowadays. A visit to Gold Dredger No. 8 is where you can try your hand at panning for gold, and see how millions of Troy Ounces of gold were and still are extracted from the Alaskan soil.

Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights.

Fairbanks is inside what is known as the "Aurora Oval" and is an ideal place to see the "Northern Lights" or Aurora Borealis. The best time to see this natural phenomenon is from August to April, with an average of 8 in 10 nights of appearing, provided that the conditions are clear. Most locals advise to spend about 3 nights out looking, that way, more often than not you will see them.

One of the most popular winter pastimes in Alaska is the sport or art of dog mushing. Fairbanks is famous for it. There are quite a few operators who offer mushing from just a couple of hours to complete expeditions that can last for days. The choice is yours.

The "Gold Hearted City " hosts the unique Midnight Sun Baseball Game every year on the Summer Solstice Day. The game starts at 2230hrs and all the innings are played. In  the 100 year history of the event the baseball park's floodlights have not had to be switched on once.

Where to stay:
Fairbanks is a cosmopolitan city and as such has many places to stay from 1 star motels to 4 star hotels to stay in. For reviews, photos, the best tariffs and on line booking just click on:

www.globaltraveldeals.biz

How to get there:
Fairbanks International Airport has regular scheduled flights to many destinations. For the best flights, times, prices and online bookings, just click on:

www.globaltraveldeals.biz

The South Eastern Panhandle

Juneau, Alaska.

The State Capital of Alaska is the City of Juneau. The only thing is that you can't get to it by road. Like most towns in the South Eastern Panhandle the sheer sided valleys among which most of these communities nestle make road building either unbelievably expensive or just plain impossible. This region of Alaska is served by either air or by the Alaska Marine Highway, Alaska's ferry network.

The city of Juneau is compact and easily walkable. However be warned that Juneau is wet. The city has 1270mm of rainfall per year. Having said that, Juneau is in the only region of Alaska that has winter day time temperatures above freezing.

Mendelhall Glacier, Alaska.

The scenery around Juneau is quite breathtaking and it is well worth using the "Marine" highway. Not far from downtown Juneau is the 1.5 mile wide Mendelhall Glacier. This immense river of ice grinds its way down its valley and into a freshwater lake. The colours and sounds as well as the spectacle of this immense expanse of ice can be visited, flown around and landed upon. Just be aware that the helicopter ride does not come cheap, but those that have splashed out on it have said that it was worth every penny.

Where to stay:
Juneau has many motels and hotels to choose from. Ranging from 1star to 5 star, you will be able to see photos, the latest reviews, tariffs and book online just by clicking on:

www.globaltraveldeals.biz

How to get there:
Juneau International Airport has flights to the "lower 48" States of the US as well as international destinations. For airlines, best fares, availability  and online booking, just click on:

www.globaltraveldeals.biz

Visa requirements.

Although Alaska is not joined to the other 48 States, it is part of the USA and therefore all US immigration requirements must be observed. To find out about visa requirements for the USA please visit the US embassy website in your country. The website is easy to navigate and is easily understandable.

And finally........

Alaska certainly wasn't a bad buy by the USA. If you do visit Alaska be prepared for its weather. Summer can be warm while the winter will be very very cold. Never take any chances in the winter as Mother Nature is unforgiving, even for the smallest mistakes. One little oversight or mistake in the winter could cost you your life. Always take the advice of the local population, remember they know Alaska far better than you do.

..........Bon voyage!