Entries Tagged "alaska"

Sunday, January 03, 2010

Homer, located on the pristine waters of Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet, boasts a unique landform the locals call "The Spit." Fifteen thousand years ago , the thick ice that covered the bay bull-dozed a five-mile-long gravel bar into the surrounding waters. When the ice retreated, the bar remained. Today, it hosts a picturesque settling where visitors can stroll and shop.

It's easy to see why the Kenai Peninsula is a favorite even among Alaskans. The lush, primeval forest host legendary rivers running with salmon. The glistening waters of glacier-scoured Kenai Fjords National Park are home to whales, dolphins, sea lions and sea otters. The Alaska Maritime Wildlife Refuge and Kenai Wildlife Refuge provide more seabird habitat than anywhere else in the world. Imagine exploring these wonders on an optional wildlife cruise through Kachemak Bay with lunch at the Rookery Restaurant. Or try kayaking or halibut fishin.

This exciting Homer and Kenai Peninsula cruisetour takes you far off the beaten track with just one group of fellow travelers. Experience the enchanting Land's End Resort at the tip of the Homer Spit, the second-longest salmon-filled Kenai River. The optional activities from Homer spotlight the world-class halibut fishing, the charm of the local artists' colong, and more natural beauty than almost anywhere else in Alaska. Come experience the best of Alaska all in one place.

Shopping:

-Gold-nugget jewelry and items carved from jade -Woven baskets of beach grass, bark or baleen -Native seal-oil candles, beaded mittens, fur mukluks and hand-carved masks -Alaskan delicacies - canned and smoked salmon, wild berry products and reindeer sausage

Be sure to look for the "Made in Alaska" logo, which indicates an item genuinely produced in Alaska. The Silver Hand logo identifies the item as a Native Alaska handicraft.

Thursday, October 01, 2009

The City of Whittier is at the head of Passage Canal, a fjord of Western Prince William Sound. Whittier is approximately 47 air miles (62 miles by road) southeast of Anchorage. 

Whittier is a year round ice-free port and is a focal point for marine activity and freight transfer from sea train barge serving Southcentral Alaska. The Whittier townsite lies on a fan-shaped delta on the south shore of Passage Canal. The delta, approximately a mile square, is bordered by Whittier Creek on the west and by a mountain ridge on the east.

If you are visiting Whittier as part of a cruise, one of the most popular shore excursions is the Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Juneau, the capital of Alaska, was founded during a gold rush in 1880. Today, the former gold-mining town counts among its riches some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Juneau in the Alaska Panhandle, it faces the water from the mainland side of Gastineau Channel. Several magnificent fjords are located along the channel coast, and the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, a favorite of visitors, is nearby.