If you’re old enough to drive a car, then you’re old enough to treat Dad to a really great time this Father’s Day. When you’re a small child, it makes Dad happy to get those hand-made, home-made gifts. Now that you’re a grown-up and able to drive to just about anywhere, why not make it a Father’s Day to remember this year?

 
More than anything else, if your dad is like most, he’d love the opportunity to simply spend time with you. He’s busy, you’re busy and it’s all good; however, planning some cool outing with your dad might just make it his best Father’s Day yet.

 
Keep it Simple

 
You don’t have to spend an exorbitant amount of money on Father’s Day this year in order to make it a good one. Grab some tickets to a game and jump in your car. The time spent bonding with your dad at a sporting event will create memories to last a lifetime. There’s no price you can put on that. A one-day travel adventure is just as good as an extended vacation.

Or Go Big with a Father and Son Travel Excursion

 
What better way to bond with dad than to do take on some manly travel excursions? Fishing is and probably always will be one of the greatest ways for fathers and sons to spend time together. If you and your dad spent countless hours fishing, hiking and camping when you were younger or even if you never got the chance at all, there’s no better time than now to grab your pole and spend time with dad this Father’s Day. If you didn’t plan something yet, there’s still time. Be bold, think out of the box; check out these father/son fishing activities.

 
Take a Hike

 
If you didn’t get a chance to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our National Parks, it’s not too late. Combining the anniversary of our National Parks with Father’s Day is one of the best ideas you can have. You don’t have to worry if dad’s never been hiking before either. There are plenty of parks that offer beginning hiker trails. These National Parks are more for the one-of-a-kind experiences and majestic, magnificent views rather than the actual experience or lack thereof of hiking.

 
Camp Out

 
If you’ve ever gone camping with your dad, it was probably when you were a small child. How great would it be to camp out again with dad, only this time more as an equal? You can show your dad just how much you learned from him when camping out as a young boy and just how much you listened to him too. A gift like that is priceless to your dad.
No matter what state you’re in, you’re bound to find a camping excursion that suits you both best or one that’s only a road trip away. Imagine combining a road trip on the open road that ends with a camping outing this Father’s Day weekend. That’s a win/win combination, for sure.

 
There are dozens of activities to choose from this Father’s Day that will make it a day to remember:

 
• Hiking
• Fishing
• Camping
• Sporting event
• Rock climbing
• Mountain climbing
• National parks

 
No matter what you choose, spending time with your dad beats giving him a tie, hands down.

The post Bond with Dad this Father’s Day with these Alaska Travel Tips appeared first on Alaska Car Shipping Blog.

Being frugal means many things to many people. It could mean saving money for a big cause like an annual vacation. Or it could mean saving one dollar for every dollar earned. Being frugal could also mean doing without. Different meanings, same word.
So, how can you be frugal when it comes to celebrating like the rest of them and like the best of them this Memorial Day? Here are a few tips:

 
Pack it Up

If you’re heading to the beach, you don’t have to spend a fortune on concession stand food that, let’s face it, is terrible for you anyway. Pack up your own lunch and cooler and off you go. Making your own sandwiches, bringing your own fruit and filling up your own personal water bottles is not only frugal, it saves the environment of unnecessary additional plastic water bottles.

Be a Day-Tripper
Have you ever sat home on a Memorial Day weekend feeling less than everybody else because everyone else got to go away? Well, you can still go away, but you just don’t have to stay away.
Take a day trip to a local festival. Go to a winery just on the outskirts of your town. There are craft fairs, food festivals and music events all over you can enjoy. It doesn’t have to be an all or nothing gig. Remember, pack your own food and beverage and save money while enjoying yourself.
Park It
National Parks throughout the country are celebrating National Parks Week – get in for free and pick the park of your dreams. This could be “the” year you travel to places you’d never expected, like Alaska for example. Tons of parks to visit with even more activities than you could ever imagine.
If you’re not heading that way this Memorial Day weekend, why not put a plan down on paper. What better way to celebrate a long weekend than to put a plan down on paper, figure out how you’re going to save to get there and then go for it:

• Katmai National Park
• Glacier Bay National Park
• Denali National Park
• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
• Lake Clark National Park
• Gates of Arctic National Park
• Kobuk Valley National Park
• Exit Glacier
Some state throughout the United States, can make claim to boasting one big National Park, but Alaska has so many to savor.

Rough It
If you’ve never been camping before, Memorial Day weekend is a great time to get your feet wet and to claim stakes so to speak. Do some research, find the best spot for you and try your hand at camping.
While it might be a little bit of work in the beginning, once you get the hang of it, you might find yourself in the middle of one of those Alaskan parks camping and roughing it with very little supplies and only nature as your backdrop.
For more frugal ways to enjoy this Memorial Day weekend, check out this article HERE

The post Inexpensive Ways to Enjoy Alaska for Memorial Day 2016 appeared first on Alaska Car Shipping Blog.

 
National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY
If you’ve always loved the Corvette and have been a big fan, you’re almost guaranteed to enjoy the Corvette Museum. This museum is like a Corvette playground. Here you’ll find plenty of one-of-a-kind concept cars that never quite made it into reality and also the one and only 1983 Corvette there is.

 
The Quad Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas
While the Quad is a hotel casino in Las Vegas, it also houses 1,000 of the coolest cars around. This museum has an eclectic mix of cars from vintage to muscle cars. Some of the cars have a backstory of history and interesting backgrounds to go along with their beauty and prestige. The collection is worth more than $100 million dollars. That alone is enough to make any car enthusiast want to go to Vegas.

 
The National Automobile Museum – Reno, Nevada
If you’re in Nevada visiting the Quad Hotel and Casino’s collection of cars, (also known as the Harrah’s collection) why not make it an extended event. With over 200 vehicles here, there’s no gambling on the fact you’ll find something to love. The movie-like sets offer sights and sounds of the era so that you get the full effect of a time gone by.

 
Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum in Fairbanks, Alaska
If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, there are some really great road trips to experience there. Like nowhere else in the states, the combination of isolation and beauty is a compelling one. If you want to see a good collection of cars while you’re visiting, then the Fountain Head Antique Auto Museum in Fairbanks is a pleasant trip.
What makes this particular museum so interesting is that just one look and each car tells its own story. The horseless carriages, the steamers, and the midget racers all have a tale all their own. The stories of these cars are told in many ways from photographs to videos. Some of the rarest cars around are found in this locale.

 
Henry Ford Museum
What would a road trip to a car museum be without a trip to Dearborn, MI to the Henry Ford Museum. Planes and automobiles of all sorts are found here, as well as tours, displays of all kinds and an IMAX theater where you can learn more about these historical pieces. Imagine a race car next to a presidential vehicle that is across from an old Ford. Not only are there acres upon acres of cars to check out, there are innovative and inspiring displays of all kinds. You might bump into Mark Twain’s writing table or spy a replica of the Wright Flyer plane. There’s something here for everyone in your family to enjoy. There are also family-filled events, workshops, and holiday specials going on throughout the year. If you liked these car museums, you might be interested in a more comprehensive list here.

The post Car Museums that Will Drive You Crazy (in a good way) appeared first on Alaska Car Shipping Blog.

One of the biggest travel trends today is that of multi-generational families traveling together. Boomers are finding themselves in the position of staying close to aging parents and raising younger children. Older folks are living longer than ever before and this means a whole lot of togetherness. What better way to share family memories and experiences than to travel to Alaska together.

In the vast wilderness, you can find plenty of adventure, share inside secrets, and create new memories.

Un-Cruise Your Way to Alaska

InnerSea Discoveries has  created what they deem an “Un-Cruise” where you get to choose an adventure that is flexible and in alignment with your Alaskan vacation dreams. While bigger cruise lines host hundreds of thousands of travelers, your InnerSea Discoveries “Un-Cruise” can offer you a more intimate Alaskan experience.

On an “Un-Cruise” you can get up close and personal with wilderness and the wildlife that it holds. Whether you wish to see the Inside Passage on a seven-day small ship cruise or a 21 day sail in Glacier National Park, an “Un-Cruise” will surely float your boat.

Surround yourself in the midst of icy glaciers or come as close as you ever thought you could to a breaching whale. A small ship adventure will have you receiving more personal attention and possibly a more rewarding Alaskan adventure, as you share moments of a lifetime with each of your family members.

Take a Tour: See the Sights

When traveling around with your family clan, you will want to have everything planned out to the best of your ability. Sometimes this will require the aid of a tour company. An experienced Alaskan tour company and guide can make certain that all of your extended family’s needs are met and everyone has an exciting adventure.

Imagine sitting around the Thanksgiving table next year and everyone has a thrilling anecdote from your Alaskan adventure to share. There are no inside jokes, only stories about Alaska’s Inside Passage.

Picture sharing your anecdotes about gliding in on Alaska’s waterways on a float plane as a family or the time when you got “this close” to a humpback whale you could almost touch it or even the moment when a family of bald eagles regally soared over your heads.

A tour company offers many benefits. You can book your tours with confidence knowing that your entire family’s needs are taken into account and everyone will have an exhilarating, personalized adventure in Alaska.

A tour company offers you the opportunity to ask for special needs or assistance and can take the leg work out of accommodating everyone and making them all happy. All you have to do is sit back and prepare for the exhilarating trip of a lifetime.

Traditional Cruises

Princess Cruises offers their “North to Alaska” cruises where you can find yourself enveloped in the midst of award-winning experiences. You can opt for a land and sea Alaskan vacation where you get the best of both exhilarating worlds. With Princess Cruises “Alaska on Board” you don’t have to wait until you arrive in The Great Land to enjoy savory, delectable and fresh seafood. Enjoy authentic Alaskan fare and specialty dishes.

With Discovery at Sea, you will be entertained as hit shows such as Shark Week or Deadliest Catch are brought to life. You can learn more about Alaska’s marine life right on board the ship or enjoy a Klondike Festival on board where there’s something for everyone to enjoy – even panning for gold.

With a traditional cruise, the multi-generational family members have it made; there is no loss of fun and entertaining things to do for everyone – leading up to the climax – your arrival in Alaska.

The post Great Ways for the Entire Family to Enjoy Alaska Together appeared first on Alaska Car Shipping Blog.

Whether you are part of a major cruise line or exploring Alaska on your own, exploring the ports is the most fulfilling parts of your adventure. There’s plenty to enjoy at the many ports of Alaska, whether it’s planned by your cruise line or you are visiting Alaska on your own. You can go for the major ports or discover the hidden gems with a quainter hometown feel to them.

No matter what you choose, the ports of Alaska are sure to delight you. Whether you have been, are planning to go for the first time, or seeking out to visit again, here is a list of some ports you might want to consider.

Anchorage of Course

Anchorage is probably one of, if not the most, popular ports of call. It boasts the title of the biggest city with the most to see and do, but Anchorage is more like a multi-faceted diamond. It has many sides.

Of course, there is the tourist side, but if you take a little detour you will be pleasantly surprised at the fun and original side of Anchorage. When you think of Anchorage, you probably don’t think about art galleries. In Anchorage, you can find yourself in the midst of some pretty impressive art and artifacts as you make your way through the one and only Anchorage Museum.

If you’re feeling outdoorsy, pick some blueberries or rent a bike. Don’t forget to grab a rod and reel and cast your line for the evening’s salmon dinner. If you are stopping in Anchorage, dig a little deeper and you will find way more than the typical touristy stuff.

Catch some Fun in Ketchikan

If you love seafood, you’re going to love Ketchikan. It’s known as the salmon capital of the world. The freshest seafood anywhere on the planet is probably caught in Ketchikan.

What’s unusual about Ketchikan that might spark your interest? How about a museum known as Dolly’s House Museum; an interesting house tour with a twist. Let’s just say that Dolly was a well-known madame about town in Ketchikan.

Want to do something out of the box in Ketchikan? Attend the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show as many lumberjacks fight for the title of top lumberjack. Plenty of action and plenty of activities to view as a spectator.

Don’t forget to take some time out, grab a kayak and breathe in the awe-inspiring scenery. Ketchikan is quite a mix of fun, interesting, and relaxing events for you.

The Nugget Known as Nome

More popular in the summer months, Nome is plenty of fun. You can watch the Mushers mush in the Iditarod Race, check out the Midnight Sun Festival where the people celebrate 24 hours of daylight (and who wouldn’t celebrate that?) and even bear witness to The Great Bathtub Race – folks racing around in water-filled bathtubs down the street to the finish line. Great fun for sure.

Getting Down with Nature in Seward

If you’re looking for the port with the most natural setting, Seward might be the one for you. Plenty of outdoor activities. Go fishing for a few, hike through the Chugach National Forest, watch for bears at Bear Lake, you name it. Seward’s got it.

Sitka by Sea

Sitka may be small in stature, but it’s not small when it comes to charm. Part of that charm comes from only being able to arrive either by air or by sea. The annual “running of the boots” race might give it some of that charm, as well. Every fall, folks put on their rubber boots and some pretty intriguing costumes to welcome the new fishing season in. Couple of nice museums, cultural tours, and plenty of breathtaking scenery to make you want to stay in Sitka a little longer.

Vibrant Valdez

While it is a small city, Valdez in not short on vibrancy. The awe-inspiring beauty of its natural and serene settings is enough to make you want to stay a while longer. Prince William Sound and the Chugach mountain range, fishing everywhere you turn and world extreme ski championships give Valdez an exciting mix of things to do and see.

No Roads Lead to Juneau

Juneau might be known as one of the most unique ports with no roads in or out of town; if you want to visit Juneau, you have to go by air or by sea. The Alaskan Brewing Company is a tour some will enjoy immensely or, if you are feeling adventurous as soon as you pull into the dock, you might want to zip line with the scenery of Alaskan mountains as your backdrop. Whale watching and glacier viewing are great ways to spend some time in Juneau.

Shop Till You Drop in Skagway

If fresh mountain air and sparkling clean lakes make you want to shop till you drop, Skagway has what you need. Skagway is lively, entertaining and busy as far as ports go with hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Gift shops offer local, cultural arts and crafts as well as beautiful jewelry. You can catch a re-enactment of a scene from the Gold Rush or walk around downtown taking in all its charm.

History in Haines

Plenty of history and wildlife viewing. If you are seeking to get up close and personal with wildlife, then Haines is the port for you. Chilkat Valley is home to plenty of brown bears and Chilkoot River hosts the dinner table where brown and black bears feast on salmon. Haines is host to the bald eagle festival each year in November, and if you want to see thousands of eagles all in one place swoop down for feeding time, then Haines is the place to capture sight or photographs of those magnificent creatures.

With a host of ports like this to choose from, you might just find yourself pulling into Alaska’s docks more than just once.

The post Discover the Ports of Alaska appeared first on Alaska Car Shipping Blog.

When most people think of Alaska, they might think of long summer days and even longer winter nights. Or, perhaps, they think of lots and lots of snow and ice with massive blue ice glaciers. However, there is so much more to Alaska than meets the eye; one such example is the vast opportunities for hiking in Alaska.

You can hike up mountains and also view glaciers on a hike. One of the best and most well-loved places to hike, though, is in Chugach State Park.

Chugach State Park

If you are visiting South Central Alaska any time soon, then are you in for a massive treat, especially if you are a lover of hiking. Chugach State Park has hundreds of thousands of acres and hundreds of trails waiting for you to come and explore. With mountains on one side and the Prince William Sound on another, the views are indescribable. Crow Pass is one of the many trails, a favorite of many, and also a gem of a find.

Crow Pass

Travel along on this path and get a feel for what it might have been like on the original Iditarod Trail. This is a 21 mile trek, which many hikers will take on in a 2-day span. Make no mistake about it, though, right from the onset Crow Pass will take you through a breathtaking array of views that words cannot describe.

What makes the end of August and early September so spectacular on Crow Pass is in the variety of things you will see and discover along the way. On Crow Pass not only can you envision a field of wildflowers, you can hike through them. Interested in viewing some old mines, you can check those out too. From glaciers to waterfalls and wildlife in betwixt and between, Crow Pass has it all.

Along the way, as you pass the old mine, you will come to a fork in the road. Unlike the proverbial fork in the road, neither choice is a wrong choice. You will have the opportunity to pass some beautiful waterfalls. You can choose to take the high road or lower grounds. Where else can you go and see Alpine lake, exquisite all-around views of peaks and glaciers as you hike your heart away through breathtaking Alaska?

If you are new to hiking, you can find comfort in the fact that Crow Pass is a popular hike. For those just starting out hiking, it is nice to know that there are other hikers to share the journey with or, if you’re feeling a bit nervous about a hike such as this, to give you confidence. Other hikers can also provide you with pleasant distractions should you become a bit nervous about hiking through one of the most glorious trails on earth. They can also offer tips and tricks if they are seasoned pros.

If you plan on camping, make certain to check and see what camp sites are open, what the restrictions are and if permits are required. Some of the steps of Crow Pass can be steep due to rocky terrain. Make certain to wear appropriate hiking boots. The right gear is also essential. Have a chat with store owners, locals and guides and inquire as to what the best gear is and where to purchase it. Rain gear, even in August may be an essential. Layers of clothing to keep warm is also extremely important.

Be mindful, also, of the wildlife that calls these grounds their home. If you are camping, make certain to keep all food and other items far away from your tent. If you do intend to camp, make certain to gather your information from as many visitors’ centers and professionals as possible so that you have a safe and memorable trip.

Between the wildflowers and berries and the crisp, cool air along with the changing colors of the leaves, an August hike in Alaska is a wondrous adventure.

The post Crossing into Crow Pass: The Perfect August Hike in Alaska appeared first on Alaska Car Shipping Blog.

Being the parent of a teen is challenging in many ways, from knowing when to hold them close to learning when to let go a little bit more each day. Traveling with teens can be an equal challenge. Not only are there different tastes, likes and dislikes, your teen can go from wanting to be right by your side to needing his/her space on a dime.

The key to traveling with teenagers is to make certain that their experience is their own. Rather than wanting them to see, feel and hear all that you do on your next adventure, allow them to interpret it on their own. What better way and what better location than to take a trip to Alaska with your teen. Alaska is authentic in its own right and has earned its name of the Last Frontier time and time again.

In Alaska, you can have experiences of bonding and connecting without having to say much at all. It is virtually impossible not to connect in the most natural, pristine environment that so much wildlife and exhilarating adventure calls home.

Here are some top must-do activities for you and your teen in Alaska this summer.

It Wouldn’t be Alaska if You Didn’t go Fishing

One of the first things you would need to do in order to define your fishing experience is to decide where and how you want to fish in Alaska. There are a few questions, but important ones, to ask:

• Do you want to charter a boat?
• Are you interested in fishing in a lake or a river?
• What type of fish would most float your boat – salmon, trout or halibut?
• Are you looking to rough it for the night and do something rustic?
• Or, do you want to ease your teen into fishing with a more luxurious accommodation?
• Ice fishing or fly fishing?

Once you have chosen your type of adventure and what kind of fish you would be fishing for, the rest is easy – just throw out the rod and feel your way through the experience. The Kenai Peninsula has to be one of the best spots to experience real fishing, Alaskan-style for your trip.

Denali National Park and Preserve

Denali National Park and Preserve truly is one of the best spots in Alaska for families. There is such a variety of discoveries to make and activities to take place in that it is virtually impossible to be at a loss for something to please everyone.

• Tent-camping or RV camping in the park is a great way to experience wildlife, nature and Alaska like nowhere else you can imagine
• Take a dog-sled demonstration and feel as though you are actually part of the Iditarod
• Hit the trails and take a hike
• Cycling through the park road will leave you and your teen feeling challenged. There are some steep downward hills and some blind curves to navigate, but with the ever-expanding hand-eye coordination teens gained from all that video game playing, they are bound to find it a challenge they can handle and a thrill to remember.

Teen Trips to Alaska

What better way to have your teen feel emancipated (at least for a little while) than to send him/her on a teen trip to Alaska. There are plenty of trip packages and tours that cater to youth when visiting Alaska.

Teenagers can experience a host of activities from backpacking in the Chugach Mountains where they learn necessary survival skills as they trek along through the wilderness to sea kayaking adventures with bald eagles overhead and beluga whales in the distance.

If you and your teen are even more adventurous, there are climbing tours and packages for your teens to partake in, as well. Imagine giving your teen the opportunity to explore the sport of ice-climbing with some introductory lessons combined with camping out at the base of a mountain with snow-capped mountains overhead as they bond with other teens.

Teen summer camps filled with mountain climbing, white water rafting and backpacking are just a few more items for your teen to experience on their Alaskan itinerary adventure.

So, if you thought Alaska was for the seasoned explore, think again as you open up to the idea that Alaska is for everyone. Your teen will have the experience of a lifetime and a tale or two to go along with it.

The post Top Must-Do Activities with Teens for Your Alaska Vacation appeared first on Alaska Car Shipping Blog.

Packing, in general, can be a daunting task, especially if you are visiting someplace for the first time. If you are traveling to a tropical island, it’s pretty basic – sunscreen, swimsuit, and sunglasses are your basic must-have items. However, what if you are traveling somewhere as unique as Alaska?

Alaska has a range of weather, especially depending upon what city you are visiting and what time of year you are visiting. As beautiful and never surprising as Alaska’s landscape is, its weather is a bit more unpredictable. Temperatures can hover at the 60 degree mark in spring or soar into the 90s in summer; meanwhile record temperatures in Prospect Creek back in 1971 came in at an all-time low of minus 80 degrees.

Not only do you have to figure out the weather in Alaska, you have to figure out what to wear. Moreover, each city has varying degrees of temperature. Here are a few good tips on how to dress in Alaska.

Layers, Layers, Layers

Whether or not you have been to Alaska yet, most anyone you ask about the subject will advise you to dress in layers and plenty of them. The theory is to dress in layers so that you can peel them away as needed. You would rather be too warm in Alaska with the ability to peel away those layers than to be too cold.

Although, things seem to be warming up each year in Alaska, you never want to leave home without layers.

First things first – the closest layer to your skin should be made out of material that wicks away moisture from your body. You want to stay warm and in order to do so, you need to stay dry. After all, what good is it if the layer closest to your skin is not absorbent? You will be cold and damp instead of warm and protected.

How to dress also depends upon what activities you will be doing. The closer to the colder temperature and wet activities you are, the more equipment you will need. Synthetic materials are best since they are warm, lightweight and breathable. Synthetic pants and lots of long sleeve tee shirts will do you well. These tee shirts are perfect for layering. Water resistant outerwear is perfect for outdoor activities on the water like boating or fishing excursions.

If hiking, invest in a good pair of hiking boots. If your feet are comfortable, your whole body will thank you. And if you really want to be good to your feet, don’t forget synthetic fiber socks. Keeping your feet dry and warm will mean more opportunity to focus on the activity at hand.

Always bring a hat and gloves. When your feet and head are warm, the rest of your body will warm up too.

Things You Need to Remember about Dressing in Alaska

While it is important to dress right in the cold weather Alaska can dish out, it is equally important to remember that it can get extremely hot. Depending upon what time of year you are traveling and what city you will be traveling to, you will want to remember sunscreen.

While it may not feel that warm, the sun can hurt your skin just like anywhere else. Don’t associate Alaska with only cold weather. Also, don’t forget that Alaska has days in summer that can last up to 18 hours. The temptation to stay out and play all day and all night during summer solstice may have you forgetting to bring and wear sunscreen. Just because you are in Alaska, doesn’t mean you should forget this important detail.

Sunglasses are a great idea, as well. Your eyes can still feel the impact of the bright snow, the crisp blue ocean and the heat of the sun. For most people, sunglasses are a fashion statement, but for visiting Alaska, they are for your protection, as well.

Rainy Days

Regardless if you are traveling in the summer or spring, bring some raingear. It doesn’t only snow or stay sunny for 18 hour stretches, there are seasons in Alaska too. Just as important as knowing what to wear, is knowing the area to which you are traveling. For example, it may be 54 degrees in Anchorage one May and 70 degrees in Fairbanks. Knowing the average temperature of your destination will help you to pack right or pack light.

You can never go wrong with packing layers and good quality outer vest that is waterproof along with your hat, gloves and sun protection. Once you have packed up and are ready to go, the only thing left to do is to enjoy all the uniqueness that Alaska has to offer.

The post Top 3 Tips to Dress for Success in Alaska appeared first on Alaska Car Shipping Blog.

The extreme weather changes throughout the years across the United States are continuing to climb. From extreme droughts in one state to excessive rain in others, the climate change is steadily increasing. These changes are due to human activity and causing serious issues.

Everywhere you look – from car companies to food companies – there are advertisements for going green and saving the planet. Gone is the day where these are simply personal causes or hobbies – they have become global issues and causes, and the weather patterns are screaming at us to take action quickly. The California drought and the weather changes in Alaska are all screaming at us to stand up or wake up and take notice.

Barrow Alaska

The city of Barrow in Alaska has seen a lot of visitors lately; however, these visitors are not made up of only tourists. They are made up of scientists. For years now, scientists have taken interest in the climate change in the city of Barrow. The importance of ice, its formation and its arrival and the changing climate are the subject of vital importance.

This area has been warming up at record speeds and the results are having extreme negative impacts that trickle down. Melting ice impacts the environment on many levels such as the forests, ecosystems and waterways. The ice that once acted as protection from the sea for coastal towns is now melting away, leaving cities exposed to coastal storms and coastal erosion.

NASA’s Terra Satellite Map

Earlier in May, this map showed part of Alaska was actually hotter than part of Texas. Hard to believe. Eagle, a little town in Alaska had higher temperatures one day toward the end of May than Houston.

As Arctic sea ice heats up, so did the temperature in Eagle, Alaska. The climate in Alaska is heating up and is hotter than average.

The Highs and the Lows

While certain parts of Alaska observed record warm temperatures in the month of May, other areas recorded snow in June. Temperatures from 90 degrees in May dipped down to below 30 degrees in the first week of June.

After experiencing a warmer than usual winter, Alaska is breaking temperature records this spring, as well. The expectation from the National Weather Forecast is that a higher degree of melting will continue as the trend.

Barrow typically sees temperatures in the 20s during May, but reached up to 47 degrees instead. Eagle had a nice stretch of 80 degree or higher weather while Anchorage experienced its hottest April on record and Fairbanks had a record-breaking 86 degree day.

Alaska and Earthquakes

When you think of Alaska, you may not associate earthquakes with the 49^th state. Most people associate places like California with earthquakes; however, Alaska does and has experienced its share of earthquakes with a magnitude 6.7 as recently as May of this year.

In 1964, however, Alaska experienced a magnitude 9.2 earthquake with resulting tsunami and landslides. While some people may not be aware that Alaska even has earthquakes, for those who experienced this one, it was an unforgettable event coming in as one of the world’s largest earthquakes recorded.

Global warming is a term heard on the daily, as well as going green. Years ago, people associated going green with a hobby or simply taking up a cause as the term “tree hugger” became popular.

It’s obvious the warming trend, ice melting in Alaska and higher temperatures are having their impact. With the current trends in Alaska including the most recent earthquakes, it stands to reason that going green, becoming a tree hugger and doing our part to stop global warming are no longer hobbies. These things are a way of life, not so much as a lifestyle but a desperate action plan to maintain, preserve and sustain life – not only for Alaska, but for the planet as a whole.

The post Keeping up with the Weather in Alaska appeared first on Alaska Car Shipping Blog.

When you think of Alaska, chances are you think of lots of cold and snow. Maybe you envision some adventures like mountain climbing and ice fishing along with a grizzly bear sighting or two. Or maybe you think of 18-hour days and the aurora borealis if you stretch your imagination a little further.

For some people, Alaska is all of those things and more – like extreme adventures. A trip down a white water river, a visit to an ice blue glacier or a camp where you can intentionally get up close to a family of bears while camping are all out-of-the box extreme adventures.

However, have you ever thought of doing some of the ordinary or maybe not so ordinary things that life has to offer in Alaska?

Here are a few things that you may have never thought of doing in Alaska that will leave you thinking a bit more.

Hitch a Ride

Since dog sledding is considered Alaska’s official sport, why not consider joining them for a ride. You can take a tour in Alaska that consists of either half day tours or full day tours and become part of the beloved tradition of mushing – also known as dog sledding. Meet the team of trainers responsible for getting the Alaskan Huskies into gear for the Iditarod race, also known as the last great race.

While you are probably familiar with the Iditarod, you probably have never thought that you could possibly be part of that experience. Imagine assisting in harnessing those beautiful huskies onto the sled and then getting the opportunity to ride across the snowy and icy terrain and partake in one wild ride.

If you choose an all-day tour, you will get to meet and greet both the huskies and their trainers, get an opportunity to ask questions and gain some insight and spend the day on the sled out on the snowy training trails that prepares the mushers and the dogs for their journey in the last great race. You’ll have quite a story to tell when you arrive home.

Get Hitched

When you think of destination weddings, you probably think of locales such as Hawaii or one of the Caribbean Islands, right? Why not take another look at a unique locale – Alaska. Alaska during summer is one of the most beautiful places in the United States.

The views and the scenery are like no other. There are glistening lakes, snow-capped mountains and fields of fireweed – a colorful flower that grows in abundance in the open meadows of Alaska. You will go wild for this wildflower.

Getting married these days is less about the pomp and circumstance and more about the meaning. Picture getting married at the base of the Chugach mountain range, or during one of Alaska’s 18 hour days where the sun stays high in the sky through the night while saying I do in front of one of Alaska’s pristine lakes. This gives you an opportunity to party all night long. An Alaskan destination wedding is something to ponder and something of wonder. You will have photographic memories that will rival all others.

Go to College

Whether you are considering a two-year degree, a four-year degree, training in a specific trade, undergraduate or graduate school, you have several choices in Alaska. Imagine pursuing your educational career in the same place where you can view wildlife such as moose and grizzly bears or partake in viewing the Northern Lights.

Areas of study range anywhere from health and wellness to, of course, hospitality and recreation. Whether you choose The University of Alaska in the heavily populated Anchorage or in the remote city of Juneau, The Alaska Pacific University or the Alaska Vocational Technical Center, you have a host of upper education options in Alaska.

Take Phenomenal Photos

Alaska is one of those rare places on earth that has no loss of photo opportunities. Whether you are an advanced photographic professional or an amateur, there are really no bad pictures you can take in Alaska.

In Alaska, you will find misty waterfalls, fog coated lakes, snowcapped mountains and ice blue glaciers. During summer, you can view endless fields of open fireweed in the brightest of colors. Don’t forget about the wildlife photo opportunities either. There are beluga whales waving their tails at you, grizzly bears reaching for a morning breakfast of salmon, and bald eagles soaring overhead amongst the misty clouds.

Alaska is truly one gigantic photo opportunity waiting to happen.

Christmas in July

Are you one of those people that count down the days until the next Christmas because you just love it so much? If you are yearning for Christmas in July, take a trip to the North Pole in Alaska. North Pole, Alaska celebrates Christmas all year around, even in July. North Pole, Alaska is decorated in holiday tradition all year around.

Have some fun getting in touch with your spirit of Christmas as you drive down Santa Claus Lane and go visit the Santa Claus House. If you want to feel like a kid at Christmas, this store can do just that with aisles of Christmas decorations and toys, you’ll feel like a kid again in no time.

North Pole, Alaska honors Christmas throughout the year and if you plan on attending in December, you can take part in loads of festivities such as the Christmas in Ice Contest featuring ice sculptures from all over.

Whatever season you choose to visit, you’ll be sure to get in touch with your inner Christmas.

These are five great things you may have never considered doing on a visit to Alaska. You never know, you might find yourself hitched to a sled experiencing what it feels like to be part of the Iditarod while your beloved proposes the idea of getting hitched.

The post Top 5 Things to Do in Alaska appeared first on Alaska Car Shipping Blog.