Archive for February 3rd, 2008

We sailed earlier this summer with Jim Leslie from Alaska Waters up to the face of LeConte Glacier. It’s one of several trips available with Alaska Waters from Wrangell. Wrangell is one of those great Alaskan communities that’s off the beaten path but provides wonderful opportunities for real explorers. Expeditions include bear viewing and trips up the Stikine River. Heck, there’s even a golf course!

sunstruck, originally uploaded by geefour907.

We love Era Aviation. Last week, we flew their Dash-8 up to Fairbanks to shoot a video at Chena Hot Springs. Great service, for several reasons:

First, the gate is just steps from the curb. 

Second, with less than 40 seats on the Dash-8, everyone loads up pretty quick and we’re up, up and away.

 Third, The flight attendants add a nice touch–and we were able to stay hydrated. Y’know, Fairbanks is cold this time of year. More water!!

We also fly Era Aviation to Kodiak, Kenai, Valdez, Cordova and Homer. Oh, don’t forget Bethel–it’s new service for Era.To Kodiak, we flew on the Beech 1900D. They say “stand up cabin”, but c’mon. I’m 6-foot-5. But there’s more room than in the old Twin Otters, that’s for sure. 

Era now has some great fly/drive and fly/stay programs for travelers between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Also, for folks traveling from Kodiak/Cordova/Valdez/Kenai/Homer/Bethel/Fairbanks to Anchorage, there are good deals for cars and hotels. Finally, check the website on Tuesday or Wednesday for the BEST web specials. Really smokin’. 

Those of us who live here are excited about the new stuff that’s going on in our own home-grown Winter Carnival.Slated for Feb. 22-Mar. 2, 2008, this is Anchorage’s own version of laughing off the Dead of Winter.

Of course, “Fur Rondy” started off as a “Fur Rendezvous” where trappers brought in their furs to trade and sell.These days, it’s morphed into a city-wide party with lots of events. Here are some of my favorites:

a. Running of the Reindeer. OK. This is new. Nobody’s ever done it. This event is getting a lot of press. The Inaugural Running of the Reindeer is Sun., Feb. 24 at 3:30pm on 4th Ave. downtown.

b. World Championship Sled Dog Races. These races start on Fri., Feb. 22 at the 4th Ave. and D St…right downtown at High Noon!

c. World Championship Dog Weight Pull. Watch these on Sat., Feb. 23 at 12 Noon on Ship Creek, next to the Comfort Inn (by the Alaska Railroad Depot).

d. Fireworks! At&T Alascom sponsors the Fireworks at 6:45pm on Sat., Feb. 23.

e. Iditarod Sled Dog Race: Sat., Mar. 1 downtown on 4th Ave.

f. Tour of Anchorage: Sun. Mar. 2. Starting points vary: Service High School or Russian Jack Springs. The finish line is at Kincaid Park. 

Snowshoe softball, outhouse races, the annual Melodrama, the Carnival…it’s all happening at Fur Rondy! 
Our friends at Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau have arranged for some discount air fares at Alaska Airlines: 10 percent off any published fares (excluding promotional fares) to Anchorage between Feb. 19 and Mar. 5, 2008.

Online, at alaskaair.com, use discount code ECCMA0921 in the Flights Quick Search box. Or call Alaska: (800)445-4435 and use discount number CMA0921.
 

Let’s have some fun. See you at Fur Rondy!