Greetings all!  Well since my attempt last week to shun the cold weather and snow by talking about Hawaii was not as effective as planned, I have decided to embrace the winter weather with a trip to Alaska this week.  Alaska is definitely near the top of my bucket list because there is no other state quite like it, especially since it is so much farther north than the other states.   

We will be starting off our adventure into Alaska by taking advantage of one of the main modes of transportation in the state: airplanes.  As a matter of fact, Alaska has more pilots and planes per capita than any other place in the United States.  Known as flightseeing, this tourist activity involves taking a plane over the tops of mountains as well as soaring over glaciers in order to see the landscape in all its glory.  Visitors may even get to see some wildlife along these flights too.  Many of the flights go out of or into the city of Anchorage and some of the summer flights even involve a lakeside landing.  Alaska is also known for being the busiest floatplane base in the world for anyone looking to add another element to their adventure.  

While discussing transportation, if planes are not for you no worries because Alaska also has arguably one of the most beautiful highways in America with the Turnagain Arm stretch of the Seward Highway.  Along this drive, tourist may have the opportunity of seeing beluga whales chasing salmon out in the water as well as great views of the Chugach mountains.  They may even witness some Dall sheep in their natural habitat along this drive.  The entire trip can range anywhere from two hours to an entire day depending on how much nature you are willing to soak in.   

Now the next feature of Alaska is truly one of the most incredibly beautiful and awe-inspiring sights in the world.  Near Anchorage visitors are able to view the shifting colors of the auroras, also known as the Northern Lights.  For a little chemistry lesson, these lights are created when the sun strikes the atoms in the atmosphere causing their electrons to become excited and move to a higher energy level.  Upon moving back to a lower energy, these electrons release a photon or light.  This causes the beautiful array of colors that are best seen at high-latitude regions such as in Alaska.   

Our final stop while visiting Alaska this week will be to take a trip on the Alyeska Tramway.  Now I know what you are thinking, what the heck is so exciting about a tramway.  Well, this tramway goes over the treetops allowing passengers to take in the spectacular view of Mount Alyeska from 2,000 feet in the air.  Visitors are also able to spot several glaciers, kettle ponds (shallow pool of water formed by a glacier), and the previously mentioned Turnagain Arm.   

In summary, Alaska is definitely a “must visit” type of state.  From the beautiful landscape to the amazing shows in the sky, this state truly has plenty to offer.  Stay tuned for next week as we travel to another amazing state!