Alaska Life and Travel Blog with the Alaska Editor’s Comments, Site Updates, and AK News

Check out the Alaska Life and Travel Blog! Be the first to know about updates and additions. You'll find tips that aren't anywhere else on the Alaska-life-and-travel.com Web site.

Click on the orange RSS button on the left to subscribe to the Alaska Life and Travel blog.

Not familiar with RSS data feeds? No problem. Click on the "What's an RSS feed?" link that's immediately above the orange RSS button on the left. A new window will open that explains what you need to do.

Traveling in AK? Make Sure You Have Emergency Road Service

Acapulco Mexican Restaurant – Best Mexican Food Cafe in Soldotna, AK

Acapulco Mexican Restaurant is one of several cafes in Soldotna, AK, that serve Mexican food. We like it the best. I recommend the chile verde enchiladas and the homemade flan.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Acapulco Mexican Restaurant – Best Mexican Food Cafe in Soldotna, AK"

Alaska's Population - Over Half Live In or Near Anchorage

The total population of Alaska is about 700,000 people. Almost 300,000 of those people live in Anchorage. Close to 100,000 of live in the Mat-Su Borough, which adjoins Anchorage. Nearly another 100,000 live in the Fairbanks North Star Borough. Juneau, the capitol, has only about 33,000. That doesn't leave very many people to populate the remainder of this huge state

Alaska is the Westernmost State. What's the Easternmost State?

No state is further to the west than Alaska, not even Hawaii. That may come as no surprise. And, you'll likely know that Alaska is the state that's the farthest north. After all, it is north of Canada. Now for that state that is the farthest east… Alaska. Yes, Alaska reaches further east than any other state in the USA. The extremes are Point Barrow in the north, Amatignak Island in the Aleutians in the west, and Pochnoi Point on Semisopochnoi Island in the Aleutians to the

Mountains - Alaska has 17 of the Top 20

Mt. McKinley is the highest mountain peak in North America, and it is located in Alaska. You may know it by its Indian name, "Denali," which means "The Great One." But, Mt. McKinley isn't our only claim to fame when it comes to mountain peaks. Of the 20 highest peaks in the United States, all but three are in Alaska.

Alaska's Flag -- The Official Alaska State Song

Eight stars of gold on a field of blue,
Alaska's flag, may it mean to you,
The blue of the sea, the evening sky,
The mountain lakes and the flowers nearby,
The gold of the early sourdough's dreams,
The precious gold of the hills and streams,
The brilliant stars in the northern sky,
The "Bear," the "Dipper," and shining high,
The great North Star with its steady light,
O'er land and sea a beacon bright,
Alaska's flag to Alaskans dear,
The simple flag of a last frontier.

The words to our official state song, Alaska's Flag, were written by Marie Drake, a long-time employee of the Alaska Department of Education. It was set to music composed by Elinor Dusenbury, whose husband was commander of Chilkoot Barracks at Haines from 1933 to 1936. The Territorial Legislature adopted Alaska's Flag as our state song in 1955.

Official Alaska State Symbols

Who but Alaska has both an official state land mammal and an official state marine mammal? That's Alaska for you, not content to have merely a state flower, state bird, and state tree. We also have a state insect -- nope, it's not the mosquito! -- a state fish, and a few other official state symbols. Here are some of them;

State Flower: Forget-me-not
Stage Gem: Jade
State Fish: king salmon
State Tree: Sitka spruce
State Sport: Dog mushing
State Bird: Willow ptarmigan
State Mineral: Gold
State Fossil: Wooly Mammoth
State Land Mammal: Moose
State Marine Mammal: Bowhead whale
State Insect: Four spot skimmer dragonfly

The Joy of Having Alaskan Neighbors

Alaskans are neighborly. My birthday was this week. So, what does my neighbor do? She brings me a plate of homemade cinnamon raison sweet rolls, a container of homemade chicken and noodles, and a cherry chocolate cream cake. Another neighbor dropped off a grocery bag with carrots and other fresh vegetables, and ice cream. I didn't need to cook all day!

P.S. If you came here for a snow update, it is snowing now, we under a blizzard watch, and the forecast is that we'll get another 6 - 12 inches.

Seward Highway to Anchorage Closed Because of Snow

The weather continues to dominate Alaska news. The Seward Highway closed on Tuesday and is to remain closed through noon on Wednesday. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities reported an emergency closure of the Seward Highway from Milepost 90 to Milepost 100 on Tuesday. Whiteout conditions with snow and blowing snow, along with avalanches on the roadway made travel dangerous or impossible. The Seward Highway is the road that connects Seward, Homer, Kenai, Soldotna, and other communities on the Kenai Peninsula to Anchorage.

Did Someone Mention Snow? A Blizzard!

Just checked our local forecast for tomorrow. Not only is it calling for snow, but also a blizzard. We have a blizzard warning out for our home area, with 8 - 12 inches of snow and winds of 35 mph or more.

Snow, Snow, and More Snow

The big news in Alaska this past week is snow. Avalanches and snow build-up are closing roads. Snow is building up in record amounts. Roofs that are made to hold the weight of snow are collapsing. According to the National Weather Service, Valdez has received more than 18 feet of snow so far this winter. And, as of today ... it is still snowing.

Snowmobiles or Snow Machines?

Speaking of snow, just what are those motorized sleds with skis that people use to travel over the snow? I grew up in Minnesota, and we had them there -- and they were called "snowmobiles." But here in Alaska, mention "snowmobiles" and people know you are an outsider. Here, they are "snow machines."

A Typical Sunday in Alaska

So, just what do Alaskans typically do on a Sunday? Well, church is, of course, a weekly gathering for many. But, what else do we do?

We had an early lunch of coffee and some of those buck burgers at Sal's Diner that I told you about the other day. Part of this was to eat, but mostly we went to visit with friends who also go there for coffee.

Bob spent much of the afternoon working with -- and this should come as no surprise -- the snow. He used our tractor to clear our driveway and around our yard.

I enjoyed the snow from the inside looking out. I worked on some weekly household chores and wrote articles for our websites. I can look out the window while working at my desk. The snow really does provide excellent viewing, whether watching the flakes coming down or watching the way the accumulating snow changes the look of the colored lights on the spruce tree out front.

This evening, we'll likely relax with something hot to drink, read, and call it an early night.

It's Above Zero -- It's Warm

Walked into the cafe this morning and the waitress greeted us with a comment about this nice warm weather we are having. While it was still below zero south of town where we live, she lives on the other side of Soldotna, and it was above zero. Folks, she wasn't being sarcastic -- we've had 15 and 20 below lately and being above zero is warm. It's all a matter of perspective.

Buck Burgers! Soldotna Bargain of the Month

Buck, buck, buck burgers.... So, these have got to be the bargain of the month at a Soldotna restaurant. Sal's Klondike Diner in Soldotna, AK, has $1.00 hamburgers during January. They come on a toasted bun, with some shredded lettuce and mayo. You can opt to add cheese, onion, whatever, but it's going to cost you. The bargain is to get them as they come for a buck. They're more substantial than the $1.50 value menu cheap burgers of the fast food places in the area.

AK Reel Cafe, Soldotna, Alaska

Dinner last night at the AK Reel (or is that the Alaska Reel?) Cafe with friends. They have "Early Reel" dinner deals each evening. Last night's was country fried steak, mashed potatoes and brown gravy, a dinner roll, with an apple and strawberry garnish. Price on the "Early Reel" dinners is $7.99, a bargain for this state. They do have a regular menu, but the dinner special changes from night to night.

Get the Good Sam Club Travel Benefits

Happy New Year from Alaska Life and Travel

Happy New Year wishes heading your way from chilly Alaska. We started the year out with below zero temperatures in our neck of the woods. But, we had clear skies and sunshine -- and much warmth in our homes and hearts. We hope your year is off to a wonderful start.

Merry Christmas from Alaska

Bob and I are celebrating Christmas at our home base in Alaska this year. We wish you a very Merry Christmas from our winter wonderland land. May your heart and home be filled with love, peace, and joy. ~ Coleen

Grocery Stores In Alaska From Supermarkets To Farmer’s Markets

Grocery stores in Alaska range from Fred Meyer supermarkets to neighborhood convenience marts, to warehouse clubs. You can find bulk groceries, locally grown produce, organic foods, and ethnic food.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Grocery Stores In Alaska From Supermarkets To Farmer’s Markets"

Winter Solstice - Our Days are Getting Longer

Yippee! We're about to start getting more daylight in our days. Today, 12/21, is the least amount of daylight for us. Here in Soldotna, Alaska, that's 5 hours 28 minutes of daylight today. Always seems odd that the first day of winter marks the end of our days getting shorter. And, come the first day of summer, we'll start losing our daylight.

Yes, There's is Watkins in AK and It Makes Great Gifts

Yes, Watkins products are available in Alaska! These are the products you remember from way back when -- Double Strength Vanilla, Granulated Black Pepper, cinnamon, the old time natural liniments for pain relief, PetroCarbo the brown salve in the reddish tin, plus lots of skin care and cleaning products, pudding mixes, soup bases, etc. Watkins products make great gifts for Alaskans to give or to get. You can order online and have the products mailed to you. Or, you can buy them from of the Watkins Independent Associates in Alaska.

Click for more info

Happy Thanksgiving!

Whether you are celebrating Thanksgiving in Alaska, or by planning a trip to Alaska, or are dreaming or researching about Alaska ... we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Fishing in Alaska

Fishing ... The thrill of a deep sea halibut charter. Catch and release trout. Our famous Alaskan salmon runs. In Alaska, fish are integral to our sports, our industry, and our subsistence.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Fishing in Alaska"

It's Snowing in Soldotna/Kasilof

We are getting our first measurable snow today. Bob plugged in the colored lights on the evergreen tree at the edge of our yard and they glisten against the clean snow. Beautiful!

Snow Is Here In the Soldotna Area

Snow between Soldotna and Sterling today. A friend who just stopped in to chat for a bit said he had snow at his place around noon today. He lives north of town a little way. We had a touch of rain here, however, it looks and feels like snow could hit here, south of Soldotna, before nightfall.

You know you are an Alaskan when...

you look in the freezer to take out something for dinner and the choices are moose, bear, King salmon, red salmon, silver salmon, pink salmon, halibut, and Alaskan cod.

The Dew Needed Scraping!

Went to squeegee the dew off the car window this morning and found it was thick. Thick as in frozen solid.

Harry’s Family Restaurant, Soldotna, AK – Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Cafe

Harry’s Family Restaurant is full of travelers all summer long. Come winter, you’ll find Alaskans there. You can get breakfast all day. But, I suggest you try Harry’s Special Sandwich.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Harry’s Family Restaurant, Soldotna, AK – Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Cafe"

Shower Facilities In Alaska For Travelers and Alaskans Without Indoor Plumbing

Shower facilities are readily available for travelers in Alaska. Between RVers and campers, and Alaskans without indoor plumbing, there's a demand for coin operated and public showers.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Shower Facilities In Alaska For Travelers and Alaskans Without Indoor Plumbing"

The Silver Dance - Silver Salmon Fishing on Seward's Resurrection Bay

The lure of silver salmon beckoned me. It was a beautiful late summer day on the beach in Seward, Alaska. The sun was shining, there was little or no wind, and it was a pleasant sixtyish degrees.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "The Silver Dance - Silver Salmon Fishing on Seward's Resurrection Bay"

Kenai Peninsula State Fair

The Kenai Peninsula State Fair is happening right now. We have five state fairs in Alaska. This one is in Ninilchick. Ninilchick is located between Soldotna and Homer. The fair continues today and tomorrow. Come out and watch the racing pigs! Get pie from the ladies in the pie booth. Check out the animal barns. And, have an all-around good time looking at all the exhibits, taking in the entertainment, and seeing what else they have going on this year.

Campgrounds In Alaska: Full Service RV Parks To Primitive Tent Camping Sites

Campgrounds in Alaska have one thing in common – spectacular views. Alaska has full service RV parks and primitive tent campsites. There's free overnight parking and waterfront resorts.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Campgrounds In Alaska: Full Service RV Parks To Primitive Tent Camping Sites "

Kasilof, AK … Home of Iditarod Racers, Alaskan Salmon Fishing, and The Merc

Downtown Kasilof, AK is the The Merc and the post office. At least that's what you see at first glance. Look closer, though, and you'll find great Alaskan salmon fishing and services for visitors.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Kasilof, AK … Home of Iditarod Racers, Alaskan Salmon Fishing, and The Merc"

Halibut Fishing -- Bob Shares His Day on a Charter Boat Out of Homer, AK

Halibut fishing ... Thump, thump, thump. You feel their tail pushing them. You feel the sheer power of the big flat fish, running. Bob's describing his day on a charter boat trip.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Halibut Fishing -- Bob Shares His Day on a Charter Boat Out of Homer, AK"

Exit Glacier Salmon Bake Restaurant and Pub, Seward, Alaska

Exit Glacier Salmon Bake features pick your own pickles, root beer on tap, and Alaskan Brewhouse beers. You can also find Alaskan salmon and halibut at this Seward restaurant, along with burgers.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Exit Glacier Salmon Bake Restaurant and Pub, Seward, Alaska"

Take a Salmon Charter Out of Seward for a Fun Filled Day of Alaska Fishing

A salmon charter when the silvers are running ... what a way to spend a day on Alaska's icy waters. A Seward fishing trip makes a fine introduction to Alaska's salmon fishing.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Take a Salmon Charter Out of Seward for a Fun Filled Day of Alaska Fishing"

Alaska Observation of the Day - Trees Changing Color

We have trees in our yard that are already starting to change to their fall colors. It is subtle, but it is definitely starting. These are healthy trees. The leaves are just losing a bit of their green and taking on some yellow. Current temp is in the low 50's.

Garage Sales Get a Late Start

Garage sales in Alaska tend to start later in the day than in other places. In some parts of the country where we've been sales started at 7:00 a.m., certainly by 8:00 a.m. We went garage saling last weekend here on the Kenai Peninsula. At 10:30 a.m., people were just putting their signs out and many of the sales were just opening for the day about that time.

Happy Independence Day!

Happy 4th of July to all of our Alaska Life and Travel readers. We hope that you are having a great holiday weekend.

To those of you who are serving our country (or have in the past) we extend to you a sincere "Thank You!"

50-Cent Cones at McDonald's

One of the best deals for a sweet treat on the Kenai Peninsula is a 50 cent cone at McDonald's. They have them at the Soldotna McDonald's for that price. I've been told they also have 50 cent cones at the McDonald's in Kenai and Homer.

AK Travel Tip of the Day - Sal's Klondike Diner

Recommended place for breakfast in the Sterling / Kenai / Soldotna area is Sal's Klondike Diner. I particularly like the Taco Omelet. If you want something out of the ordinary, they have reindeer sausage, salmon sausage, and salmon bacon. You'll find Sal's on the Sterling Hwy., in Soldotna.

Wishing You a Blessed Easter!

Bob and Coleen (the people behind Alaska-life-and-travel.com) wish you an Easter filled with joy and great blessings. We hope that you are having a wonderful holiday.

When to Travel to Alaska

I've been told we should travel to Alaska during the shoulder season to get the best deals. I'm not sure what that means or if it is a good idea. I asked

Permalink -- click for full blog post "When to Travel to Alaska"

Harvested Most of My Garden Today

I harvested my potatoes and garlic today. Maybe I rushed things. But, this clear, sunny day, with a chilly breeze gives me the idea that we are going to have heavy frost soon. (We've already had light frost.) Unlike many Alaskans, I don't use a greenhouse. I just planted them in containers outside.

Bears Den Restaurant and Bakery ... with Chef Ernie, in Soldotna, AK

Bears Den Restaurant and Bakery, where Chef Ernie offers his creations to Soldotna residents and visitors to Alaska, is open for lunch and dinner. The steakhouse is on K-Beach and the Sterling Hwy.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Bears Den Restaurant and Bakery ... with Chef Ernie, in Soldotna, AK "

Hope, Alaska -- Experience History, Pan Gold, Fish, Visit the Museum, Shop, Eat

Hope, Alaska -- gold mining, salmon fishing on Resurrection Creek, tourists and accommodating services, trails, and the culture of a small Alaskan town where locals share the community history.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Hope, Alaska -- Experience History, Pan Gold, Fish, Visit the Museum, Shop, Eat"

Questions about Alaska, Answered by an Alaskan

Ask questions about Alaska life and travel. I will get you answers about what it is like to live here, as well as things you want to know for visiting and enjoying the state as a tourist.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Questions about Alaska, Answered by an Alaskan"

Site Search for the Alaska Life and Travel Website

Welcome to the Site Search for the Alaska Life and Travel website. Use this page to find the articles, tips, and ads you are looking for on www.alaska-life-and-travel.com.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Site Search for the Alaska Life and Travel Website"