HighAlaska

Fly Fishing For Salmon in Alaskan Rivers

admin — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Ask any fly fisherman his or her dream fishing trip and I bet the answer involves Alaska and its icy rivers. Alaska, known as America’s last frontier, is world renown for salmon fishing. This includes the fine art of fly fishing as well. Most people looking to enjoy this outdoor paradise usually book a trip during the summer months. This is because salmon fishing season is open from June till September. During this time, the Alaskan wilderness is in full bloom. Not only does the avid outdoor person enjoy the world’s finest fishing, he or she will also witness some of the most beautiful scenery North America has to offer. If this sounds like the fishing trip you have been dreaming of, then these next few lines will interest you. The easiest way to book a fishing trip is to find a guide online. This will give you access to lodging and transportation. Since Alaska does not have many roads or modern infrastructure, it important to have all of the details finalized before one leaves for his or her fishing expedition. Once you land in Alaska, you want to be sure the trip is unforgettable for all the right reasons.You thought this was good? Brace yourself: University of Alaska to Start Commercial Fishing Course?

Storing Meat for the Winter in Alaska

admin — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The last wild frontier in America is the state of Alaska where there are large remote areas that have no roads or electricity even to this day. This means you must travel by plane, snowmobile or dog sleds to access these more remote areas. This is why learning how to preserve and store meat for the winter in Alaska is a matter of survival. In Alaska many of the people will smoke the meat or make it into jerky if they do not have electricity to run a freezer.

Of course, the next best option is to can the meat if you have a pressure canner, mason jars, lids and rings. You will start by browning the meat slightly then stuff it into the jars which have been cleaned and sterilized. Put 1 teaspoon of plain salt into each jar, fill them up with water and place a lid with ring on each jar, making sure the rim is clean so it will seal properly. Next you will place the jars into the canner over a very hot fire. Once the canner starts to pressure you will let it run for 90 minutes for quarts and 75 minutes for pints.

Hunting and Fishing for Your Own Food in Alaska

admin — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Alaska is the largest state in the U.S. and the least densely populated. The state is a survivalist’s paradise with natural features that include, volcanoes, glaciers and more than 3 million lakes. This vast land presents many opportunities for hunting. Hunters can get survival tips by reading this article.

Hunting In Southeast Alaska

Southeast Alaska is a beautiful area, but also popular for hunting. Deer, moose and brown bears are abundant here and many hunters will find the best opportunities in the hunting season. Deer season is in August and black bears can be hunted all year except for the summer.

Hunting In Northwest Alaska

Northwest Alaska offers the best fishing opportunities due to the 3 major rivers that flow westward. Fisherman can find many types of fish here, such as chum salmon, sheefish, varden and pike. Fisherman that are unfamiliar with the area should hire a guide. There are very few roads in the area, which is why transportation will usually be done by float planes.

There are many opportunities for exceptional hunting in these regions. Hunters should be familiar with survival tactics and extreme weather conditions if they want to venture off in the wilderness safely. They will benefit the most by learning new hunting skills and consulting with a knowledgeable guide.

Reasons Your Trip Should be a Cruise

admin — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

If you’ve been considering an Alaskan cruise there’s no better time than now. Prices are low and the ships themselves keep getting better and better – here are a few more reasons (as if you need them!) why you should sign up now for the Alaskan cruise of a lifetime
The Amenities – Aside from the fact that the quarters are generally pretty tiny, the amenities onboard a large cruise ship are unparalleled. You’ve got High Speed Satellite Internet, unlimited meals and things like pools and gyms. It’s the way to travel.
The Ports – Alaska is a huge state and with so many places to see you’re likely to spend a lot of your time driving if you choose to go it alone. A cruise ship is a great way to get from one part of the state to another fairly quickly and the port cities are some of the best in Alaska.
The Cost – Aside from airfare, staying in Alaska can get expensive. Car rentals are pricey (you’ll have to rent a 4-wheel drive and get lots of insurance) and gas isn’t any cheaper up here. Hotels fill up quickly, too, so taking a cruise can actually be economical.

Discover Alyeska in Girdwood

www.highalaska.com — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000

What better place to ski than in the state where Olympic Gold Medalist Tommy Moe trained? Moe won two medals in the 1994 Winter Olympics (gold in the Downhill and silver in the Super-G).If you want to tap into a bit of hard core training and skiing yourself you may want to check out Alyeska Resort located in Girdwood which has a top elevation of 2750 feet, a vertical drop of 2500 feet, a vast skiable terrain of an incredible 1500 acres and nine total lifts. The longest run is 1 mile, and average snow fall is a glorious 650 inches.In addition to t he great skiing, the resort offers the only four diamond rated hotel in the area which makes it a perfect destination for families and romantic weekends, as well. Also offered is ski in and ski out on site, tram, and chairlift access. There are 68 runs and they are all open to snowboarders.And dining at the Hotel Alyeska is something to long be remembered as you relax and recharge from a fun day on the slopes in one of its many restaurants that range from casual to divine that are assured to please any palate.Choose from the Aurora Bar & Grill which specialized in “refined” comfort food, the Pond Caf for an incredible breakfast buffet, the Sakura Sushi Bar for Teppan-style cuisine, the Tramway caf for a quick coffee or carbo-load muffin before you start your day on the slopes and of course there’s always room service for those who want to stay in and recharge their batteries before hitting the slopes tomorrow.And while you’re staying in how about ordering an in-room massage from the resort’s spa so your muscles will be as recharged as the rest of you when you wake up to face another exciting day at Alyeska Resort.

The Alaska Day Festival

www.highalaska.com — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 18:34:21 +0000

Every year, the Alaska Day Festival celebrates a momentous moment in Alaskan history; October 18, 1867. It was on that day that Russia gave Alaska to America on the momentous Sitka Castle Hill.When Alaskan natives describe the history of the transfer, there is always such pride in their descriptions. The replacement of the Russian Double Eagle with the infamous Stars and Stripes is regarded as Alaska’s official birthday. And since birthdays are a time for celebrating, Alaska does just that, and has been honoring the day since 1954.Locals truly get into the spirit of Alaska Day; in-fact, the mayor asks women to adorn themselves in 1867 fashion and for men to grow facial hair for the event. While it’s not required, several locals follow the mayor’s appeals.The festival isn’t exclusive to the historic day, but rather, stretches over the course of several days. During the event, visitors and locals enjoy long distance races, concerts with local and nonlocal artists, a costume ball (with prizes), a tea at the Pioneer’s home, a demonstration of an air-sea rescue by the Coast Guard, and a tour of a ship (Naval Vessel or Coast Guard Cutter). And if those events weren’t enough, there’s even a parade and a memorial service at Sitka National Cemetery.However, the event that festival goers look forward to the most is the re-enactment of that infamous October day.If you’ve never been to the Alaska Day Festival, it’s about time you make your first trip. The 2010 festival stared this past Sunday and will run until October 18^th.

Born to be Wild

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:04:19 +0000

Alaska is home to some of the most diverse wildlife in America. Instead of squirrel problems, Anchorage residents complain about the rampant Moose and Bears that have been known to hang out inside city limits. In fact, 98 of the United States’ grizzly population resides in Alaska. These bears, technically called the Ursus arctos, can weigh anywhere from 500 to 1,400 pounds as an adult. Apart from traditional grizzly and black bears, more localized bearsthe Polar bear for examplecan be found among the northern region of Alaska. In addition to the bears, Alaska is also home to millions of real life Reindeer and Caribou (Reindeer are domesticated herds of Caribou). These herds of animals don’t carry Santa’s sleigh or have red noses, they simply roam the grounds as nomads, covering over 3,000 miles in a year. The coastal waters of Alaska are filled with an estimated 70,000 sea ottersmore than 90 of the world’s sea otter population. These otters share the waves with a wide variety of whales and dolphins. There are Dall’s and Harbor Porpoises, Pacific Whitesided dolphins, Beaked, Beluga, Bowhead, Fin, Humpback, Gray, Minke, Sperm, and Killer Whales to name a few. To learn more about the whales and dolphins of Alaskan waters, check out NOAA Fisheries. The sky above Alaska holds almost as many wildlife creatures as the waters. The most impressive of the 445 species of sky dwellers found in Alaska is the Eagle. Alaska is home to over 30,000 Bald Eaglesour National bird who was on the endangered species list until 2007. Bald Eagles are found along the state’s coastline while Golden Eagles are seen over the state’s interior. While many species found in Alaska can also be found in the lower 48 states, it is the rare and local wildlife that make Alaska stand out. If you plan a visit to the Last Frontier, look out for the local animals scarcely found elsewhere

Alaska Fishing

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:48:21 +0000

If you like to fish, then the chilly waters of Alaska hold the key to your happiness. Between the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Ocean, hundreds of rivers, and expansive lakes, you might be pressed for time but you won’t be pressed for fish. The waters are filled with record breaking Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char, barn door Halibut, and hundreds of other sport fish. These fish aren’t your typical puny catches eitherthey’re 50 pound plus trophy fish that are hard to come by anywhere else in the lower 48 states of America.If you’re interested in visiting Alaska on a fishing trip, you’ll need to find a quality lodge or resort that offers guides and chartered fishing services. First, you’ll need to choose a region for your fishing. There are five distinct regions in AlaskaFar North, Interior, Southwest, South-central, and Southeast. The South-central region is one of the best regions in the entire world for fishing. You can catch Halibut in the Kachemak Bay or Cook Inlet, fish the Kenai River to hook one of the worlds largest King Salmon, and charter a boat to fly-fishing only waters filled with Rainbow Trout and Grayling. Here’s a list of lodges and resorts in South-central Alaska. Though all regions of Alaska provide great fishing, the Southeast is one of the best areas to go for both Marine and freshwater fishing. Choose from a wide variety of accommodating lodges and resorts whose goals are to provide you with the best fishing experience and living experience possible.If you’re having difficulty choosing a lodge, take a look at the ResortsandLodges.com’s list of top 10 fishing lodges. Their top five choices are the Rainbow King Lodge, The Northwoods Lodge, The Kodiak Sportsman’s Lodge, The Katmai Wilderness Lodge, and the Alyeska Resort.

Royal Alaskan Cruise

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:29:58 +0000

Don’t let the tropical name fool you. The Royal Caribbean Cruise Line offers high quality cruises to varying climates all over the world. The Alaskan Cruise is one of their most gratifying and unique cruises available today. In seven short days, you will experience almost all the Last Frontier has to offer.While on an Alaskan cruise with Royal Caribbean, you’ll have the opportunity to race across a glacier in a dogsled race, spend time hiking and sightseeing the glacial waterfalls and rainforest outside Juneau, tour the ‘scenic railway of the world’the White Pass and Yukon, take an exhilarating helicopter ride above the Juneau Ice Field, mountain bike through the Inside Passage of Ketchikan on a guided tour, and take a wildlife cruise on a high-speed catamaran. In addition, you can personalize your itinerary with outings suitable to your interestsgo salmon fishing in an icy river, go ice climbing on a monstrous glacier, or opt to stay on the boat and enjoy the spirited bar tenders and talented entertainment programs. A truly breathtaking site is the Hubbard Glacierone of the most active glaciers in the world measuring over 1,350 feet. As you’re gazing at the wondrous Hubbard Glacier, close your open jaws and keep your eyes out for the natural wildlife of the icy oceansgigantic whales will spew water from their blow holes and lively seals and sea lions line the coastlines.As with all Royal Caribbean cruises, the food is as spectacular as the view on the open sea. Each night friendly waiters will wait on your hand and foot, bringing you endless portions of top chef’s delicious meals that change nightly.If you’re wondering about the weather or don’t know what to pack, stop stressing. Day attire should be casual and comfortable. Bring lots of jeans, sweaters, a moderately heavy jacket, a raincoat, warm socks, a swimsuit (there are hot tubs and heated pools on board), and comfortable shoes for hiking and walking around the natural landscapes of Alaska. At night, you’ll want casual, smart casual and formal attire to wear to the dining room’s various occasions. Your itinerary will alert you which nights are casual, smart casual, or formal.

The Truth about Alaskan Eskimos

www.highalaska.com — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:46:00 +0000

Thanks to children’s books and inaccurate stories, most American’s are lead to believe Eskimos are tiny people who dress in fur hoods and live in igloos made of ice. Fortunately for most modern day Eskimos, this stereotype doesn’t hold true. The true definition of an Eskimo is an indigenous person who traditionally lived around the polar areas of Siberia, Alaska, Canada, and Greenland. The two main groups of Eskimos todayYupik and Inuitboth currently reside in Alaska. The Inuit mostly live in northern Alaska, Canada, and Greenland, and the Yupik live in western Alaska, South Central Alaska, and the Russian Far East. The term ‘Eskimo’ is typically associated with negative connotations by the natives, who prefer the term Inuit. This is understandable’Eskimo’ roughly translates to ‘eaters of raw flesh’ whereas ‘Inuit’ means ‘the people’. Though the Inuit are widely dispersed, they only number around 60,000 in population with 25,000-35,000 of them residing in Alaska. Inuit in Alaska speak a local version of the Inuit language called Inupiaq.Instead of igloos, most modern Inuit live in single-story wooden house with combined kitchen and living room area and one or two bedrooms. Most houses have the luxury of heating systems and oil burning stoves. However, the myth of the igloo isn’t completely off base. Many years ago, select Canadian Inuit villages built their houses in dome shaped ‘igloo’ reminiscent styles. To keep warm before the days of electric heating, traditional Inuit clothing consisted of various animal skins and hides. They wore two layers during winterone layer of fur facing out, the other facing in. The outer layer was the traditional hooded parka we still associate win Eskimos today. In fact, modern Inuit buy their clothes from western-style stores. Young people favor jeans, tennis shoes, and bright comfortable sportswear. It is only for extended outdoor activity in winter that the traditional garb is used. To read the full history of the Inuit people, visit everyculture.com.