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| Alaska, USA |
Those of us lucky enough to reside full-time in Alaska know we've got something special going on. Wildlife, mountains, interesting weather, long periods of daylight and darkness; yeah, we've got that. But we also get a fair amount of questioning from potential visitors who wonder just how the state's population of 740,000 manages to survive in this amazing and wild place.
After a decade of living, working, and playing from one end of Alaska to the other, here are my most popular queries from those who consider an Alaskan to be a unique commodity. Especially at parties.
By Erin Kirkland
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| Winter in Alaska is typically dark, but not everywhere, and not necessarily all day. Getty Images/Jeff Schultz/Design Pics |
Is it dark all day in the winter?
One of Alaska's most unique attributes is its proximity to the rest of the U.S. Located far, far away from the Lower 48 (as Alaskans call it) or contiguous United States, Alaska sits at latitude 54 degrees 40' N to 71 degrees 51' N/ longitude 130 degrees W to 173 degrees E. What this means, of course, is that the state is near the top of the planet, and as Alaska is farther from the equator, where daylight and darkness shifts are less pronounced, our light and dark can seem pretty extreme. Of course, Alaska's sheer size means this will be different depending upon where one lives. Barrow, up in the Arctic, sees the sun go down in mid-November, and it won't rise until mid-January. In Anchorage, winter Solstice (December 21) means the sun comes up around 10 a.m. and goes down again at 3 p.m. So it's not exactly dark all the time, just much of it; which is why Alaskans really look forward to summer.
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| Dog sled teams are useful forms of transportation, but usually for fun these days. Erin Kirkland |
Does everyone have a sled dog team?
Sled dogs are considered one of the most effective means of getting around Alaska's backcountry during the winter months. When there were no motorized vehicles, sled dog teams were able to cover ground much faster than people, especially in deep snow. Even with snow machines and cars now, sometimes extremely cold temperatures prevent engines from starting, but sled dogs always want to run. It costs a lot to keep a sled dog team, however, so mushers who race rely upon sponsorships to keep their packs of sometimes 60 or more dogs fed and healthy. Many people keep sled dogs purely for the fun of it, however, and it is fun to rush through a wintery trail behind a team.
GoTip: Winter is the best time to visit if you want to truly appreciate sled dogs' skill and endurance.
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| Alaska has no penguins, as these flightless birds live near the South Pole and Antarctic regions. Getty Images/Paul Souders |
Where can I see penguins?
Penguins, as adorable as they are, actually live in the South Pole, not the North, so no one should actually see a live one during his or her visit. Many people do assume that penguins would live in the Arctic regions, and indeed they might, as landscape and weather are much the same. But alas, these birds enjoy a live way, way down south.
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| Many people own cabins, or rent them, to spend a few days or even an entire season in the wilderness. Getty Images/Cultural RM Exclusive/Hage PHoto |
Do you have electricity?
Most of Alaska's towns and cities are quite modern (by our standards, anyway), with electricity, wireless internet, cell phones, and the like. Some people do prefer to live full-time "off the grid," however, which means they rely upon generators or deliveries of propane for power. Some people also own cabins in the remote wilderness, where they can escape for days or weeks the hustle and bustle of work or school.
GoTip: Alaska's State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service both have excellent, off-grid public use cabins for that truly Alaskan outdoor experience.
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| Alaska can yield once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to see black and brown bears. Erin Kirkland |
Where are the bears?
Alaska's bears could be anywhere, really. Three types of bears live in the 49th state; black, brown, and polar, the latter only living in the Arctic regions of the far north. Alaskans know to be wary and respectful of bears, and to always make noise, travel in groups, and carry bear spray when fishing, hiking, or camping. Bears can and do wander the streets of town on occasion, however, and especially on trash day. Visitors should heed all signs about bears in a particular area, and, when camping, take great pains to keep things clean to prevent any bear-human encounters.
GoTip: Consult the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website for information about bears before your trip.
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| Elder and youth dressed in traditional clothing await the arrival of a ship at Hoonah's Icy Strait Point. Erin Kirkland |
Are you an Alaska native?
Contrary to how the phrase may sound in the Lower 48, the term "Alaska Native" is reserved for the indegenous individuals for whom it was intended. More than 200 Alaska Native groups are registered in the state, and each has a particular culture and perspective that should be respected. If you are asking someone if they have spent their entire life in Alaska, a better question to ask is "Were you born and raised here?"
GoTip: Read up on Alaska Native cultures at Anchorage's Alaska Native Heritage Center.
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| Alaska is the 49th state, and as such, uses good-old American currency. Getty Images/Adam Gault |
Do you use American money?
Alaska became a state on January 3, 1959, after years of work by territorial committees. On that day, the beautiful blue and yellow flag of Alaska flew proudly, and residents were thrilled to receive the honors and benefits of being the 49th state. Prior to that, however, Alaska was a territory, and as such used United States dollars for currency. Some people become confused, however, when they drive the Alaska-Canada Highway (or Al-Can) to Alaska, crossing through Canada, and thus, using Canadian currency.
GoTip: The drive is an excellent way to get a sense of the distance to and from Alaska; more than 2,000 miles of road are between Seattle, Washington and Fairbanks, Alaska.
Visiting Alaska?
Take time to research the 49th state, its people, history, and cultural perspectives. Resources abound, especially via the State of Alaska Tourism Bureau's comprehensive listing of books, maps, and guides.
