Is Alaska the Final Frontier?

Many people, especially the outdoorsy types, see Alaska as one of the last unexplored areas on the globe. It is certainly true that explorers come from all over the world to see how they will faire out in Alaska's "outback." At the same time, Alaska does have some thriving metropolitan areas. Anchorage is the state's largest city with Fairbanks and its bedroom communities following not too far behind. So is Alaska really the last uncharted territory?

The Alaska Highway is something that most North Americans (and probably some people from Europe as well) dream of driving at least once in their lives. The road has a reputation for being a treacherous unpaved road that does its best to completely break the spirits of those who try to drive it. While that might have been true a couple of decades ago, now most of the road has been paved. It's true that the road is not heavily traveled, but drivers can be treated to lovely scenery and a relaxing drive—not shredded tires and cars so badly damaged they are simply left behind.

Juneau is the state's capital and in the 1980s was a tiny town. Now it is a thriving medium sized town and tourist stop. The town operates like a suburb with the sidewalks basically rolling up at six or seven PM each night and while their tourist knick knacks used to be 100% locally made, now they are manufactured in Taiwan. The town is also a major port of call for cruise ships, so most businesses (though they close early!) cater to out of towners. This is not a place to look for an "authentic" Alaskan experience.

Denali is a favorite stop for climbers and there are guided climbs going up the mountain almost every day. Some stay out a few days and others are simple tourist treks. The park is largely untouched by people—or so it seems. The truth is that there are plenty of tourists that visit and explore the park every day, but the rules of the park dictate that tourists take a bus out to the farthest reaches. There are also stretches where people can get out and hike, but the park guides request that hikers spread out so that they do not unintentionally create a trail.

The truth is that Alaska is a little bit of a dichotomy. It is an incredibly popular tourist destination. The "typical" tourist to Alaska, however, does not a spa-ing, golfing, want to be catered to tourist. A "typical" Alaskan tourist is someone who likes to camp and climb mountains and prefers to sleep outside and "rough it." These are the tourists who are catered to even while local Alaskans do their best to pretend that the tourist are nothing more than an annoyance. Most of Alaska's tundra has been mapped, so it isn't actually "undiscovered," but it is still fun to explore!

Interesting links:

Anchorage Micro Blog

Canada Micro Blog

USA Micro Blog

Why Use a Micro Blog?
“Because it's a fun and fast way to connect to the world.” “Because you get the low-down on your friends in 140 characters or less”.

Timbers Announce Alaska Airlines as Official Jersey Sponsor and Airline of MLS Club
PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The Major League Soccer (MLS) Portland Timbers and Alaska Airlines today announced that Alaska Airlines is the team's official airline. The multiyear deal is highlighted by the Alaska Airlines' logo prominently featured on the team's jerseys beginning with the Timbers' debut MLS season in March 2011.

Alaska Airlines 'Greener Skies' Test Flight Lowers Emissions by 35 Percent
SEATTLE, July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alaska Airlines demonstrated next-generation flight procedures this week during a test flight over Puget Sound that burned less fuel and reduced emissions by 35 percent compared to a conventional landing.

Mywedding.com Debuts New Last Frontier Territory Guides
Local vendor guides for Anchorage and all other areas of Alaska coincide perfectly with wedding season