Alaska Political Views of My Pa (Alaskan-raised)

My father, Dane Smith, is currently the director of Growth & Justice, a Minnesota non-partisan organization that is a "leading progressive voice on state economic issues."  He helped guide the 2009 Maine-to-Alaska tour, and, not surprisingly, took note of the current political views of Alaskans.  While we were in Seward, he posted the following blog titled, "What's the Matter with Alaska?"  (The photo in the blog was taken by him while on the Denali Star train, between Talkeetna and Denali National Park.   My grandfather and ex-Alaskan resident, OK Smith, is the white-haired gentleman on the right!)  Warning:  liberal content!  (Click on the link above to see the article.)

Alaska 2009 Trip Photos

Here is a link to the web album for the Maine-to-Alaska 2009 trip:  https://picasaweb.google.com/110803460228810715341/AlaskaAugust2009?authkey=Gv1sRgCMD0rfGXpPzSnQE

Accommodations

Check out your personal accommodations by clicking on the links to the left.  Also, below the accommodations, there are links to the communities where we are going for you to explore!

Winkflash.com

Hello everyone! I have finally had the spare time to start an online account for us to share photos.

Directions to view photos:
1) Go to www.winkflash.com
2) Click on "Member Sign In"
3) For username, type "..." (without the quotes)
4) For password, type "..." (no quotes)
5) Click on a folder to see the photos I uploaded.
6) Click on the first photo in the album.
7) To see all photos in a slideshow, click on the green play button. You can change the speed of the slide show by clicking on ">" for slow, ">>" for medium, and ">>>" for fast. Or just view through them at your own pace by clicking the forward button.

Anyone can order these photos from this site for $0.08 per 4x6, $0.25 per 5x7, etc. Sometimes there are sales for only $0.04 per photo. (Only $0.89 postage for many photos.) If you need help ordering, give me a call!

My wish is that everyone that took digital photos can upload their good 'uns to this site. If you are willing to do this, let's talk via phone and I'll very happily guide you through the process. I can't wait to see them!

I miss you all and think of you often!

Growth & Justice Blog

While in Homer, Dane published a blog on Alaskans and their political views on his organization's website, www.growthandjustice.org

Here is a link to the specific blog: http://growthandjustice.typepad.com/

Earthquake!

Well folks, looks like we JUST missed an earthquake, 5.0 on the Richter scale. Darn! That would have really added icing on the cake of our adventure. (I was even kind of wishing for a LITTLE one...we were close, but no cigar!) It happened this morning (August 19th), almost exactly 10 hours after we left. The epicenter was about 30 miles from Anchorage, and the tremors were felt throughout the Kenai Peninsula (which includes Homer, Whittier, Seward).

http://www.focus-fen.net/index.php?id=n191557

Note: The AK earthquake of 1964 measured 9.2 on the Richter scale; 10,200 times as powerful as today's! (No wonder my father had a hard time staying on his bicycle while on his paper route back in '64.)

It appears there were several much smaller earthquakes in the areas of Alaska we were visiting while we were there: http://www.aeic.alaska.edu/Seis/recenteqs/index.html

Our ferry, MV Chenega

Our ferry journeys from Valdez to Cordova and Cordova to Whittier are going to be very fun sightseeing adventures in themselves! The photo above is of our particular ferry, M/V Chenega. Click here to see a video of the amenities aboard the Alaska Marine Highway system vessels. More on this transportation system can be found at www.ferryalaska.com.

Alaska B4-U-DIE

Interesting marketing tactic, alright. This is actually not an uncommon logo for Alaska tourism!

From this site, you can request your own travel planner - www.alaskaB4Udie.com

Sarah Palin Interview

Here is the Saturday Night Live video to which Dane is referring - a parody on the Sarah Palin / Katie Couric interview last September. Quite hilarious!!

WE WILL SEE RUSSIA FROM HER HOUSE

We'll be in and out of Wasilla a couple times and the little town is shaping up this summer as something of a national political hotspot. Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, resident and ex-mayor of Wasilla, announced today that she is resigning as governor. See NYTimes story here: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/03/palin-to-resign-as-governor-of-alaska/?partner=rss&emc=rss
Speculation is running wild as to exactly why, but it appears she wants the freedom to be able to run for president. So as a 30-year ex-political reporter (mostly with the Star Tribune in Minneapolis but also the St. Paul Pioneer Press) I will try to get us as close to this story as possible. An old colleague of mine was her press guy at the state capitol. At the very least, we ought to be able to see some media types hanging around and maybe we can find time to drive by her place and knock on her door. I'll tell you all about why she has that Minnesota accent, made unforgettable in the movie "Fargo'', even though she was born in Idaho. If you want to review the funniest thing ever, YouTube should still have Tina Fey's Saturday Night Live send-up of Sarah during the last campaign, in which she talked about seeing Russia from her house. Sarah actually said something to that effect in her infamous interviews. Russia of course is only about 700 miles as the crow flies to the northwest of Wasilla and in Alaska we will see vestiges of the early Russian colonization at places along the way, especially in Kenai.

Dane

Our Cyber-Alaska Journey!

Here is our future in present cyberspace - our route on Google maps. Have fun with this: there are many details about each leg of our journey, you can zoom in and out, view the map via satellite and terrain, and more! You can do all this directly on our blog page, or click on the link to view a larger map with which to play on Google/maps.


View Alaska 2009 in a larger map

Another means of getting to our Google Alaska voyage is to click on this link.

Cordova - Alaska's Hidden Treasure

Cordova blog update:

From Valdez, we will catch the fast ferry Chenega (a part of Alaska's Marine Highway System) to Cordova. Click on this link to see our boat. Our ferry transport will be entertainment in itself, with many majestic views of Prince William Sound.

Why are we taking a ferry instead of a bus, you may be wondering? THERE ARE NO ROADS TO CORDOVA - "Alaska's Hidden Treasure."

Cordova Coastal Outfitters

Rent motorboats, fishing gear, kayaks, canoes, bikes, and more.

Whitewater Rafting

I am currently researching day trips, as a few of you voiced interest at the info session. I will update soon!

On one of the two full days we are in Cordova, depending on the weather, anyone in our group that so chooses can go for a ride in the van along the Copper River Highway to Childs Glacier and the Million Dollar Bridge. This link provides some gorgeous photos of the area.

Here are more links to get a feel for Cordova (pop. 2,500) and the Copper River Delta.

http://www.cordovaalaska.com/ http://cordovachamber.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=102&Itemid=71 alaska.pinnacle-travel.org/Cordova.htm en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordova,_Alaska

UPDATE: Brian and Cindy's Tickets

Hello all,

$550 for a round trip flight from Boston to Anchorage is very inexpensive. If you know of anyone who might be interested, even if they do not choose to travel with our group, we have have up until August 5th to change the names on the tickets for no extra fee.

If you know of anyone who would be able to use the tickets during the next year from date of issue (August 6th, 2009), that is another option: the cancellation/date change fee is $150 + the airfare cost change from our original group airfare fee of $722. For example, if someone is looking to use the tickets in September and the cost of the airfare for that date is $746 (actual cost of Continental fares in September), the cost would be $550 + 150 + 24 = $724.

Note: it is very uncertain if flights to Alaska will be this inexpensive in the future. Looking ahead, flights in May/June of next year are priced at $1,118. (This price may decrease as the date approaches, depending on supply and demand; but - pardon the cliche - one bird in the hand is worth two in the bush!

Airline Tickets Available at Discount

Due to family health issues Cindy and I will not be able to travel with you to Alaska.  Needless to say we are very disappointed.  The itinerary looks very exciting and the people we met last week in Rockland for Vanessa's Q&A we thought were very nice, and would be great travel companions.

So, we have our two airline tickets available for sale.  As you know they cost $1500.00  We would be willing to sell them at a steep discount at $1100.  Maybe one of you knows of a couple that would be interested.  The names on the tickets would need to be changed by July 2.

Brian Swan

(207) 236-3204

 

Homer, Continued

More details on activities in Homer...

K Bay Bear Viewing
If you don't think your grizzly fix will be sated in Denali N.P., this may be an appealing option for you. Be taken in a plane to Katmai National Park. Prices are $399 (standby) to $549 (reserved).

Norman Lowell Gallery & Studio
Rainy day activity - one of the 11 art galleries in Homer. This gallery is a favorite of TripAdvisor folks.

Pratt Museum
Natural history of Alaska!

Rainbow Tours
6-hour whale watching & pelagic bird viewing tours, 1/2 day halibut fishing tours, ferry to nearby village of Seldovia

True North Kayak Adventures
If we didn't get enough in Seward...

TripAdvisor - Homer
More advice on things to do in Homer!

Homer Chamber of Commerce
And if all that isn't enough...loads more stuff for info junkies!

Seward & Kenai Fjords N.P. Excursions!

TripAdvisor has great advice and helpful reviews on things to do in Seward. Click here to see the complete listing.

Here are a choice few:

Kayak Adventures Worldwide (Ranked #1 Top Attraction on TripAdvisor)
Half- and full-day trips ranging in price from $70 (1/2-day Resurrection Bay) - $400 (Aialik Bay).

Kenai Fjords Wildlife & Glacier Tours
Half- and full-day cruises with nature guides. Lunch usually provided onboard. Similar to our New England whale watches, only with more diverse wildlife and dramatic background! I have been on one of these tours in 1996, from Seward to Valdez: they are wonderful and inspirational. (I wanted to be one of the naturalists on these boats!)

Crackerjack Sportfishing Charters
Someone in our group please go catch a halibut and cook it for us in our cabin at Miller's Landing!

Ice Hiking or Birding with Exit Glacier Guides
Crampons & glaciers, anyone?

Alaska SeaLife Center
If it is a rainy day and 10 or more of us want to go here, we will get a 10% discount. (Regular admission: $20) Or, if you have AAA or are an AARP member, you can get a 5% discount.

I'm Dane and I'll Be One of Your Alaska Tour Guides

Howdy there, fellow Alaska adventurers. I'm Dane Smith, Vanessa's dad, and O.K. Smith's son. I took my first trip to Alaska (it was O.K.'s second trip) in the summer of 1950 at the age of six months, travelling the 1,500-mile Alaskan highway in the back of a 1940 (or thereabouts) panel truck. We had started from my birthplace and my parents' home in Corpus Christi, Texas. My memory of that journey is fuzzy but I'm told it was pretty much like traveling the Oregon Trail in a Conestoga wagon, although this vehicle was at least motorized. We lived in a tent that first summer. There were no Indian attacks, although I'll never forget watching a bunch of Canadians in a fistfight, actually brawling in the mud, alongside the Alaskan Highway on another trip in 1956. So anyway, this trip should be easier and tamer. O.K. and Vanessa and I will try to keep you informed and entertained and I'm really looking forward to meeting you all. If you want to contact me for any reason, here's my e-mail and phone numbers: smithfamily569@hotmail.com and 651-251-0728 (work) or 651-698-4487 (home).

Denali Star Railroad Service

By popular demand from members in our group, info on the Alaska Railroad Service!
Wasilla to Denali - Adventure Class - rate is $146 (sorry, all who were at info session - the rate I initially found online, $117, was off-season price). Depart Wasilla 9:35am - Arrive Denali 3:55pm (6.5 hour ride)
Wasilla to Denali - Gold Star Service - rate is $231

Another more economical option is to catch the train in Takeetna:
Adventure Class - rate is $85
Gold Star Service is $170
Depart Talkeetna 11:20am, Arrive Denali 3:55pm - still 4.5 hour train ride

So, all those who plan to take the train, please let me know your choice and I will book it for you! There is still plenty of room for all options. I checked for group discounts, but our group is not 20 or more so no-go. No other discounts except for AK residents and military. No tax though - that is a plus!

Accommodation Updates

Updates have been made for accommodations: check the listing to the left of this post to see your very unique lodgings!

Our Trip Exposed!

Links to press releases and forums on our adventure:

Village Soup Online ~
http://www.villagesoup.com//commbriefs/story.cfm?storyid=155688

Topix.com (randomly picked up on local press release!)
http://www.topix.com/colleges/university-of-alaska-anchorage/2009/04/have-tax-refund-will-travel-to-alaska

Our Accommodations

Reservations are well underway! Please see the accommodation listings to the left to see where you are scheduled to stay. They are all wonderful places!

Exploring Homer & Kachemak Bay

Homer, the "Cosmic Hamlet by the Sea," has a very diverse assortment of things to do:
Art galleries (9 of them) (a great rainy day activity!)
Bear viewing by bush plane ($399 special for a day trip)
TripAdvisor advice and information
Homernews.com
Homer Chamber of Commerce
Homeralaska.com

More info to come on the following topics:
Halibut fishing
Sea kayaking
Hiking
Day trips across the bay

Biking in Homer

Biking is a popular and highly recommended activity to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of Homer and surrounds. After a long voyage from Cordova to Homer, you may definitely feel like stretching your muscles a bit! Your travel guide, Vanessa, will most definitely be elated to lead a group bicycle tour. Beware ~ as is most of the coast of Alaska, the Homer area is very, shall we say, flat-land-challenged! Here is a link for more inspiration and information on Homer Biking:
"Sightseeing by Bike in Homer, AK" article

Ferry Ride

We will depart from Cordova by ferry on yet another gorgeous boat ride, back to Whittier. (Can you locate our route? Check out this link of the Alaska Marine Highway System ports: http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/map/community_map.html)

From there, we will take a bus to Homer; where we will stay for the next three days.

Denali Wilderness and Wildlife

By clicking on the following link, you will get just a peek at the wilderness and wildlife we will see in Denali National Park. Click here: DENALI PHOTOS.

To view a google map of our journey to Denali National Park, click here.

Denali National Park

We will be spending two nights and two days in the Denali National Park Region. There are many park tours from which to choose:
* Road tours into the park (prices ranging from $30-$150, from shuttle bus to wilderness tours)
* Flightseeing tours
* Jeep backcountry tours
* Whitewater rafting tours
* Denali fly fishing tours
* Jet boat safari tours
* ATV, Iditarod sled dog, biking, horse-drawn carriage tours

Something for everyone! Take a look at this website choc-a-bloc full of fantastic photos and tour descriptions: http://alaska.org/denali/denali-day-tours.htm If you see a tour in which you are interested, let your tour guide know and she will book it for you. (Vanessa can be reached at 207.596.2018)

ALASKA TURNS 50!

Our group is fortunate to celebrate Alaska's quinquagenary! (a.k.a. semicentennial, or 50th anniversary) Alaska became the 49th state of America on January 3, 1959.

Denali National Park

Many more videos on Alaska and the areas we will be traveling can be viewed on www.youtube.com. To see this video, click on the play button.