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Old 08-22-2008, 06:52 PM
 
Location: Catonsville, MD
2,358 posts, read 5,982,998 times
Reputation: 1711

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After our best friends and their 2 kids (same age as ours and best friends with our kids) moved to Alaska this year, we knew we'd be visiting them, but we anticipated a 2-3 week trip. Our friends extended an invitation for the kids and me (and our 2 dogs) to come up for 6-8 weeks and have my husband join us for the last 3 weeks. We thought about it for about 20 minutes and decided that this is an opportunity of a lifetime for our kids (and us!) [We did really quiz our friends to see if the really meant it and they assured us they DO want us to visit for that long.]

I've been reading the Alaska board and looking at the beautiful photos taken by Rance, Highland Lady, Redhawk, Warptman and many others for months to whet my appetite thinking I'd have to cram everything in in 3 weeks max. Now I know we'll have more time .

Our friends live in Eagle River and I know that we'll be heading up to Denali for a few days and down to the Kenai Peninsula for a few days. I also know that our friends will be watching our kids while hubby and I take a birding trip to St. Paul Island (a dream of ours for years and one we never thought we'd realize.) And I know that I'll be watching all 4 kids and 4 dogs and 2 cats while the other parents take a child-free break. Other than that, I have no clue what we'll do.

If anybody has any 'must-see' suggestions, I'd love to hear them. As said above, we're avid birders, but we also love all wildlife. We're not opposed to touristy things, but we try to stay away from crowds (that's why we nixed the idea of a conventional cruise) as much as possible. If there are any guidebooks that are better than others, please let me know!

Thanks in advance!
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Old 08-22-2008, 07:06 PM
 
Location: Alaska
1,437 posts, read 4,804,155 times
Reputation: 933
Quote:
Originally Posted by cmacf1 View Post
If anybody has any 'must-see' suggestions, I'd love to hear them.
sure, a "for sale" sign in your front yard. might as well get started now, you won't want to leave after that much time here.
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Old 08-22-2008, 07:13 PM
 
Location: Catonsville, MD
2,358 posts, read 5,982,998 times
Reputation: 1711
Quote:
Originally Posted by DannyL View Post
sure, a "for sale" sign in your front yard. might as well get started now, you won't want to leave after that much time here.
That's what others have told me, but the issue is that hubby is a Professor of Pharmaceutical Science and there are no schools of Pharmacy in Alaska . Some have suggested he create a School of Pharmacy at University of Alaska and I'm still trying to convince him that that's what he should do. I have been to Alaska before, but he hasn't. He has NO idea how incredible it is. I was only there for a week back in 1991 and I was blown away. I'm so happy to be returning!!!
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Old 08-22-2008, 10:25 PM
 
Location: Casa Grande, AZ
8,685 posts, read 16,853,247 times
Reputation: 10335
You have to let him see what he is in for...and he will probably love it with the plans you have - so many different species of birds up here. You just enjoy it and take it day to day, and lots of pics
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Old 08-22-2008, 11:38 PM
 
Location: Naptowne, Alaska
15,603 posts, read 39,832,856 times
Reputation: 14890
Definately get him to create that school!
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Old 08-23-2008, 03:35 AM
 
Location: Soldotna, Ak
50 posts, read 174,969 times
Reputation: 48
A lot depends on personality. Are you busy people who like to always have an itinerary full or are you happier to kick back and take it slow. Either way there are many things to accommodate either. You did not mention the ages of your children, or I may have missed it but the Sea Life center in Seward is on my personal must see list. They have a web site I am sure will come up if Google it. Beach combing in Homer can't be beat. The State fair in Palmer is worth your time. Bet you'll never find a bigger cabbage! We did the Kenai Fjords tour this year with some family. For me it was nothing new. My dad was in the Navy so we always owned a boat and I grew up seeing that environment. I realized by the family that had never been here, and actually by my own children s reaction as well that it was something special.
As far as a guide, nothing beats a Milepost. Even if your not driving the AlCan there is a wealth of information and idea's.

Good luck!
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