Let's have a word on Alaska, shall we?
I first went to Alaska in 2003-ish on a 13-day long work trip. My job at the time centered on managing sightseeing operations for a major travel company and I was touring Alaska to see my hard work in action to be better at remotely handling the needs of the position from Seattle.
I saw a lot of Alaska.
My trip included Skagway, Juneau, Anchorage, Fairbanks and Denali National Park as well as the off-beaten parts of northern Canada's Yukon Territory including Whitehorse, Eagle and Dawson City.
The perk of the trip also allowed me to participate in all the classic Alaska experiences. I went whale watching, took a wildlife tour around Mt McKinley in search for bear (we didn't find any), rode the White Pass & Yukon Route railways, white river rafted, salmon baked and panned for gold. I saw whales, beluga as well as killer and humpback. I saw more eagles than I could count. I saw goat, moose and rivers of salmon that shimmered silver with overflowing spawning. I saw green trees and blue glaciers. I saw the pipeline, dog sledders, old west shows and learned the history.
So aside from actually working with these Alaska products, I saw it. I did it. I think I know Alaska.
And don't hate me, but I think it's overrated. Here's why...
As a native to Washington State, I've camped in the woods and played on our beaches - both sandy and rocky. I see bald eagles almost daily and elk and deer are a common sighting among us locals. I've hiked in bear country of the Cascades and met mountain goats nose to nose in the Olympics. I've seen dolphin, humpback and killer whales in our Sound. I've seen harbor seals and sea lions fishing for Northwest-own salmon and endanger themselves by angering the officials of our Locks. I've played in the snow in the winter, and while maybe not glacial, i've seen dirty snow and can honestly tell you that the glaciers are really just hard packed snow. Often dirty.
It should be no surprise to me that on a more recent 7-day business trip to Alaska this month -- and this time on a cruise ship for learning a new corporate position within the same travel company -- I am yet to be impressed.
People spend thousands and travel the world to see this Last Frontier and I don't get it. What am I missing? Have these people not been to the west coast? Am I just a spoiled snob?
I don't suggest that you not see Alaska. Truly. You should.
But also consider that maybe the song and dance is a bit of well manicured propaganda. Go to Alaska, but swing down through Washington state when you are done. Tell me if you see the resemblance in these two wildernesses. You will also notice the added perk of Washington's cost friendliness over high import AK and the option of modern, urban, world class eateries, shopping and theater should you tire of wildlife and Patagonia-clad hikes. Something you won't find in the T-shirt and shot glass stuffed souvenir shops lining Alaska city streets. After all, how many times do you need to visit Diamonds International?
Don't think I'm a hater. I just love my state. There's a reason I live here and haven't left. And there's a reason we have more than a few transplants - I'm looking at you California.
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