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Destination:

Alaska


Getting Ready

topBooks

Coming into the Country
John McPhee • Cultural

An outstanding portrayal of frontier life in Alaska circa 1976, this is among the finest of this gifted writer's works. Beautifully written, it's an even-handed look at environmental issues, as well as a hilarious portrait of some unforgettable Alaskan characters. Buy now

Travels in Alaska
John Muir • Exploration

The centerpiece of this beloved classic is Muir's wide-eyed discovery of Glacier Bay. A touchstone of the early 20th-century romance with wild places. Buy now

Call of the Wild, White Fang, and Other Stories
Jack London • Literature

This collection of the best of London's novels of adventure in Alaska includes his most famous, Call of the Wild, the 1903 tale of the dog Buck and his master John, struggling in the wilderness.
Buy now

Whelk to Whales: Coastal Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest
Rick M. Harbo • Natural History

This book is packed with clear photographs and text. It is useful in southeast Alaska as well.
Buy now

The Nature of Southeast Alaska: A Guide to Plants, Animals and Habitats
Robert H. Armstrong • Natural History

This book covers the ecosystems in more depth. It is also full of drawings, which many times are more helpful than photographs. Buy now

Race Across Alaska: First Woman to Win the Iditarod Tells Her Story
Libby Riddles and Tim Jones • Biography

The fascinating account of a courageous Wisconsin woman and her heroic dogs, who faced a raging blizzard, cold and exhaustion to win the dogsled race in 1985. Buy now

Travelers’ Tales Alaska
Edited by Bill Sherwonit, Andromeda Romano and Ellen Bielawski • Cultural

An odyssey through America’s last frontier, filled with true but astounding tales about this rugged wilderness and the unique individuals who call it home. Buy now

topDVDs

White Fang (1991)
Directed by Randal Kleiser, starring Ethan Hawke

Based on the Jack London novel about a Yukon gold hunter and the mixed dog-wolf he befriends. Buy now

Alaska (1996)

An action-adventure film that centers on two children who search through the Alaskan wilderness for their lost father. During their journey they find a polar bear that helps lead them to their father. Buy now

Mystery, Alaska (1999)
Written by David E. Kelly, directed by Jay Roach and starring Russell Crowe, Hank Azaria and Burt Reynolds

A town obsessed with hockey gets it shot at playing the New York Rangers. Buy now

Northern Exposure (TV series, 1990-1995)

Quirky Emmy award-winning 'dramedy' with a colorful cast of characters. Buy now

The Proposal (2009)
Directed by Anne Fletcher, starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds

A romantic comedy where they travel to Sitka, Alaska. Buy now

Over Alaska
Documentary

Shot over three months by the world s most experienced high-definition aerial production team and an acclaimed wildlife photographer. It takes you from Anchorage, a modern city in the middle of six enormous mountain ranges, to the abandoned mining camp Kennecott, and gives you an insider s look at the state s history, heritage and culture. Buy now

topPacking List - Inside Passage

Be prepared for an all-weather trip. Although it is summer and temperatures are moderate, glaciers are cold and periodic rain is (obviously) wet!

You will need practical clothing-long pants and shirts included. Dress in layers to ensure comfort in varied conditions. Patagonia fleeces and rain gear are great for kids and adults alike.

Unless you plan on heavy treks, light hiking boots will do. You may also want to bring sneakers. It is nice to have a change of shoes after a wet-footed, fun-filled day.

Warm hats and gloves for early morning and late evening are essential. Bring lots of sunscreen, sunglasses and maybe even a visor or hat to shield you from the ever-lasting daylight.

Consider a camera and binoculars for each member of your family-and take the video camera along if you like.

While we are all good sailors, I always have Dramamine on hand in case we run across rough waters. The Inside Passage is known for its calm waters, but we did encounter some swells on the western shores of Admiralty Island.

topPacking List - Kenai Peninsula

All of the above, plus:

  • Light, breathable quick-dry undergarments
  • Microfiber fleece vest
  • Long sleeve partial-zip pullover
  • Quick-drying nylon pants
  • A sturdy, water-resistant coat or jacket
  • Waterproof gloves
  • Wellington boots for wet, muddy conditions (my Burberry wellies worked great)

It’s a good idea to bring extra changes of clothes along on a day trip, in case someone takes an unexpected plunge in a river or lake. Once the plane drops you off, it may be hours before they return.

topFood Requests

The chef will prepare wonderful meals from the day's catch. If you have other requests, simply send in the My Little Swans food survey or complete one with our travel partner.