And so it begins . . .
Welcome to day one of our 4 day mushing trip through the Denali Wilderness. In this addition we start off at a (what would soon be) warm -15 below and are treated to a beautiful day of bonding with nature and our dogs. At the end of the day, we take on the most challenging terrain of the entire trip, and I do so, shall we say, "unsuccessfully".
Words can't do this justice. Check out the video. And check out the following who helped make this trip a reality:
The Earthsong Lodge - our mushing guide at www.earthsonglodge.com
The Denali Dome Home - our home base at www.DenaliDomeHome.com
Era Alaska - our constant transportation companion at www.flyera.com
Well Folks, here it is. I'm ALL IN on this one. This was simply one of the greatest adventures of my life and I'm working nearly round the clock to put the whole thing into something that can even remotely do it justice.
Part One is the "Prequel". This shows the weeks leading up to the trip and features interviews with three of mushing all time greats: Dee Dee Jonrowe, Lance Mackey and Martin Buser. They all took time out of their busy training schedules to give me advice about mushing and what it is that they love about it the most. These are interviews unlike any you've seen from them before.
Not much more I can say. Text will not do this adventure justice. So check out the video and here are links to those who you may want to check out if you find yourself wanting to take on an adventure like mine. I will be the FIRST ONE to say....DO IT! DO IT! DO IT! You will not regret it.
The Earthsong Lodge (www.earthsonglodge.com) - This is the outfitter who took me on the trip. Jon is a top notch guide and some describe him as a "rockstart" of mushing in interior Alaska.
The Denali Dome Home (www.denalidomehome.com) - If you want a base camp for adventures into Denali Park, this is the place to do it. It keeps you away from the touristy hotels and brings you a real personal touch.
Era Alaska (www.flyera.com) - THE source of transportation for my blog. This airline is like my second home. God bless'em. ;-)
Come out and ice skate with me at the Victorian Skate Food Drive! It's this Saturday, January 30th, at Cuddy Park. Bring your skates and cans of food! I'll be the one trying not to fall in the pretty green dress. See you all there!
In the last edition, I had a chance to discover the trails at Alyeska with a "trail host" and then got cut loose for an afternoon of beautiful sunshine and groomed trails. Following that, a massage and dinner at the Sitzmark.
This time out, we start the day off with a soak in the GIANORMOUS hot tub, followed by a tasty breakfast buffet. Then my buddy James got a one hour ski lesson that, in the end, had him up on the chairlift and skiing like a rock star.
We followed it all with lunch at the 7 Glaciers. Why is it called 7 Glaciers? Cause you can see SEVEN GLACIERS from the window while you eat! Oh, and you can enjoy stuff like Pesto Scallop Bisque and King Crab Mac and Cheese. Yummy stuff. Check it out and enjoy!
Scott
Having been a moderate skier back in Washington growing up, but in a bizarre twist of moving to Alaska (the great white north) and having NEVER ski'd since the relocation, I decided it was time to put Alyeska to the test. In part one I head down the Seward Highway for a little ski adventure . . . ah, but it's more than just skiing.
Check out the Spa at Alyeska, where you can get a massage, sit in the manicure/pedicure table, soak up aroma therapy, and even do a romantic couples massage. Hungry? Got ya covered. I'm heading off to the Sitzmark for some HALITBUT TACOS and a night of jamming music.
But let's not forget the skiing. Check out the BEAUTIFUL conditions that I encountered above that crazy fog we had last week. You even get to see some "ski-blog-cam" action. Be careful, if you expand your screen, you may just feel like you're skiing! Bundle up!
Scott
If you like food, or wine, or like me . . . BOTH, this is the blog for you. We left our six course gourmet Thanksgiving meal and headed off to the Bear Creek Winery (www.bearcreekwinery.com) for a tasting. Ah, but not JUST a tasting, we're staying there for the night too! There are two suites available there, not to mention a hot tub and steam room (okay, I guess I just mentioned them).
You've got to try a tasting at the Bear Creek. Most of their wines are NOT made of grapes. So you get to try some amazing wines made from Alaskan blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, rhubarb, and the list goes on and on. Like mead? They got mead. My christmas list to my brother and parents this year is almost entirely coming from the Bear Creek.
After that we had an AMAZING dinner at The Chart Room at the Land's End (www.endofthespit.com). Food and Beverage Director Darrell Oliver said he had a surprise for us and WHAM, hit us with the Alaskan Steamer Pot. It's an "appetizer" that includes shrimp, mussels, crab, clams, and scallops with dipping bread. Uber yummy. And THAT is when the entrees showed up! Baby back ribs for me and Prime Rib for my buddy James.
I had fun editing this one just so that I could relive the tasting and the meals. Wow, I may still be basking in the afterglow. Oh by the way, the Chart Room is running on the first weekend of each month, an event called "Uncorked" where you get food and wine pairings for a reasonable price. Great wines, paired with great foods. Does it get any better than that? Link to the schedule from the website listed above.
Stay tuned, I'm off to Alyeska for a "more than just skiing" weekend. Of course, video to follow.
Scott
Welcome to the first blog post of the winter season!
If you are a foodie, you DEFINITELY want to check this out. I got an invite from an old blog friend Don Cotogno, whose Timber Bay B&B (www.timber-bay.com) was featured in last summers blogs. He was cooking up a Thanksgiving feast and I knew it was something that couldn't be missed.
SIX COURSES of food, ladies and gentleman. Appetizers, relish trays, candies, turkey, stuffing, pies . . . it was quite grand. And after a night of debauchery, we followed it up with a day of snowshoeing, but not before enjoying another grand Timber Bay breakfast.
Thanks to Avis (www.avis.com) for helping me out. There was a big winter storm that hit the area before leaving and they hooked me up with a car (unlike mine) that could get me across Turnagain Pass alive! Amen.
Look to Part Two when we tour the Bear Creek Winery in Homer (yummy!) and have a meal to remember at the Chart Room at The Lands End Hotel. One word....seafood. Oh and another word....mmmmmmmm....
Scott
This Friday night, at West High gym at 7:30 p.m., a group of high school basketball all-stars will go up against "past players", which considering that I am one of the players, translates into "old and out of shape". The event is being put on by Ma'o Tosi's AKPride and proceeds will benefit the Red Cross and victims of flood, typhoon and tsunami in Tonga, Samoa and The Phillipines.
The coach for the old guys is none other than Mayor Dan Sullivan. Dan actually has quite a history with basketball in Alaska and Monday I got a chance to suit up with him at the YMCA. The half time event this Friday is "Ma'o Vs. The Mayor" in H-O-R-S-E, so after chatting a little about recreational opportunities for youth in Alaska, we decided to play a game of P-I-G to get him warmed up.
The game has a surprise ending that you MUST see. So press play . . .
If you live out in, or are heading out to the Mat-Su valley, you owe it to yourself to drop by the Dorthogy Page Musuem on Main Street in downtown Wasilla. But make it snappy!
They are currently featuring a display that is on loan from the Smithsonian Museum that is called "New Harmonies" and it is OLD school. It features "Roots" music (musical styles that are the foundations for popular music today) and it is not only informational, it's INTERACTIVE.
Bring the kids, or those who are a kid at heart because there are tons of instruments to strum, buttons to push and even a chance to perform on their "You Rock!" concert stage.
Rural blues, Chicago blues, Zydeco, Tejano, Country, and Gospel, are just a handful of what's presented. And if you're not sure what they sound like? Go to the listening station and listen to some samples!
So hurry up! The display only lasts until the end of the month and it's DEFINITELY a display that is worth taking in if you are a music fan, a music fan with kids, or just someone who wants to have a fun day out in the valley!
Scott
Well folks, this is it! It's been a wonderful summer of going out in our great state and seeing all that the Great Land has to offer. I've put together a compilation of the Top Ten Most Memorable Moments for you, but be sure to put on your seat belts when you watch it!
I want to thank all of the outfitters that supplied their services this past blog season. Without them, all I could have brought you was 15 blogs about climbing Flat Top! Instead, we have literally logged thousands of air miles, landed on glaciers, landed 100# halibuts, seen the first whale in 72 years in Point Lay, and SO much more.
CHECK IT OUT.
The blogs will continue into the winter season, so stay tuned. If you have suggestions, comments, or recommendations, don't hesitate to send them my way at: selnes@ktuu.com.
Don't let the end of summer stop you, winter is the dominant season in Alaska, and we have some of the best that the world has to offer, so keep GOing TO AK! And dont forget to post your experiences here!
Thanks everyone!
In this final edition of our trip to Barrow, we finally see the climax of the entire trip: The Polar Bear Plunge. And THIS Polar Bear Plunge takes place in an ocean that is actually home to Polar Bears!!!
But first, we take a trip into Joe's Museum. One of the most eclectic museums you will ever see. It contains everything from Alaska related taxidermy, to ancient artifacts, to a collection that shows the evolution of the Big Mac container. People have been coming to Joe's Museum from all over the world. He operates on a donation basis, so there's NO reason to not stop there if you are in town.
After a quick stop at the citywide dance featuring the aptly named "BarrowTones", we called it a night in preparation of our big day ahead.
The next morning we decided to get a stick-to-your-ribs breakfast at Sam & Lee's, and then a quick visit to the grocery store to answer the burning question "how much is a bag of Doritos in Barrow?" The answer is "on sale" they are 2 for $11, but you should see the REST of the prices at the store! Check out the video.
Finally it was time to take on the Artic Ocean. Our host Mike, Wilcox, Jackie and I all took turns at the ultimate Polar Bear Plunge. The water was registered at 36 degrees, though thankfully the ambient temperature outside was much nicer. You have to see the video to see Wilcox's "unconventional" style of dunking.
This has been a great season for me. I want to thank all of the outfitters, lodgers, and provisioners that provided services for this blog. Especially those at Frontier Alaska Airlines. Without them, I would not have been able to bring SO much of the broad scope of Alaska.
I'll be working on a "best of" blog over the next week or so, so stay tuned. Winter is on it's way and it's time for me to start looking for new winter activities to Go To, in AK!
Thanks to all the loyal fans of this blog. You guys are the best!
Scott
Al and I enjoyed our long weekend in Anchorage, we saw Lion King, the State Fair and the Saturday Market, but the most exciting moment came when we toured the remodeled Anchorage Museum. On the third floor is a photography exhibit called Perspective 2008, we wandered around, turned into an alcove and BAM!!! There was a photo by my son Brian. It was the first time I had seen his work in a large museum it was wonderful and very exciting.
If you would like to be sent updates when a new blog is posted, send your email address to selnes@ktuu.com.
At the end of part two, Wilcox and I were at the airport in Fairbanks attempting to introduce part three, but were having issues. In this edition, we finally introduce our long awaited travel guest, Jackie Purcell (sort of). Jackie was jealous when she found out that Wilcox was going to Barrow with me, so, we took her with us! (again, sort of). So it’s off to Barrow!
If you have never seen Barrow, you have to check out these next two editions. We are going to get close up with the attractions, quirky museums, crazy housing market, sunsets, and plates of Mexican food available in our nation’s northernmost city with our friend and host, Mike Shults.
Also, if you can believe it, we’ll give you a glimpse into a nice, modern hotel that is literally right across the street from the airport. An immaculate, modern retreat in the middle of a very rural Alaskan setting.
BIG THANKS and services provided by:
Frontier Alaska Airlines (www.flyera.com)
The King Eider Inn (www.kingeider.net)
If you would like to get alerts when Scott posts new GoToAK blogs, send him your email address at selnes@ktuu.com.
At the end of Part One, we had just called it a night after spending an evening out on the town in Fairbanks. Part Two picks up the next morning when Wilcox and I are making attempts to regain consciousness by heading out to The Cookie Jar (www.cookiejarfairbanks) for a breakfast packed with every form of fat and cholesterol we can find.
After I had finished a plate of Country Fried Steak with sausage gravy and Wilcox had put down a gigantic plate of biscuits and sausage gravy with thick cut bacon on the side, Wilcox disappeared into the men’s room for over 10 minutes. You’ll have to watch the video to see the end result (oh, and it’s not what you’re thinking).
Following breakfast, we headed off to what would become perhaps the biggest surprise of the entire trip. The Wedgewood (owned by Fountainhead Hotels) has a museum on it’s campus called the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum (www.fountainheadhotels.com/auto) and it is absolutely incredible!
Cars from the early 1900’s are displayed in pristine condition. And there’s not just one or two, there’s got to be close to fifty and they are displayed in theme with authentic fashions from each era. You’ve GOT to check out the video.
After a quick jaunt into the wardrobe (supplied for tourists who want to get decked out in classic garb and take pictures), Wilcox and I head out in our new fangled automobile with all the bells and whistles, for the airport….almost. (again, check out the video).
Oh, and check out the mini blooper reel at the end, which is where we will pick up Part Three. Wilcox and I, along with a glossy headshot of Jackie Purcell (who wanted to come on the trip with us, but couldn’t) are on our way to Barrow!
BIG THANKS and services provided by:
Avis Rent A Car (www.avis.com)
Fountainhead Antique Car Museum (www.fountainheadhotels.com/auto)
If you would like to get an email every time Scott posts a blog, send your email address to: selnes@ktuu.com
Over the past several months, we have been asking others to send in their outdoor blogs (video or otherwise). For enouragement, we offered a trip to Barrow along with yours truly, to shoot a full weekend blog as the winning prize for the best submission.
The winner, hands down, was Chris Wilcox from 100.5 FM's "Woody & Wilcox" who submitted a formidable video blog about a family trip to Thunderbird Falls. For winning our contest, Chris and I took an all expenses paid trip to Barrow, with a stop over in Fairbanks, that climaxes with a Polar Bear Plunge in the Arctic Ocean on the beaches of Barrow.
Along the way we had a Lisa Murkowski sighting, we saw one of the most amazing museums either of us had ever seen (seriously it is, and will be featured in Part Two), sampled the finest Mexican food that Barrow has to offer, and yes, took the plunge into the icy waters of the Arctic Ocean amongst a TON of other stuff.
Before leaving, Jackie Purcell commented to Wilcox that she was jealous that she couldn't come along. So we decided to do the next best thing and bring a glossy photo of Jackie that participates in all of our Barrow events...INCLUDING the Arctic Ocean plunge.
In Part One, Wilcox and I board our Frontier Alaska (www.flyera.com) chariot bound for Fairbanks (after having a close encounter with our Senator). Lady McKinley greeted us along the way and it was gorgeous. And then it was off to The Wedgewood Resort (www.fountainheadhotels.com) with dinner at their "Golden Bear" restaurant. Following dinner, we raged the night away at the Blue Loon and The Big "I" (which confused Wilcox to no end) and then called it a night because the next day (which will be Part two - due next week) we are set to visit one of the coolest museums EVER, and then take Jackie, Wilcox and I, off to Barrow. Enjoy!
BIG THANKS and services provided by:
Frontier Alaska (www.flyera.com)
The Wedgewood Resort (www.fountainheadhotels.com)
Avis Rent A Car (www.avis.com)
Peace,
Scott (aka Bacon) Elnes
In part two we pick up at the Sea Gull Rookery that our friends at Alaska Sea Kayakers (www.alaskaseakayakers.com) had taken us out to on our 3 hour paddle. There are THOUSANDS of these suckers. You get to see yours truly commenting, in High Definition, about the unique odor that accompanies such a rookery.
Onward across the channel, we drop in on a salmon spawning ground and get an upclose glimpse at our countries northernmost rainforest, and the amazing sights that accompany it. Look for the participants grinning from ear to ear as pull back on shore.
The next day we go on one of the most productive fishing trip of my life with Roger at Sound Fun Charter (www.soundfuncharters.com) . We land silver salmon, yellow eye rockfish, sea bass, pacific cod, and then we go to the halibut grounds and WOW! A 15-20 pounder was the first to make an appearance, but then it was UPHILL from there. One of our trip mates lands a 50 pounder, and soon thereafter I've got a biggie on the line, but before I even land it, we have a GIANT on the line that turns out to be a 100 pounder!
That's when the BOOM STICK comes out. Check it out. And book your next trip to Whittier! It's Alaska's most underraged and up and coming destinations. Get off the beaten path, and head just one hour outside of Anchorage, but feel a world away.
BIG THANKS and services provided by:
Sound Fun Charters (www.soundfuncharters.com)
Alaska Sea Kayakers (www.alaskaseakayakers.com)
Inn At Whittier (www.innatwhittier.com)
One of my early blogs took me to the town of Whitter. A town, in my estimation, that is the most underrated and on the rise communities in Southcentral. Sure, Whittier has an abandoned military facility and lots of trains, and until recently there were not many attractions to draw the average Southcentral-ite through the tunnel to check it out. But that has changed.
First of all, the tunnel alone is worth the trip. For $12 (round trip) you get to go through the longest tunnel in North America and it's not a mundane, sterile looking tunnel...it's COOL. It looks like a mining tunnel and you literally feel yourself going through the middle of a mountain. But take it from me, it's safe to go through. I'd rather be in there, than anywhere during an earthquake. You could say the walls are pretty thick.
When you emerge out the other side, you are in a whole different world. Yet only an hour away. Whittier is literally tucked into it's own corner of the world and the weather can be completely different from one side of the tunnel to the other.
This season, the Inn at Whiiter (www.innatwhittier.com) opened up and it's not only gorgeous, but it's got awesome food, views from every room, and it plans on being open all year! I can just imagine what a great winter get away it will make. To me the appeal to Whittier IS the isolation. It IS the fact that it's undiscovered. This is a diamond in the not-so-ruff and I plan on making many return trips. If you like places that haven't been overrun by tourists, this is the place for you.
The blog documents me returning to Whittier to celebrate my birthday in the only way I've known how for the last 20 years...with me playing music at a bar. My band "Scott Elnes & His Fairweather Friends" played on the bill at the bar in the Inn that night and it was a blast. Good crowd, good drinks, good times.
The next day we headed out with Alaska Sea Kayakers (www.alaskaseakayakers.com) for a 3 hour paddle that took us across the channel, and over to an amazing Sea Gull rookery. It's at this point that part one ends, and part two begins.
Check out part one for a good look at The Inn At Whittier, a fiesty performance of "Freebird" from my band, and the beginnings of an amazing sea kayaking trip. Part Two will take us Halibut fishing and for the second time in one of my blog trips, a shot was heard round the sound!
BIG THANKS and services provided by:
Inn At Whittier (www.innatwhittier.com)
Alaska Sea Kayakers (www.alaskaseakayakers.com)
Sound Fun Charters (www.soundfuncharters.com)
In Part One, we had a single bear encounter that actually made me a little nervous. In Part Two we hop in a plane and fly to the Fraser Lake Fish Pass and see TONS of bears. Mama bears, Papa bears and even baby bears!
We then get a high flying tour of the island with endless sites and even a stop in Larsen Bay for an ice cream cone.
Later that day I head off to revisit my old salmon cannery and find out that perhaps I should have never added the visit to my itinerary.
But following that, it's off for a gourmet dinner cruise with tons of wildlife viewing and a magical evening spent amongst the islands surrounding Kodiak. Check it out!
Scott
YouTube version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Haqf9UVUDXA
BIG THANKS and services provided by:
Kodiak Adventures Unlimited (www.kodiakadventuresunlimited.com)
Island Air (www.kodiakislandair.com)
Galley Gourmet Dinner Cruises (www.kodiak-alaska-dinner-cruises.com)
From practically the moment we stepped off the plane, we had a BEAR ENCOUNTER. No lie. The thing got within about 60 feet of us. You NEED to check out the video.
After that, we were greeted by Dake from Memory Makers for a guided tour of the island whose climax was a stunning rainbow. Again, you NEED to check out the video.
Finally, we checked into our B&B and prepared for our next days activity. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO! ;-)
Scott
YouTube Version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nE6geKX-TAM
BIG THANKS and services provided by:
The Cliff House B&B http://www.kodiak-alaska-dinner-cruises.com/kodiak-bed-breakfast.html
Memory Makers www.memorymakersinak.com
Era Aviation www.flyera.com
In Part One of my trip, I went to stay at the Windsong Lodge in Seward. The tasty Roadhouse Restaurant right by it's side. As Part One closed, I was landing on Fox Island for an overnight stay. It's here in Part Two where I step off the island and step onto a secluded island for gourmet food, peace & tranquility, and a memorable sea kayaking adventure. Check it out!
BIG THANKS and services provided by:
KENAI FJORDS TOURS (www.kenaifjords.com)
EXPLORE TOURS (www.exploretours.com)
SUNNY COVE KAYAKING (www.sunnycove.com)
For an HD version of this blog, check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sOxgf_i-s4
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