The best thing about Alaska I think is their no billboard law which leaves the highways and results in stunning scenery. In fact, we had 10 days of driving the interior and not once did anyone of our group (four adults) even think to turn the radio on -- even mentioned it for that matter. Yes, I am sure that they probably have a limited number of stations but I think that says alot for how a state like Alaska can really make a change in you.

Having said that their were some places which proved a little more difficult to find, wich is why the Milepost is a must. One garden near Talkeeta we never did find but how nice --- no Walldrug signs ever!

Actually, you missed a nice bit of Alaska lifestyle by not turning on the radio.

I'm not sure how many stations still do it, but many stations used to have a nightly feature where they'd broadcast messages to those in the Bush who could only get info over the airwaves. One show was called Caribou Clatter. Kind of voyeuristic, but fun.

Plus the local public radio stations are pretty good. Everytime I hear Corey Flintoff, Elizabeth Arnold or Peter Kenyon on NPR, I remember I heard them first on Alaska Public Radio.

I too love that there is nothing blocking the beautiful scenery in Alaska. I was just up visiting family this last summer and had my mom's SUV to run around in with my kids. We hardly ever turned on the radio, not that it matters too much since once you are away from the big cities you hardly pick up anything at all. I miss it!

Oh yeah - I forgot to ask - did you check out Wal-Mike's just outside of Talkeetna? A hunk-of-junk stand on the north side of Park's Hwy. Always good for a laugh!

Just spent 3 weeks in Alaska end of July - 1st week in Aug. Stayed just down the road from Wal*Mike's at the Trapper Creek Inn. Posted photos from each day on my website at
www.iScout.us/bobgathanyphotographer and if you click on the link for Day 15 you can check out the Wal*Mike photos. Did see just a few home made billboards (check out Day 2 photos near the end). Best thing about Alaska was the unique Alaskan residents I got to meet.

iScout:

I agree with you in regards to the friendliness of the locals and even the temporary staff at the standard tourist stops. I think that hospitality keeps folks coming back to visit year after year. I know that I would love to return but realize it is unlikely as there are other destinations I yearn to visit. I turned down Hawaii to visit Alaska -- no regrets about doing that -- been to Australia and visited the Great Barrier Reef -- so Hawaii remains on the list.

I remember back in the late 80's when Texas passed a law limiting new bill boards. They were in the process of turning loop 1604 north of San Antonio in the Hill Country into a major freeway. Hugh billboards sprang up overnight to beat the deadline before the highway was even built. It changed from a beautiful two lane road with huge oak trees on either side into a three hundred foot wide concrete mess surrounded with billboards over the tree tops on non-freeway land. Truly ugly.

Jorr:

I find it ironic that the home state of Lady Byrd Johnson - who is responsible for the beautification easements along most of our major interstate freeways -- to have had the billboard fiascos smack the hometown Texans in their face. I would be interested in knowing a little more about her initiative -- and would appreciate it if anyone has a website. I googled for it -- but not much came up on it. Thanks

Miss Maple, What I do know is that the billboard industry has a very strong lobby system. I think that unfortunately Lady Bird's efforts have been erroded over the years by pro-business interests, and Texas is a very pro-business state. More so than many other states.

Believe it or not, I loved that I flew everywhere. I was there for three weeks and rode float planes and single engine aircraft to most of my destinations. I saw some amazing views of that State from those planes! The ferry system is also one the best things about Alaska. It is a great way to travel.

-Bill

Bill,

Our only scheduled flight was canceled due to rain -- we missed flying around McKinley which was a disappointment (oh well!). However, if you have the money I think that flightseeing would be a great way to go. I also would like to try the ferry system as well.

My son just moved to Seattle so I would like to take the Marine Highway to see the SE portion of Alaska, starting out at Seattle. So I will probably be back on the boards looking for some more advice when planning that trip.

Miss M,

I rode the ferry from Bellingham to Haines. It was the highlight of my trip. The weather in late July was gorgeous and I met some very interesting people on the ferry. I stay in touch with them even after 10 years. My guess is that I'll be back someday after I get enough of the tropical destinations that are currently my choice.

-Bill

The absolutely amazing congregation of bald eagles at the Chilkat river outside Haines in Feb. There are so many there - on the ground, in the trees, strolling around - I felt like we had stumbled upon the avion equivalent of a Mountain Men's Rendevous!

Driving on a virtually deserted AlCan highway to the Yukon terriory - on "ideal" road conditions - a solid base of snowpack. Turning off the car and just listening to the silence in the blue world.

The best thing about Alaska has to be the vastness, expansive scenery and friendly people.Our family had 3 weeks there last summer and high spots had to be Talkeetna and its quirkiness and Homer and its fantastic setting overlooking Kachemak Bay.
Hallo Bay was very special - despite the mist and rain!! Sitting on a deserted beach for a day just watching the everyday antics of Grizzly bears was a privilege and just awesome.
So was the flight around McKinley with a sense of being able to touch it.
Even being out in Prince William Sound for a couple of days during their worst summer storm for over 20 years was memorable!! The kayaking in a secluded cove before the storm something our kids (and us) will never forget.
All together Alaska kind of draws you in in a very simple and profound way.