Defining Alaska - My Family Travels
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Alaska…snow, Eskimos, and igloos, right? Well, not exactly. When I first touched ground in Fairbanks, Alaska, I was completely shocked. “This isn’t the Alaska that I see in movies and on posters,” I thought. There was no snow, for it was only July, and there certainly weren’t any igloos! Everything was brown, it seemed. There were normal-looking buildings and occasional parks. Fairbanks was a quiet town, nothing too exciting. I then took a tour of Denali National Park. “Now this is more like it!” Bus tours lead us through trails that edged over mountains, narrowed through hills, and stopped for sightings of wild grizzly bears. Mountains on every side of my perspective made me feel so small, as if my personal life back in Pennsylvania did not matter at all.

â–º  QUARTER FINALIST 2012 TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP

I saw a wide variety of animals, including arctic foxes, caribou, Dall sheep, moose, and of course, grizzly bears! I am aware of the cliché, but the scenic views of Denali National Park were absolutely breathtaking. A trip to Alaska would not be complete without a trip to this wonderful national park. When I think about my trip to Alaska, my fondest memory was visiting the Husky Homestead. I visited four-time champion Jeff King and his sled dog kennel. He informed me of what life was like in Alaska along with his family of sled dogs. His stories were comical and entertaining. I do have to admit, though, that I most enjoyed spending time with the sled dog puppies! Alaska is a great travel destination. I was fortunate enough to spend seven busy days there with my friends. I can only hope that one day I’ll be as lucky to return to Alaska, the Last Frontier.

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