Alaska is closed in 2020, thanks to Covid-19. That means 2021 should be a great time to see Alaska’s wildlife and wilderness areas. After a summer without tourists, the animals should be out from their hiding places and more visible.
For six years, I was lucky to be the VP for Alaska Marketing for Holland America. I’ve had the privilege to see more of Alaska and the Yukon than most visitors. For those of you touched by Nature, it’s a magical place that will introduce you to your living planet.
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first point I always make to those thinking about an Alaska vacation is that you are coming to see “natural” wonders, like wildlife, mountains, glaciers, and stunning wilderness scenery. These attractions don’t care about you or your touring limitations. The bears do not stand by the side of the road waving. The mountains create cloud cover to frustrate your photo op.
This is not like visiting a famous museum or palace. There are no assurances you will see what you are coming to see. Years ago, I took the tour at Denali on a beautiful day, saw all the big animals and the mountain. Got my pictures and came home thrilled. The very next day, I took the same tour, saw nothing, and got snowed on. One of my fellow travelers was heard to report, “I don’t think there are any animals. I think it’s all a hoax!” No guarantees.
So, if you are going, don’t short change yourself. You are probably not coming back. Take the longest cruise and tour your pocketbook can stand. Make sure you get to Denali National Park. Take a cruise that visits some of the less well-traveled ports. The primary ports will be crowded. You deserve better.
Before you go, ramp up your anticipation with some great reading. Start with James Michener’s monumental Alaska: A Novel. In typical Michener fashion, he starts with a speck of dust and takes you through everything important to know about this special place.
Next, pick up Denali: A Literary Anthology. In many ways, the state revolves around Denali. This is my favorite book on Alaska and the many aspects of this protected wilderness the size of Massachusetts.
If you are in to John Muir, Travels in Alaska is a must read. When he explored Glacier Bay, the glaciers were much longer and larger. His harrowing experiences are amazing to read. The man was endlessly curious and absolutely fearless. Traveling by himself, mostly on foot or by canoe, his accomplishments and observations are remarkable.
After years of economic depression, gold was discovered in Canada’s Yukon Territory, just east of Alaska. Gold fever swept the nation and a major chapter of Alaskan legend and lore was written. The best historical account is Pierre Berton’s The Klondike Fever: The Life and Death of the Last Great Gold Rush. The real-life tales of agony and ecstasy describe the experiences of thousands of ill-suited hopefuls venturing unprepared into one of the most forbidding wildernesses on the planet.
The Gold Rush did spawn some great literature. The most famous yarn is probably Jack London’s The Call of the Wild. For lighter fare, the poetry from a transplanted Scotsman, The Best of Robert Service is still recited throughout the Great Land. The most renown is the hilarious “Cremation of Sam McGee”. The most beautiful is his “Spell of the Yukon”.
My final recommendation is a favorite of Alaskans. John McPhee’s Coming into the Country is a collection of vignettes detailing many aspects of living in and around Alaska. This wild place is not an easy or straight-forward place in which to live. There is an Alaskan personality, with a healthy dose of “Don’t tread on me”, tempered by some “shirt off my back” generosity, sprinkled with an ever-present irreverence. It comes from living in a hostile and beautiful land.
So, fire up your Alaskan excitement and tuck into some great reading while you get set to visit the Great Land in 2021.
