Q. I’ve heard that you sometimes see wildlife, even in the city. up there. Is this true? Thanks, Maureen. A. Oh, yes, we certainly do. That’s because each of our cities sit basically on the edge of the wilderness. We have less population than other states, and so our cities are farther apart, and not […]
Q. Someone named Bonnie would like to know: How long does it stay dark in Alaska? And Camille would like to know: Is it dark and light as in most places; or dark for a long time and then light for a long time? A. Camille, and Bonnie, I’ll answer you briefly here. For a […]
Q. Why are mosquitoes so big in Alaska? -Linda A. Well, they have to be big to be known as the state bird! Not really, the willow ptarmigan is our state bird. Some people claim our mosquitoes are twin engined, but I’ve not seen one with twin engines. The bad news is that we have […]
Q. From Hunter, comes this question: Can you tell me all about the Nome sled race? Lanette wants to know: What is the general relationship between the mushers and the general public? And from Stephanie: How many races have there been, and how many mushers ran the 2006 race? A. In no particular order, I’ll […]
Q. I want to know everything about your state. -Rodricka A. Wow! I only have one lifetime, Rodricka! You know what I think is the best way for us to resolve this? I’d like to suggest that you start reading thru the archives, and when you are finished, write me again. I’ve been doing the […]
Q. What is the most unusual animal native to Alaska? -Jonathan A. This is a fun question, Jonathan. It has to be the musk ox. Close your eyes and think ‘shaggy, large prehistoric looking beast with big curving horns which droop down from their forehead and then head back up at the tips’, and you’ll […]
Q. Five people wanted to know similar things, such as what is the weather like in August? What is your weather like, in general, in Alaska? How often does it snow? What is your weather like in June? I’m cruising the Inside Passage the first of September and am wondering what weather to expect.(these were […]
Q. I just want to know – do Alaskan ‘mountain men’ smell as bad as they look? Thanks, Merry. A. I’m sure you must be referring to some of the bearded, comfy-dressed characters who come into town from their gold claims, or their traplines. Well, I’d say beauty is in the idea of the beholder. […]
Q. We are planning a trip to Alaska. One member of our group is confined to a wheelchair. Are most of the sites handicapped equipped? What should we expect as far as she is concerned? -Kermit A. I think you, and your friend, will be pleasantly surprised, Kermit. The Americans With Disabilities Act and economic […]
Q. Is there a black fly season in Alaska, and when is it? I have heard that when the thaw starts in the spring they are awful. -Mary A. Good news, Mary! I have lived up here since 1971 and I’ve never seen a black fly. So I got to wondering, where did this vicious […]