Mountain Huts and Random Dogs

Off to cycle the Coastal Trail (Anchorage, Alaska 29 April 07)
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The title of this entry may be a little random, but the Alaskans are kind of dog crazy and so I thought that it was kind of fitting!

After a great trip through the Kenai Peninsula (Homer and Seward) and then Northwards to Talkeetna to try to see Mount McKinley (covered in cloud) we stayed in the deserted Hatcher Pass Cabins. http://www.hatcherpasslodge.com/ Struggling through snow up to our hips to get to the front door, we were rewarded with the most awesome views and true solitude and quietness. After we had decided that the front door was bear-proof, we had the most amazing time looking at the view and chilling out.

The Husky-Bikes! (Anchorage, Alaska 29 April 07)
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As a finale to our "pan" (ie the main Alaskan area) we headed over to Anchorage for a few days to see the city (well, see whether the REI and beer was better than Seattle).

DOG STORY #1

Hired bikes to navigate the coastal trail - 22 miles of stunning scenery. And at the end, I thought my eyes weren't quite working when I saw two people with mountain bikes and husky dogs tie their dogs to the front of their bikes. This is summer training for dog sled dogs apparently - and  very interesting if slightly terrifying sight!

The busiest float plane lake in the world...when it's not frozen, that is. (Anchorage, Alaska 29 April 07)
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Flew to Juneau, in the southeast "pan handle" Alaska's state capital on 30th April, which is a great little city that looks quite European - pinned in by mountains with some tiny winding streets - some streets actually give up on road and become stairs in places! Staying at the wonderful Capital Inn http://www.alaskacapitalinn.com/ and gently exploring the city.

DOG STORY #2

Statue of Patsy-Ann, the dog who used to wait for the ships at Juneau port during days gone by (Juneau, Alaska 1 May 07)
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There are statues of dogs everywhere in Alaska, in Anchorage and around for the Iditerod trail, and for various heroic efforts. But I thought that this statue has such an amazing view I would include the photo here.