The sense of community we all felt when we arrived at the Old Minto camp for an Athabasca Indian potlatch was incredible and inspiring. We were all very fortunate to interact with them and learned a great deal on our tour of the camp.
It began with a 30-mile boat trip up the Tanana River from Nenana, Alaska to the site that was originally settled in 1912. They have since moved their camp to a new location based on the flooding that continually caused them to flee, but still return to their old location for celebrations. It was here they were having a celebratory potlatch, as they come to the Old Minto a few times throughout the summer.
By Nels Thoreson
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Also posted in Events, Food, North America, USA
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Tagged Alaska, Athabasca, Cultural Heritage and Education Institute, Nenana, old minto, Old Minto Recovery Camp, potlatch, Tanana River
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“It won’t be so funny if he starts courting you,” said the intern. Meagan and I were laughing because a puffin had just hopped on her leg. We were taking part in the Puffin Encounter Tour, one of the programs offered by the Alaska Sea Life Center in Seward, Alaska. This particular hour long tour involved learning about the sea birds on display and then getting a chance to interact and feed the birds. Apparently, feeding the puffins is serious business as the seemingly harmless birds can bite extremely hard; although there are two expert interns there to protect you.
By Craig Johnson
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Also posted in Alaska, Did you know?, North America, USA
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Tagged Alaska, alaska sea life center, animal rehabilitation, animal rescue, conservation, exxon valdez, oil spills, puffins, sea lions, sea otters, seward
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We’ve really enjoyed ourselves in Alaska, and all feel very fortunate for all that we’ve been able to see, experience, and the people we’ve been able to meet, so it was nice that we got to give back a little this week, as well. This week has been another great week in the northern most state. It began with a great lake and river kayaking trip/fly fishing trip with Denali Southside River Guides. We got the opportunity to go out with Craig Jorgensen and two of his crew members on Byers Lake to thoroughly enjoy a day on the water. “I wouldn’t give this day of kayaking and fishing up for anything,” said the fisherman of the crew, Craig Johnson.
By Nels Thoreson
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Also posted in Accomodation Reviews, Action Sports, Book and Media Recommendations, North America, USA, Updates, adventure
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Tagged Alaska, Alaska SeaLife Center, Ballaine House B & B, Brookside Inn Bed and Breakfast, Brother Francis Shelter, Children's Hospital at Providence, Chugach Backcountry Fishing, Denali Southside River Guides, Desert Solitaire, Edward Abbey, Glacier Lodge, Haborview Inn, Heal The World, Michael Jackson, Puffin
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At a minimum, I would like to think that my grasp of world geography has received a nice shot in the arm as a result of our expedition. I can not even begin to estimate the number of hours I have spent over the last two years studying maps, guidebooks, and web pages as we planned
By Steve Bouey
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Also posted in Did you know?, History, Interesting, Trip Thoughts, World News
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Tagged aimag, Arkhangai, geography, IQ test, Jeopardy!, Karakum Desert, Mongolia, Terman, Travel IQ challenge, Travelpod, Tsetserleg
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February 22, 2009 – 10:17 am
To date, one of our most recommended stays in Latin America is without a doubt, Rancho Margot. The ranch maintains nearly 400 acres tucked snuggly on the banks of the Rio Cano Negro as it flows into picture-perfect Lago Arenal. There is something for everyone at this family run ranch, be it adventure, relaxation, education or all three.
