Synopsis "Around Alaska's State and Islands (in English)"
In this book two journeys to Alaska were made, one in 1951 and the other later in 2007, a span of over a half century separating them, but made by the same person. The first journey in 51 was concentrated on the western side of Alaska, taking in some of its islands, including numerous islands in the Aleutian Island chain, and the Pribilof Islands, as well as numerous other islands. Towns and cities were visited along the way, particularly finally including Barrow at the top of Alaska. This journey was made to take a large supply of oil to Barrow by a LST ship for the U.S. Air Force Base in Point Barrow, 8 miles from the town of Barrow. Interestingly, this was done before oil production was established in Alaska, and millions of barrels were being sent southward instead of northward like being done by ship. This journey spent much of July in Barrow, the season when it was daylight around the clock, quite an experience for the crew of LST 1126. The second journey in 07 centered partially in the Panhandle of Alaska, visiting towns of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, which was highlighted by an extraordinary train ride through historical White Pass where miners once hiked to the Klondike Gold Fields before the train was there. It was a tedious and hazardous trek for the miners, many of their lives lost, as well as hundreds of mules and horses lost that were needed as pack animals for their supplies. Then a rather extensive tour of Glacier Bay was encountered. But now the journey continued more into the interior of Alaska, Whittier in Prince William Sound, onward to Anchorage, Talkeetna, and the city of Fairbanks. This book is a good read for anyone wanting to travel to Alaska, or just generally want to learn more about the state of Alaska and all it encompasses. It is believed the best way to learn about history of cities and country sides is to travel to and through them; however, second best is reading about what someone has written about their experiences of doing this. I recommend this book because I have traveled some of the paths of Alaska and am able to relay the outcome to you well.
