There are many impressions Alaska has made on us. Individually, they don’t justify writing a single blog post, but collectively, they may. These are things we want to tell people about our adventure. For us, as it is for many, learning new and interesting things makes life fun. For those people who live in Alaska, these observations are a part of life. But, for us newbies to the state, we find these interesting and we hope you do as well. These are not listed in any special order.
Dog Mushing
We didn’t experience dog mushing while we were here. Obviously, it’s too warm. But we did see a lot of evidence about the importance of mushing in Alaska. After all, dog mushing is the official sport.
Dog mushing played a crucial role in the early development of Alaska, serving as a vital means of transportation and communication in the harsh and remote environment. Before modern transportation, dog sleds were the primary mode of travel across Alaska’s vast and rugged terrain, allowing people to cover long distances over snow and ice, especially during the long winters. Imagine traversing the snowy landscapes of Valdez, Ruby, or Denali, much like the early Alaskans did, relying on the strength and endurance of their sled dogs. Dog teams were used to deliver mail to remote communities, ensuring that even the most isolated areas remained connected, which was a lifeline for many.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the discovery of gold in Alaska brought a surge of prospectors to the region, and dog sleds were indispensable for transporting supplies and equipment to and from mining camps, as well as for carrying gold out. This would have been particularly crucial in areas like Fairbanks, where gold mining was a significant part of the local economy. Indigenous peoples and early settlers relied on dog teams to establish and maintain trade routes, which were critical for the exchange of goods and resources.
For Alaska Natives, dog mushing was not only a practical necessity but also a deeply ingrained cultural tradition. Sled dogs were integral to their way of life, aiding in hunting, protection, and travel. The practice of dog mushing has become a symbol of Alaskan heritage and identity, celebrated through events like the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and the Yukon Quest.
In the extreme conditions of the Alaskan wilderness, dog teams were often the only reliable means of survival, navigating through blizzards, across frozen rivers, and over treacherous terrain where other forms of transportation would fail. It is a travesty to learn about how many in the pursuit of gold thought horses would be of help. However, horses were not suitable for the harsh conditions due to the constant physical demands, boggy mud holes, and slippery rocks. Many horses became stuck and died on trails like the White Pass, earning it the nickname “The Dead Horse Trail.” The further inland the prospectors traveled, the more the horse significantly devalued in price.
On the other hand, having many dogs and sleds was a sign of status and wealth.
Early explorers and trappers used dog sleds to map and explore the vast, uncharted regions of Alaska, contributing to the state’s development and the expansion of knowledge about its geography. Dog mushing remains a cherished tradition in Alaska, reflecting the state’s rugged spirit and the enduring bond between humans and their canine companions.
We had frequent encounters with dog mushing signs.
Freezing Cars
Here is another observation of a way of life we witnessed but didn’t need to experience … thankfully. When we lived in Maine, back in the early 80’s, we had an engine heater installed in our Chevy Nova. It was inserted in the coolant line near the radiator and we could plug in at nights to keep the engine warm so it would roar in the morning when the temperature was below zero.
In Alaska’s frigid winters, Fairbanks temperatures can get as low as -55 °F, so plugging in your car is essential to ensure it starts reliably and runs smoothly. The most common device used is an engine block heater, which warms the engine coolant, subsequently heating the engine block and oil. This pre-warming process makes it easier for the engine to start and reduces wear and tear on its components. Additionally, some vehicles are equipped with battery warmers to maintain the battery at an optimal temperature, ensuring it has enough power to start the engine even in extreme cold. Oil pan heaters are also used to keep the oil less viscous, allowing it to flow more easily through the engine. These plug-in devices reduce engine wear and improve fuel efficiency.
Gas stations in Alaska often add winter additives to their fuel during the cold months. These additives help prevent fuel line freeze-ups and ensure that the fuel remains usable in extremely low temperatures. For example, they might include anti-gel agents and water dispersants to keep the fuel from gelling and to remove any water that could freeze.
Typical car plug-in for the winter.
Most parking areas have a place to plug-in for winter parking over a few hours.
Limited Roadways
It was always interesting to travel on Alaskan roads. There are many sections that feel like a roller-coaster because of the perma-frost heaves. Driving on gravel is commonplace. We never went to the immediate west of Fairbanks because there is no road. Going to Valdez? There is only one road. Headed from Fairbanks to Anchorage? Again, one road. Driving to Juneau, the state capitol? Impossible. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane. Western Alaska is only accessible by boat or plane.
Alaska’s highway system is quite unique compared to other states in the U.S. With its vast and rugged terrain, the state has a relatively limited number of highways. In fact, Alaska has only about 36,000 miles of road, which is significantly less than states like Texas or California, which have hundreds of thousands of miles of road.
One of the reasons for this is the challenging geography. Much of Alaska is covered by mountains, forests, and tundra, making road construction difficult and expensive. Additionally, many areas are only accessible by air or water, reducing the need for extensive road networks.
Alaska’s Interstate system includes four highways, covering a total of 1,082 miles. These routes are designated as Interstate highways for funding purposes but are without interstate road signs. The longest of these is Interstate A-1, which stretches a little more than 400 miles.
Despite the limited number of highways, the roads that do exist are crucial for connecting communities and supporting the state’s economy. For example, the Richardson Highway, which we are familiar with from our travels to Valdez, is a vital route for transporting goods and people across the state. The Dalton Highway exists to maintain the Alaskan Pipeline.
We are undecided if we will miss the limited roadways because of their beauty or if we will be glad we can “get there from here” when we get back to Washington.
Notice all the roadways are in the eastern side of the state with none in the west.
Steese "Highway"
Side Passageways Alongside Roads
Speaking of roads, in Alaska, you’ll often see paved or dirt passages alongside many of the roadways. The paved passages are multi-use paths designed for pedestrians, cyclists, and sometimes even snowmobiles. In more remote areas, the passages are not paved, but still present. These paths provide a safe and scenic way for people to enjoy the natural beauty of Alaska while staying off the main highways. In the winter, multi-use paths are designed to accommodate dog mushers and other non-motorized users like skiers and snowshoers.
Two passageways next to this road. One for 4-wheelers and the other for other use.
Mailbox Rows
In Alaska, you’ll often see long rows of mailboxes at the end of dirt roads, and there’s a practical reason for this. Many Alaskan homes are in remote areas, only accessible by driving on narrow, winding, and unpaved roads. These roads can be challenging for postal delivery vehicles, especially during harsh weather conditions.
To ensure reliable mail delivery, residents place their mailboxes at the end of these roads, usually where they meet a more accessible main road. This setup allows postal workers to deliver mail efficiently without navigating difficult terrain. It also helps residents avoid the inconvenience of missed deliveries due to impassable roads.
It was interesting to see a long row of mailboxes and realize that there as many homes down roads that appear to be only accessible with four-wheel drive. The mailbox rows are a testament to the unique challenges and adaptations of living in Alaska’s rugged and remote landscape.
Examples of mailbox rows.
End of Part 1 (part 2 to follow)
As we reflect on our Alaskan adventure, it’s clear that this vast and rugged land has left an indelible mark on us. Much of our adventure we’ve written about in previous blog posts. But we found these observations are also part of our experience.
From the historical significance of dog mushing to the practical adaptations like engine heaters and mailbox rows, every aspect of life here tells a story of resilience and ingenuity. Traveling along the roller-coaster roads and seeing people running, cycling, or four-wheeling on the side passageways, we’ve come to appreciate the unique challenges and beauty that define Alaska. Each memory, each impression, is a testament to living in the Final Frontier. We hope our collection of observations has given you a glimpse into the extraordinary experiences that make Alaska so special.
Commenti