c/alaska

My take on the Alaska Railroad after a failed winter journey

In my experience, the Alaska Railroad in winter is not as good as people say. I took a trip last December from Anchorage to Fairbanks, hoping for a scenic ride. But we got stuck for hours due to heavy snow, and the heating in my car was weak. I brought layers, but my feet still got cold, and I missed a northern lights tour because of the delay. Many folks praise the railroad, but they skip over these issues. Your mileage may vary, but I think it's a risk in deep winter. Take this with a grain of salt, but I'd advise better planning than I did.

Shoutout to my neighbor's B&B for changing my take on summer visitors

I once saw tourists as a hassle, but now I get they're key to our economy.

Put in blackout blinds for summer nights here

I stopped trying to tough out the midnight sun without them. Now I sleep way better and don't feel drained all day.

Five years in and I'm still puzzled why everyone loves Alaska summers. Winter nights with the aurora are quieter and way more stunning.

My porch light stayed on by mistake and now I watch for animals every night

I used to always switch it off to cut costs, but after spotting a moose in the glow one evening, I never turned it back off. Now I catch foxes and owls passing through, which really breaks up the dark winter hours.

My trip to Alaska left me confused about the midnight sun. Love it or hate it?

Last June, I spent a week in Anchorage. The constant daylight let me hike at midnight, which was incredible. But my travel buddy got really grumpy from lack of sleep. Some locals said they adore it, others use blackout curtains. I'm curious where you stand on this Alaskan quirk.