New Lodge Opening in Kenai Fjords Park

A new lodge is set to open in Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska. The ecolodge will be run by Alaska Wildland Adventures, an experienced tourism and adventure group.

The lodge will be located on the 1,700 acre, native-owned, Pederson Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary and will be open seasonally from June until mid-September.

The lodge will consist of a main building that contains a lobby, library, bar and dining room plus 16 cabins with private baths, heating and electricity.

The lodge will be accessible by shuttle boats from Seward. Activities will
include hiking, sea kayaking, photography tours and wildlife viewing.

The lodge is an exciting development for ecotourists because it offers travelers a first-hand, pristine Alaska experience and a chance to truly escape from it all. To quote the lodge's own website, "With only sixteen cabins surrounded by a 2,000 acre wildlife sanctuary, it's safe to assume you'll find plenty of "me-time."

50 Years Old? You Can Travel For Free*

I don't like using asterisks*. But sometimes they're necessary. For instance, "Travel for Free" in the title seems to indicate that if you've seen half a century of this kooky little planet, you can go anywhere in the world at no cost.

Obviously, that's inaccurate. Instead, you can travel on the Alaska Railroad at no cost.

The Alaska Railroad is offering one free day of rail travel in 2009 to anyone born in 1959 (the same year Alaska turns 50).

"The Alaska Railroad is proud to share a long tradition with the people of Alaska, and what better way to extend our happy birthday wishes than by inviting, as our guests, all those who share this important milestone year," said Susie Kiger, passenger sales and marketing director.

Sure, it's not that crazy; it is after all, just one day of travel and it is in Alaska. On the other hand, if you've ever wanted to see the great unknown, well, this is your chance to at least save a little cash.

*That's just a lie.

Crazy Vaca of the Day: Volunteer for the Iditarod

Spring break (although the term is a bit outweighed if you have a "job") is usually in March. And it usually involves going somewhere sunny. But perhaps you're not a fan of the beach or the sun or the ocean. Well, beginning on March 7, 2009, Alaska has the trip for you, and it involves the world's most famous dog sled race.

Race enthusiasts who want to be a part of the event can volunteer with the Iditarod Trail Committee for assignments as diverse as dog handling, sorting food and supplies, and race communications.

Although the Iditarod Trail Committee does not pay for transportation or room and board costs for volunteers from outside Alaska, it will attempt to find housing for volunteers with local race enthusiasts.

So, yes, there is the downside of nothing being free. But there is also the upside of getting to travel across the great unknown in one of the most famous and grueling races that society has ever seen.

Also, Alaska is pretty goshdarn underrated in terms of its ability to provide a inspirational, albeit out of the way vacation. It sports a wealth of natural wonders and the Inside Passage is a must see/do, even if you're not mushing dogs around the great Northwest.