Sitka, Alaska – The relationship between the Russians and the Tlingit was complex (which is probably true of all indigenous populations and colonizers). In 1802, the Tlingit drove the Russians away from their original settlement at Old Sitka. But a…
Old Sitka
Sitka, Alaska – Foggy day bike ride out to Old Sitka, the site of the original Russian settlement from 1799. The Russians and the Tlingit actually cooperated for several years, but relations were tense. Finally–in retaliation for a bunch of…
Capital of Russian America
Sitka, Alaska – We made it to our last stop, Sitka, the capital of Russian America. Here, more than anywhere, Alaska’s Russian history and heritage are on display. It makes sense that this is where most of our story in…
Alaska State Museum
Juneau, Alaska – When we weren’t busy climbing mountains, hanging out with humpback whales, and exploring glaciers, Daddio and I have spent our time in Juneau doing research for our forthcoming book, The Last Stand of the Raven Clan. This…
Mendenhall Glacier
What’s in a name? Juneau, Alaska – Apparently, the original Tlingit name for Mendenhall Glacier was Sitaantaagu, or “the glacier behind the town.” My source (Encyclopedia Britannica) says the Tlingit also called it Aak’wataaksit, which means “the glacier behind the…
Rain Gear
Juneau, Alaska – The weather finally caught up with us. Good thing we invested in all that rain gear!
Hanging out with the Humpbacks
Juneau, Alaska – Fabulous day of whale watching in Auke Bay with Harv and Marv’s Outback Alaska. We opted for the smaller boat (six people plus the guide) and it was well worth it. We loved hanging out with the…
Mount Roberts
Juneau, Alaska – Check out the fabulous view from our place in Juneau–from Douglas Island across the Gastineau Channel to Mount Roberts. And, you can see the massive cruise ships that dock at the base of Mount Roberts. I’m not…
LeConte Glacier
Petersburg, Alaska – Our trip to LeConte Glacier was so fantastic, I get choked up just thinking about it. Our planet is so amazing… LeConte Glacier is a tidewater glacier near Petersburg, Alaska. That just means it’s an ice sheet…
The Bears at Anan Creek
Wrangell, Alaska – Daddio has spent the past year of his life watching brown bears catch and eat salmon at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. His one wish for our trip to Alaska was to see this phenomenon in…