This one is from The Birdhouse Bar located at Chilkoot Charlie’s.

The Birdhouse has a rather colorful history, some of which should probably be taken with a large grain of salt.

Originally located on the Seward Highway, it had an esteemed reputation with the “working women” of the area.  The girls would autograph their undergarments, and tack them up on the wall.  Those walls could tell some tales!

The Birdhouse was destroyed in a fire, but rose from the ashes and was rebuilt — only to be destroyed by an earthquake a year later.  Still, the bar wouldn’t die, and it was resurrected a third time, only to have it burn to the ground again in 1996.

But a place like this is destined for immortality, and the current Birdhouse at Chilkoot Charlie’s (2435 Spenard Road, Anchorage) is a replica of the original.  There are still bras and panties on the walls, proudly (or drunkenly) autographed by their owners.  The floors are sawdust, the decor is strictly bar kitsch, and the place packs them in like there’s no tomorrow.

There’s beer — and lots of it — both local brews and micro lagers.  You’ll also find pickles that are hotter than hot, and boneless chicken dinners.  Be careful when you ask for that last item — it’s a hard boiled eggs.

If you’re in Anchorage, the Birdcage is a hoot and worth a stop off. 

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

That’s what happens when you turn professional ice-sculptors loose on a huge block of ice. 

You can see the process, as well as the results, at the World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks Alaska, February 27th ““ March 25th.   

The process all starts the same way, with large square blocks of solid ice.  The results are as varied as they are spectacular, and represent the efforts of over 100 sculptors from around the world.  By March 10th, all competition will be completed, with the sculptures lighted and on display.

To give you an idea of how much ice we’re talking about, teams (one or two persons) in the Single Block Classic competition starts with a 3 x 5 x 8 foot block of ice, weighing in at approximately 7,800 pounds.  In the Multi-Block event, teams of 4 persons each start with 10 blocks of ice measuring 4 x 4 x 3 feet, with each block weighting around 3,000.  That’s 30,000 pounds of ice! 

The Ice Park is now open from 10 am to 10 pm daily, and the Single Block competition is complete and on display.  You will also see an ice tribute to Susan Butcher, the famous Alaska dog musher and four-time winner of the Iditarod sled Dog Race. 

Admission to the Ice Park is $8 for adults, $4 for youth ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under.  A season pass is available for $25 for adults and $10 for youth.

Depending on when you visit the Ice Park, you’ll see various stages of the competition or the completion of sculptures.  You can find a full schedule here, but I wouldn’t get caught up in scheduling the “best” time to go.  I’ve been through the Park during the championships many times over the years, and it doesn’t really matter when you go ““ there’s always something amazing being created.  Although the weather in Fairbanks this time of year drops to ridiculously low temperatures at night, if you are able, dress warm, button up, and go through the exhibit at night.  The lighting of the sculptures and park make for truly dramatic displays.

For those who are unable to visit the Ice Park to see these beautiful creations, enjoy the Web Cams and get a look at some great ice sculptures.

Photo credit:  Ice Alaska

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

(As part of my quest to visit every state, I will be spending some time throughout the year highlighting each of our 50 states.)

Today is Admission Day for Alaska.  On January 3rd, 1959, Alaska (purchased from Russia in 1867) became the 49th state.

Although Alaska is the largest state in geographical area, it is one of the least populated, ranking 47th of 50.  Due in large part to its connection with the oil industry, it is one of the wealthiest states. 

Alaska is a rugged state, with lots of outdoor adventure opportunities:  fishing, hunting, hiking, snowshoeing, dog sledding, etc.  During the summer, the coastal cities in Alaska are popular ports of call for many cruise lines, and cruising the Inside Passage is an opportunity to see nature in all its glory.  Other popular sites:  train rides through the interior, Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau (in photo), and Mt. McKinley National Park.

I first visited Alaska in 1967.  It was a trip to Fairbanks to visit with extended family, and to take advantage of A-67, the centennial celebration.  I don’t remember a lot about that trip — except the continual daylight.  At home we were always told to come in before it got dark.  That didn’t work in Fairbanks.

Since that time, I have visited Alaska many, many times.  Cities I’ve visited:  Anchorage (the state’s largest city), Juneau (the capital and my favorite Alaska city), Fairbanks, Ketchikan, Sitka, Bethel, Gustavus, Barrow, Nome, Petersburg, Kotzebue, Cordova, North Pole, Prudhoe Bay, and probably a few others that I’ve forgotten.

Anyone else out there been to Alaska?  What’s your favorite place?

Photo credit:  Henry Hartley

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

 

Details:  Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska.  Although it has turned Santa into a cottage industry, about 1,800 people live here year round.  I first visited North Pole one summer as a child.  It was then, and still is a great place to take kids to see how Santa lives in the “off season.”

Photo credit:  flickr

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

There’s a bunch of stuff there that I don’t understand, but the really important information for travelers is that the site tries to forecast the aurora borealis. 

The Northern Lights are unpredictable, at best, and I’ve only seen them a handful of times, but now the UAF tries to map out a 28-day forecast.  Just like you check the weather forecast, now you can check the aurora borealis forecast.

The downside to the forecasting, however, is that although the lights may be dancing all over the sky, a cloud layer, or some other weather problem, can still inhibit the viewing.

Still, I think this is very cool.

Via Gadling

Post from: Fly Away Cafe