Anchorage * Sixtyexpress

Anchorage is one of the main cities of Alaska. Being a high density centre, the city has grown up full of block style buildings, hotels and houses and car parks. It is not a pretty city architecture wise……in fact ,it could be called ugly. The style is basically 1950’s Brutalism. Roads invite each driver to be a formula 1 driver . Even the bus and taxi driver put their foot to the metal and slammed on the brakes at lights. We were glad of seatbelts.

According to the information centre, there are 12 murals, 4 statues and 12 painted bears. We only found one bear. We did find a few murals we like and there were a few interesting statues.

The raven is complementing the bear for its hunting skill.

Did you find the visit to the Anchorage Museum fascinating?

I did…….yes we have been to a few but each one offers a different insight into how Alaska sees itself. Is it just a resource source…..a tourist destination…..a wilderness area? How is it facing its cultural history?
Within the museum there is a section showcasing art and for the children of all ages, a discovery centre. Sinking houses into sand by vibrations was the best! What did you try?

Most outstanding in the museum was a section created by the Smithsonian Institute.For each of the tribal groups that make up the Article environment, there was a static and a visual digital display.

Tlingit, Haida,Tsimshian, Athabaskan, Eyak, Unangax,Sugpiaq, Yup’ik, St Laurence Yupik and Inupiaq are the tribal groups.. A common theme for each of the tribes is to respect the people, animal and plants of your homeland. They will support you and feed you and help your well being. Be positive and thankful. The Eyak described themselves as the go betweens. Language groups were not identical. Revival of language and culture has become important.

Clothing , masks ,tools and utensils were made from materials found in a tribes area. Wood , birch bark, whale bone and spruce roots (for baskets) were all used. Seal gut were also used by all tribes close to water for parkas and boats. I couldn’t believe how transparent it was….not sure I would be able to clean it and sew it. How are your skills in skin preparation?

Ground squirrel pelts complete with animal tails.

Ground squirrel pelts with strips of caribou fur and decorated with sea otter,red wool and ermine.

Mountain sheep trimmed with wolf and wolverine.

Crested auklets and guillemot ( birds) skin and trimmed with dog fur

There was a section showing traditional and modern Alaskan art. Some were simply fun.
Anchorage as a city feels a bit tired. There are areas of green and trails. These are for walking, jogging , cycling and even mountain bike riding. In winter they are used for cross country skiing. We took the Chanshtnu Chester Creek Trail. The coastal walk runs for 11 miles along the shoreline . I only managed a small part along the Cook inlet was that you I saw riding past…..or were you the jogger in that blue outfit.

Near the railway is a Salmon run. No salmon at this time of the year! You can go fishing off the original trestle bridge. The first train used this bridge into Anchorage.

Mountains edge the city . They invite you to explore the wilderness beyond its limit . So I am not sorry I came to Anchorage but it’s not a favourite, how about you?
Back to Vancouver tomorrow.