Michael People have repeatedly raved to us about Alaska. In May, the time finally came, and we went there for almost two weeks. However, Alaska is huge, and since the terrain is partially very rough, we focused on a tiny area near Anchorage.

Michael To experience the Arctic Ocean up close, we booked a kayak tour in Homer, which was also attended by another vacationing couple from the state of Arizona. Angelika and I got a double kayak with two entry holes. Angelika sat in the front and I was in the back at the rudder, each of us received a double paddle. Everyone had to put on a piece of clothing that looked like a ballerina's tutu. This skirt is made of waterproof neoprene is stretched over the entry hole after (carefully) stepping into the floating kayak, so that no water splashes into the interior of the kayak from above while paddling.

Michael The part of the Pacific Ocean located between Alaska and Russia, known as the Bering Sea, is home to gigantic fish populations. According to the SeaLife Center in Seward (a kind of politically correct aquarium and research center), the most commonly caught fish is the Pollock , an inconspicuous, relatively small marine creature from which fish sticks and McDonald's Filet-O-Fish are made.

Angelika As we paddled around in our kayaks in the waters of Kachemak Bay, we noticed that here and there small, quite rustic cabins appeared behind the treeline. Naturally, we immediately thought of summer cottages, but we learned from our kayak guide Alison that some of them were originally built as part of what is known as "homesteading."

Michael Many households in Alaska which are somewhat remote, still do not have a telephone. To deliver messages to these people, there are the so-called "Bushlines," lines of text that the radio host of a local AM station broadcasts into the "bush" (the wilderness) a few times a day, each time on the hour.

Angelika Anyone who has lived in Alaska for at least one year receives money for doing so. The "Alaska Permanent Fund" makes it possible. It pays an annual dividend to the residents of Alaska, regardless of their age.

Angelika In Alaska, the journey is truly the destination, as often the real challenge is simply getting somewhere in the first place. There are only few roads in Alaska, but small aircraft, such as the charming seaplanes, as well as boats and ferries, prove to be the preferred means of transportation. I also read in the travel guide that only a few areas in Alaska have well-marked hiking trails. However, in the area we visited, the signage was exemplary. Hmm! It only becomes problematic when the winter snow knocks down the signs and trees, and the team of volunteers hasn't yet set out before the summer season to clear the hiking trail. It also seems that people in Alaska have a different way of assessing obstacles.

Michael As mentioned, it is quite normal to encounter bears in Alaska. They are not to be trifled with. Usually, they will immediately run away if they see humans, especially if the humans are tall and/or in groups. However, this assumes that you don't startle the bear, as they don't like that and will become grumpy. For example, if you turn a blind corner and suddenly, a bear is standing in front of you. That's why you should constantly be making noise, and if that gets on your nerves, you can wear a small bell ("Bear Bell") that constantly jingles softly, informing bears in the vicinity of the hiker's position and preventing any surprises. The bear usually avoids confrontations widely if it can do so without effort. However, bears hibernate during the winter months and are quite groggy in the head for some time after waking up in the spring.

Angelika In the city of Seward, we were surprised to find that visitors to the "Kenai Fjords National Park" can reach the so-called "Exit" Glacier with minimal effort. The glacier is truly within reach, less than a mile from the parking lot. But Alaska remains Alaska. As we stood in front of the glacier, there were a few threatening rumbles from within, as a small warning that we were standing before an active glacier that should not be underestimated.

Michael Of course, you shouldn't think that you can just sail around on a boat and spot a whale. That's very rare, even in Alaska. Sometimes, on a full-day tour, you might only see a few miserable sea otters. However, we were lucky twice: once on the way back with the water taxi from the kayaking tour and another time on a full-day boat tour. There were about a dozen people on a medium-sized ship, and I was staring at the water's surface when I suddenly noticed a few huge tail fins in the distance, which quickly disappeared again. Since I was already familiar with whales from California, I shouted, "Whales, 10 o'clock!!" (for non-nautical folks: "Whales, 60 degrees to the left!").

Angelika In Alaska, there are now not only bears and lots of bald eagles (the national emblem of the USA) to admire, but also moose that are happily hopping through the landscape.