I’m Going to the Edge of the World!
I’m going to Barrow, Alaska! That’s right, I’m going to be here:
It hasn’t been a long held dream like Easter Island. In fact, I’m not even quite sure what prompted this desire as I hadn’t ever read any trip reports about it or even watched Big Miracle, but as I researched, I felt a deep and burning passion to be there.
I mean, getting to dip one’s toes in the Arctic Ocean? Just being able to say that you were within the Arctic Circle just kind of thrills my soul. And the fact IÂ might get to see the Northern Lights just clinched it. That was something I have wanted to see ever since I was a kid.
I had a weekend I wasn’t scheduled for anything and some extra travel funds saved up, so why not go!
Did you know:
- There are no paved roads in the city?
- I might get to see a polar bear!
- Will Rogers is buried there (fatal plane crash)
It wasn’t cheap compared to the $350 fares you can get on sale to Anchorage, but considering flights to Barrow within Alaska run $350+, getting there for $950 wasn’t terrible. And now that it’s at the top of my list of destinations (I still hate the term bucket list) it’s the perfect excuse for a mileage run.
I also tried to further justify this by booking the ticket with intra-Alaska flights that hop several airports before arriving at Barrow in the hopes that the view will be similar to the flightseeing I did over Mt McKinley. I thought it would be hard to top the Jamaica, Pensacola, San Diego, Napa, Los Gatos, and San Francisco mileage runs that Jeanne and I did last year, but this year is turning out to be pretty exciting!
Who’s been to Barrow? Recommendations on which of the two hotels to pick? Who else now wants to go?
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Heels First’s Travel Advice–Sophisticated Travel, Uncomplicated Advice. The travels and tribulations of two frequent flyers jumping into the world of travel, sharing their travel advice. Join Keri and Jeanne as they tackle mileage runs, elite status, and of course–the perfect travel accessories.
Keri, you will love Barrow. I went in the last half of June, 1978 but did not stay overnight, so I’m no help with the hotel; still have my photo of me standing by the edge of the Arctic Ocean! I’ve always wanted to go back and maybe even pop over to Nome. You are in for such a treat. It’s fascinating and certainly different from other parts of Alaska. When are you going (she wrote enviously)?
Going in a couple of weeks and can’t wait!! Hoping it will be dark enough, but not too cold, to see the Northern Lights.
It will be interesting to see if you’re able to view the Northern Lights. It could be a bit early in the year, but then again, you’re as far north as you can get. What a grand adventure .. can’t wait to hear all the details in your trip report!
Keri and I are going to Alaska (Anchorage) later in the year too, so I’m hoping we at least spot them then—but my fingers are crossed for Keri seeing them in Barrow!
Several years back I spent a few days right after Christmas in Alyeska (an hour south of Anchorage). Although I never did see the northern lights while in Alyeska, I did see them on the plane just as we were departing Anchorage late at night. You may very well get to see them later in the year, too!