Alaska activities

[Alex]

I lived in Kodiak for four months but otherwise have never been anywhere in Alaska.

Lani and I will be fixing that with a 10-day trip in August and I know some people around here have been. So if anybody has thoughts on things to do or see then I am open to suggestions.

I prefer to avoid things that require a lot of preplanning, reservations, etc. but say them anyway. About the only thing I'd rule out is fishing, since I have exactly interest.

The first part of the itinerary is arrive in Anchorage at midnight. Catch a 7a.m. puddlejumper to Homer (a 35 minute flight) in time to catch the 10a.m. ferry to Kodiak. This is as 12-hour ferry and supposedly has some very good wildlife viewing and is the only daytime trip during our visit which is why we're flying to Homer rather than driving . Spend at least a full day in Kodiak then fly back to Anchorage. Rent a car then do a road trip for four or five days ending up back in Anchorage.

Have at least one dinner with a college friend up there and maybe go to the Alaska State Fair with my sister and niece (can't imagine actually spending a full day in a one-on-one social situation with my sister as this has never happened before but I'll give it a shot). Then kill a few days in the immediate Anchorage area and head home.