I have often dreamed of seeing Alaska. As luck would have it, seven months ago, I married a man who lived in Anchorage for fourteen years. When my husband suggested we visit in June, I was excited to live one of my travel dreams.

Arriving into Anchorage at 12:10 am, I saw snow-capped mountains and daylight. Yes, Alaska’s summer months which typically begin late May through August, average almost twenty hours of daylight.

Anchorage is an urban, frontier town. It has a hint of the modern world, yet its natural environment is surrounded by wilderness. Downtown consists of trading posts with Alaskan souvenirs, native crafts, furriers, museums, restaurants and tourist attractions. The gateway to adventure begins with 40 miles of Anchorage coastal trails popular for walking, biking, hiking and jogging. Visitors may encounter wolf packs, rushing mountain streams and vast forestry.

My husband and I decided to explore the “Last Frontier” by way of the Alaska Railroad. The full-day trip runs south of Anchorage to the town of Whittier. The train’s conductor was an African American who had been with Alaska Railroad for 35 years. It was an enchanting, scenic journey through steep mountains and glacier filled waters.

One day we decided to explore on our own and took to the road by way of Seward highway, rated one of America’s best scenic highways. We encountered countless photo opportunities on this picturesque highway of endless possibilities, including glaciers, icebergs and wildlife.

Natives and visitors enjoy the vast fishing opportunities from halibut and salmon to hooligan. I had never heard of hooligan fish, but enjoyed a fried batch for dinner one evening. We returned inland with fresh salmon caught and frozen on the spot, Alaskan king crab legs, jumbo shrimp and scallops. Downtown street vendors sell reindeer hot dogs and sausage and buffalo brats. Those delicacies I left for my husband who swears it is good eating.

The population is diverse, including Native Alaskan, Native Indian, Asian, Native Hawaiian, Black and Caucasian. Recently, an influx of Africans from war torn countries, like Sudan, migrated to Alaska. The majority of Alaska’s black population lives in Anchorage and Fairbanks. Early black settlers migrated to Alaska after the Civil War. Modern migration of blacks is associated with the military.

During summer months, Alaska’s inland averages about 70 degrees. A light jacket, sweater and comfortable walking shoes are highly suggested. Heavier outerwear is recommended for outland tours.

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