The Climate Of Alaska
By Michael Russell

Alaska covers an area of nearly 600.000 square miles and is the biggest state of United States. It is the less populated state also. The weather can vary greatly by region and season. Alaska consists of high mountains, volcanoes, moist Pacific air and the cold Arctic ice pack. These factors influence the air mass that blows over Alaska and Yukon Territory and its air transport schedule also. The high mountains have a great influence to the wind that blows over Alaska from the south and southwest. The warm moist air that comes from the Pacific Ocean usually produces clouds in the form of fogs and low stratus clouds. Alaska has the biggest glaciers in the whole United States, sometimes they reach 50 feet in length per single winter season.

The Alaskan year is not divided into rainy and dry seasons. It receives warmth and rain through the year equally.

This frozen paradise gives nearly endless days in the summer period. In the summer period the sun of Alaska shines until 11PM giving enough light for wildlife viewing, hikes, kayaking and other types of exploration. In the summer time north of the Arctic Circle territories get permanent daylight that is been called the Midnight Sun, but in the winter period these areas remain in darkness for several months. The Midnight Sun shines from approximately May 10 to August 1. The darkness lasts from approximately November 18 to January 23. The temperature tends to rise each year in the whole world and Alaska is not an exception. Much research has been done using satellite and aerial photographs, not to speak of research activities and measurements made on the ground of Alaska by researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research Program. Research has proven that in a period between 1950 and 2002 more then 10,000 Alaskan lakes have shrunk in size or dried up completely. Research shows also that the biggest temperature increase happened around 1977, but it turned back to normal winter temperature again around late 80s. These events caused many negative events and even natural disasters like intense and extensive wildfires, bark beetle outbreaks, shrunk or completely dried up Alaskan water tables.

Thousands and thousands of tourists that plan in their vacations to visit Alaska would like to know about the weather there and what clothes should they pack. The second thing that they would like to know is how much daylight there will be. Since Alaska is located near the Arctic circle, asking this question is not something stupid, but it makes a lot of sense. But if the information given above did not scare you away and you are still planning to visit Alaska, then here are some tips to make your travel even more pleasant. The travel season that includes outdoor activities or other types of exploration is relatively short. The best time to visit Alaska is in the summer months starting from May and ending in September. Regardless of which regions of Alaska you are going to visit, the best way to dress is in layers because the weather in Alaska can change quite quickly. If you would like to be as comfortable as possible in terms of clothing, then take jeans, slacks, sweaters, sweatshirts, t-shirts (short and long sleeve), a rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes with you.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Alaska

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Antarctic Holiday - A Unique Yet Fulfilling Experience
By Jo Alelsto

Antarctica is known for its extreme weather conditions. It is the coldest and driest place on earth, so why go there and have an Antarctic holiday? You may ask, what is there to do in a place so cold, no run of the mill restaurants and hotels? Indeed, going to the southernmost region of the earth is no ordinary way of spending your holidays, but it is this uniqueness that makes it worthy to visit.

When you visit Antarctica, one of the things that you get to do is have a firsthand experience of its wildlife. Yes, despite its harsh climate, it is home to different species of animals. You get to see different kinds of penguins such as the Black-footed, Adele, Rock Hopper, Little Blue, King, and of course, the Emperor, which is the tallest and heaviest of all species of penguins. Besides the penguins, there are other kinds of birds that can be found in the continent. These include different species of albatrosses, petrels, and Arctic terns. Seals can also be found, whose colors may come in gray, brown, or black.

Isn't it just great to observe these creatures that have the ability to withstand the coldness of the continent? But besides watching these lovable animals, there are other things to do. You can climb the Observation Hill, which allows you to feast your eyes on the views of Mount Erebus and the Ross Ice Shelf. You can also go kayaking up to icebergs for closer views, and if the weather permits, you can even camp on the ice.

Moreover, you can go to Antarctica by ship or by plane. When you decide to go on a ship, the typical itineraries include the Antarctic Peninsula. Its rich wildlife and dramatic scenery makes it a good site for an introduction to the so-called White Continent. Then there is the Polar Circle, the highlight of which is the Marguerite Bay. The place is teemed with orca, minke, humpback whales, and Adelie penguins. Other common itineraries include the West Side and the Weddell Sea, Subantarctic Islands, and South Georgia Island.

You can also experience a different kind of Antarctic voyage by plane. There are flights that access man-made airships on some islands that are close to the peninsula, and there are flights that penetrate the frigid interior. Taking these flights may pose some risks, but the experience can really be rewarding. Generally, Antarctic tours are done between November and March. It is because after March, temperatures can go as low as -100 degrees Fahrenheit or -38 degrees Celsius.

Aware of the extreme conditions of the continent, you must be well-prepared for your trip. You must be armed with high quality outdoor clothing. Included in your to-bring checklist is anti-motion sickness medication. Long delays may take place, so if you are taking medications, it is important that you bring enough medication needed for a long delay.

It is important to make yourself equipped and prepared for you to really enjoy the whole adventure. It is not your ordinary trip and it would not hurt if you made extra preparations for this extraordinary undertaking. You would not want to not be able to do the things that you could have done just because you are not well-prepared. There are so many things that can be done in this southernmost part of the earth and you would want to maximize them. Be close with nature as you can be, take the most exhilarating satisfying trip that you will have experienced in your lifetime, and be one of those people who do not just settle for the ordinary.

Jo is a writer for 'Antarctica Bound' (http://www.antarcticabound.com), specialists in Antarctic tours, Antarctic expeditions, and holiday cruises who are entirely dedicated to providing the finest possible service and unbeatable price. If you wish to have an Antarctica holiday and relish the fellowship of friends while sharing with them the unique occasion of watching albatross, whales, penguins, and seals in their natural habitat then you ought to check out Antarctica Bound.

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