Kodiak Alaska

9-10 August 2012

Dear Travelers,

Your host Rinell traveling here in Alaska's "Emerald Isle" Kodiak! This is the second-largest island in the U.S., after Hawaii. The island and its eponymous largest town boast an interesting history. Native Aluttiq people settled here in semi-subterranean homes called barabaras thousands of years before Europeans arrived on the scene. Check out their rich cultural heritage at the Alutiiq Museum & Archaeological Repository. Russian influence is highlighted at the Baranov Museum, housed in the oldest extant building in Alaska, which is also the oldest Russian builidng in North America. In 1964, the Good Friday earthquake and its resulting tsunami came within inches of destroying it.

A walk along the waterfront reveals the Fisherman's Memorial dedicated to the numerous residents who have lost their lives pursuing one of the most dangerous occupations anywhere. Nearby is the last Liberty Ship built during WWII, the Kodiak Star, which lies surrounded by concrete, and serves as a fish processing facility. It was brought here shortly after the big quake.

See you there...

Rinell :-)