Day 2 of my 50/50 challenge is Alaska. I’ve never been to Alaska, but I’d love to go. The perception is that Alaska is just a big, cold iceberg. That’s not entirely accurate. The average temperature in Juneau, Alaska during the months of June, July, and August is 63 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course it takes almost 18 hours of daylight in June and July to achieve that 63 degree average. So, if I’m going to Alaska, it’s going to be in the summer.

One reason to visit Alaska to see the Northern Lights, otherwise known as Aurora Borealis. The majority of people haven’t seen a real Northern Lights display. This alone is worth a trip to Alaska. When I was a kid there was Northern Lights visible one summer night in upstate New York and it was absolutely spectacular. In Alaska there are many Norther Lights tours you can sign up for that know the best times and places to go to see the Northern Lights.

The wildlife in Alaska is unparalleled in North America, and whale watching tours are plentiful. There is also the opportunity to view the Mendenhall Glacier and the snow capped peaks of the Denali Mountain. There’s also the opportunity to spot some of the state’s most exciting wildlife such as moose, caribou, and grizzly bears in the fall. It’s a lt’s also a great place to go salmon fishing.

If you’re a cruise person there are many great cruises that navigate the Alaska coastline and dock at the major cities.

Alaska is one of the most unusual of the states and that’s exactly why it’s worth visiting. You’ll see things that you can’t see anywhere on planet Earth.

Next up on my 50/50 we’ll go from cold to hot as we visit Arizona tomorrow. Safe travels! ~Phil