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Alaska's
highways are thin ribbons of civilization
winding through wilderness, often connecting
towns only after traversing hundreds
of miles. The drive is never tiring.
Your companion on the journey is the
Alaskan landscape: views of soaring
mountains, magnificent glaciers and
waterways abound.
Close encounters with Alaska's wildlife
are a common occurrence. Sheep look
for food just off a highway's shoulder;
eagles sit in neighboring trees. Watch
out for moose: They have a habit of
jogging nonchalantly along the road,
right when you're taking in the scenery.
Driving is also an opportunity to
meet Alaskans in their element. Stop
at roadhouses and lodges. Have a piece
of homemade pie while you listen to
the owner's stories. From the side
of the road, watch climbers scramble
cliff faces. Better yet, drive a gravel
road to a small town where locals are
more than willing to say hello and
get to know you.
Wherever you're going, give yourself
extra time. Because in Alaska, getting
behind the wheel isn't about the destination.
It's about the drive.
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