Day Five: Palmer & Knik Glacier
PALMER: Today enjoy the Palmer Musk Ox Farm, a private non-profit organization dedicated to the development and domestication of the musk ox, Ovibos moschatus for the purpose of providing additional subsistence income opportunities for Alaska’s first people. The Musk Ox Project began to introduce a gentle, non-intrusive form of agriculture to the Arctic in 1954. Our musk oxen are the foundation of an Alaskan cottage industry for natives living in remote coastal villages.
The soft under-wool of the musk ox, qiviut, is harvested once a year and delivered to Oomingmak, an Alaskan native knitter’s co-operative. The knitters work at home in Eskimo villages throughout Alaska creating scarves, nachaqs (Eskimo smoke rings) and luxurious caps. Each village has its own signature pattern derived from traditional designs. Come to view the animals, learn about the project and take advantage of this unique opportunity to see and photograph one of the Arctic’s oldest living species and take an informative tour led by a knowledgeable guide. See tame cows, powerful bulls, and newborn calves that will make your heart melt.
KNIK GLACIER: This afternoon’s adventure will take you aboard an airboat ride to Lake George, the base of Knik Glacier. Lake George, an ice dammed lake was once responsible for floods of cataclysmic proportions. Knik Glacier, 28 miles long, 6 miles wide, and over 1000 feet thick, is one of Alaska’s grandest natural attractions. Knik Glacier, born in the Pleistocene Glaciation period (the beginning of the Ice Age) 600,000 years ago, covered the Anchorage bowl and the entire Cook Inlet. While it remains active, motion imperceptible to the naked eye, this glacier is in a constant state of change. After traveling all over the state of Alaska, the Knik Glacier always turns out to be a trip highlight. We consider ourselves very fortunate to live in such a magnificent landscape. It will be our pleasure to share it with you.
ANCHORAGE: Next, your escort will take you to your local hotel for an evening of leisure. Located in Southcentral Alaska on the shores of Cook Inlet, the Municipality of Anchorage is a unique urban environment situated in the heart of the wilderness. There’s a special mystique to Alaska. The name conjures up adventure, raw natural beauty — glaciers, mountains and seas, unmatched the world around — fascinating wildlife, a unique cultural heritage, and independent, pioneering people. Here you will find four-star restaurants and small cafes, an outstanding Museum of History and Art and a multitude of other fun activities.
Enjoy downtown shopping at any of the artist hot spots, or relax and enjoy the nightlife of Anchorage, “the city of lights”. Delectable restaurants dot the downtown area and offer wonderful opportunities to enjoy fresh salmon to prime rib. Be sure to get to sleep early, as tomorrow is early to rise.
View our preferred accommodations for this area:
Anchorage Metro-Area Lodging