The MV Malaspina's Golden Voyage

It's no surprise - Juneau and Southeast Alaska are the epitome of maritime culture.  Boats, fishermen, salt in the air, and harbors galore!  Each spring, Juneauites take pause to gather on the waterfront for the Blessing of the Fleet. It's a mainstay event - one that draws locals and tourists alike.  For me, it's a signal that we're finally done with winter and ready for a fun-filled summer on the water.

This year's festivities were extra special.  The Alaska Marine Highway System celebrated its 50th anniversary, and downtown Juneau, as well as the Gastineau Channel, received a long awaited visit from the 408 foot long MV Malaspina ferry. 

Check out my video and photos below.  Casey Kelly with KTOO also wrote an awesome synopsis here: Hundreds gather in Juneau for Malaspina tours, blessing ceremony.

View of the Blessing of the Fleet congregation as seen from the MV Malaspina.  Photo courtesy of Becky Nelson.​

IDITAROD WEEK: Arm Wrestling Competition

When in Rome, do as the Romans.  When in Nome, do as the locals!  

The Arm Wrestling Competition at the Breakers Bar during Iditarod week is a mainstay event and a definite must-see.  The back of the bar is jam packed with arm wrestling hopefuls, dog mushers, locals, visitors, and plenty of Iditarod fans. 

Some of my friends and I were contestants, and four of us took home either first, second, or third place in different weight divisions.  This was my first time arm wrestling in a competition - and it definitely won't be my last.  It was so much fun that I'm already training for next year!

Choose Respect

Juneau's Choose Respect rally on March 28, 2013, was a reminder to us all about the harsh reality of violence against women in Alaska.  According to the 2010 Alaska Victimization Survey, 58 percent of women in Alaska have experienced intimate partner or sexual violence; 47.6 percent have experienced intimate partner violence; and 37.1 percent have experienced sexual violence.  The facts are bone-chilling.  And this tragedy has got to stop.

Alaska Governor Sean Parnell is ​one of very few governors who is focusing on reversing this epidemic.  In 2009, the Parnell administration began the "Choose Respect" statewide movement with a goal of ending the epidemic of domestic violence and sexual assault in Alaska.  In just a few short years, Governor Parnell's initiative has expanded to more than 120 communities across the state.  What was prioritized at the upper echelons of state government can be continued deep down into the fabric of this state. 

We need Alaskans to take a stand.  We need men, women, children... politicians, secretaries, oil execs... hunters, miners, mushers... fishermen, baristas, tour guides... Alaska Native men, village leaders, and elders... to all take a stand.  A stand to Choose Respect.

We need YOU.  Join us.

IDITAROD WEEK: 3rd Annual Bering Sea Brew Festival

I'm not much of a beer drinker.  But give me an opportunity to celebrate the Iditarod, Alaskan-style, and I'm game.​  This under-the-radar event, the Bering Sea Brew Fest, takes place way out on the frozen Bering Sea.  I can't imagine a more Alaskan location to day drink and hobnob with other eager Iditarod fans.

Fest-goers congregated near an under-the-ice mining tent.

Standing west of Nome, with the frozen solid Bering Sea in the background.​

We were greeted with warm smiles and raised glasses.​

A bundled up Kevin Burton, head brewer at Anchorage's Glacier Brewhouse, poured us some beers.  Talented fella!

Raspberry wheat from Glacier Brewhouse.  Yummo!​

Autographing the brewfest banner.​

​Semi-frozen raspberry wheat beer.  The key is to drink fast before it freezes!