220.Amchitka (PAX1)

Amchitka Air Base served as a key military installation during the Cold War era. The base was primarily used for nuclear testing and strategic defense purposes, making it a significant site in U.S. military history. Amchitka Island is known for its volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and diverse ecosystems, providing habitat for various seabirds, marine mammals, and other wildlife. While the legacy of nuclear testing remains a part of its history, Amchitka Island also serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and protection in remote and sensitive ecosystems. The airstrip is long abandoned but still usable.

221.Atka (PAAK)

With a mostly successful arrival in Amchitka, the crew has kept close to the runway and not wandered far during our stay in the remains of this former airbase. We're headed further east to Atka in which we can finally top off our fuel and food. The scenery is about to get spectacular. This is the Alaska we've been waiting for. Atka Island is known for its rich Aleut culture and heritage, with traditional activities such as fishing, hunting, and weaving still practiced by the local community. The surrounding waters provide opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing, with abundant marine life including seals, sea otters, and various seabird species.

222.Cape Field at Fort Glenn (PAUA)

We're in the last couple of flights withing the Aleutian Island chain. We've had fairly good weather during our crossing. On day 222 we're stopping at Cape Field. Cape Field at Fort Glenn, located on Umnak Island in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, is a historic site with significant military heritage. During World War II, Fort Glenn served as a key military installation for the defense of the Aleutian Islands chain. Cape Field, an airfield constructed on the island, played a crucial role in supporting air operations during the war. Today, visitors to Cape Field can explore remnants of the military infrastructure, including abandoned airstrips, bunkers, and other structures. The area offers stunning views of the surrounding volcanic landscapes and coastal scenery, with opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation. While access to the site may be limited due to its remote location, Cape Field at Fort Glenn serves as a reminder of the strategic importance of the Aleutian Islands during World War II and the resilience of those who served there.

223.King Cove (PAVC)

It's day 223 and we're nearing mainland Alaska. Our stop today will be in King Cove. King Cove, nestled on the southern coast of the Alaska Peninsula, is a picturesque fishing village. Surrounded by towering mountains and pristine wilderness, the area offers a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife photography. The village's bustling harbor serves as a hub for the region's commercial fishing industry, providing a glimpse into the livelihoods of the hardworking fishermen and women who call King Cove home.

224.Port Heiden (PAPH)

Day 224 continues up the Alaskan Peninsula as we start a more in depth exploration of Americas most northern state. Tonight we're staying in Port Heiden. It's a little barren out here and we may be mercilessly attacked by mosquitos if the temperature warms up. Visitors can explore the nearby Meshik River, known for its excellent salmon fishing, or hike along scenic trails offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and coastline. Port Heiden is also home to diverse ecosystems, including wetlands and marshes that provide habitat for a variety of bird species, such as sandhill cranes and trumpeter swans.

225.Kodiak Municipal (PAKD)

Time to get our feet wet. Floats will be a great option for day 225. We're headed to Kodiak, Alaska. We're hoping the weather will hold out for us in Kodiak as offshore fog is common in this area. The largest island in the Kodiak Archipelago, Kodiak Island offers a plethora of outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, and kayaking. The island hosts cultural events and festivals celebrating its indigenous Aleut and Russian heritage, providing visitors with a rich and immersive experience in the heart of Alaska's wilderness.

226.Girdwood (AQY)

Instead of heading into the city of Anchorage, I suspected most of you would like to focus on some remote airstrips. We're stopping today in Girdwood. Girdwood is a small, charming town located about 35 miles south of Anchorage, nestled in the scenic Chugach Mountains. Originally named Glacier City, the town was renamed Girdwood after James Girdwood, an Irish immigrant who staked four gold claims in the area in the late 1890s. Girdwood is one of the few places in Alaska that is situated in a coastal temperate rainforest, providing lush, green landscapes. Leg two of the flight will give you some time to rest up before we tackle a large list of airstrips. Depending on weather we may need to work to modify our route in flight.

227.Marabou Landing (AK42)

IcyMittens has dropped a great route on my lap this week. I think it's worth while retracing at least portions of the route. Tonight we are headed to Marabou Landing. It's a gravel strip in the middle of nowhere. camping gear will be essential. Marabou Landing has a rich history tied to the early gold rush era, with remnants of old mining equipment and structures scattered around the area. The area is known for its diverse wildlife, including moose, bears, and a variety of bird species, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts.

228.MCGRATH (PAMC)

Continuing on our exploration of Alaska, the team will be headed back through various mountain passes until we make it to McGrath. McGrath, located in interior Alaska along the Kuskokwim River, is a small community known for its rugged wilderness and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the vast expanses of the surrounding boreal forests and rivers, which are home to diverse wildlife including moose, bears, wolves, and migratory birds. McGrath serves as a gateway to the Iditarod Trail, where the famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race passes through each year.

229.Unalakleet (PAUN)

Unalakleet is a picturesque village located on the Norton Sound of the Bering Sea, at the mouth of the Unalakleet River. Unalakleet has been inhabited for thousands of years by the Unaligmiut, a group of the Inupiat people. It has long served as a trading hub between the coastal and interior regions. Unalakleet is a crucial checkpoint on the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, commemorating the historic mail and supply route. Unalakleet experiences a subarctic climate, with cold winters and cool summers, and is known for its windy conditions.