230.Red Dog (PADG)

With us exploring northern Alaska we hit yet another milestone of reaching the Arctic Circle today. We finish our flight north of Nome in Red Dog. Red Dog is an unincorporated area in Northwestern Alaska, primarily known for the Red Dog Mine, one of the world's largest zinc mines. The region is characterized by its remote, rugged landscape and its significant contributions to Alaska's economy. The Red Dog Mine is one of the world's largest producers of zinc concentrate, contributing significantly to global zinc supply.

231. Barrow (PABO)

 Barrow, officially known as Utqiaġvik, is the northernmost city in the United States, located on the Arctic coast of Alaska. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Barrow became a key site for Arctic exploration and commercial whaling. The city has a tundra climate, characterized by long, extremely cold winters and short, cool summers. Utqiaġvik experiences extreme polar phenomena, including the polar night, where the sun does not rise for about 65 days in winter, and the midnight sun, where the sun does not set for about 80 days in summer.

232.Herschel Island (CYDY)

Herschel Island is a remote, historic island in the Beaufort Sea, known for its rich natural and cultural history. It has served as an important location for indigenous peoples, whalers, and traders over the centuries. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Herschel Island became a major base for American and European whalers. At its peak, the island was home to a bustling whaling community. Herschel Island serves as a base for scientific research on Arctic ecosystems and climate change.

233. Fairbanks (PAFA)

 Fairbanks is the largest city in the Interior region of Alaska, located along the banks of the Chena River. Fairbanks was founded in 1901 during the Fairbanks Gold Rush. It quickly grew as a gold mining town after Felix Pedro discovered gold in the area. The construction of the Alaska Highway during World War II and the establishment of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline in the 1970s further boosted the city's economy and development.

234.Denali High Adventure (81AK)

This time headed through Denali State Park. We'll be in the back country, so be prepared. Our planned arrival will be at McKinley Country Airstrip. Located just north of Denali High Adventures Base. Denali High Adventure Base is a premier outdoor adventure camp operated by the Boy Scouts of America, located near Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska. It offers a range of high-adventure activities in one of the most stunning natural settings in North America. The base is located near the highest peak in North America, Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), which stands at 20,310 feet.

235. Valdez (PAVD)

 We're headed to Valdez, Alaska, a coastal town nestled at the head of a deep fjord in Prince William Sound, surrounded by the Chugach Mountains. It's home to Valdez Pioneer Field (VDZ/PAVD), featuring a 6,500-foot runway at 121 feet elevation. The area is known for its subarctic climate with maritime influence, receiving over 300 inches of annual snowfall and prone to fog and strong winds. Valdez is historically significant as the terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and the site near the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. For pilots, it presents a challenging environment with mountain flying, rapid weather changes, and year-round potential for icing at higher altitudes. The town's unique geography, climate, and historical importance make it a noteworthy destination for aviators.

236.Icy Bay (19AK)

After a very marginal success on arrival at Valdez, we got our rest and are ready to tackle day 236. We'll make our way through various mountain passes for a scenic flight to Icy Bay. Originally a single, large bay, Icy Bay has been reshaped over the past century by the retreat of several large glaciers, making it a remarkable location for observing natural changes and engaging in outdoor adventures. Up until the early 1900s, the area where Icy Bay now exists was covered by the massive Guyot, Yahtse, and Tyndall Glaciers. Remarkable glacial retreats in the 20th century created the bay as it is known today. The bay’s landscape is continually changing due to ongoing glacial activity. This dynamic environment offers unique opportunities for scientific study and exploration.

237. Whitehorse (CYXY)

 We'll be crossing the Kluane National Park making our way to Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. Whitehorse is the capital and largest city of the Yukon Territory in Canada. Situated along the banks of the Yukon River, it serves as the cultural and administrative center of the Yukon. Whitehorse was founded during the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 19th century as a transportation hub for miners heading to the gold fields. During World War II, Whitehorse gained strategic importance with the construction of the Alaska Highway, connecting Alaska through Canada to the continental United States. Whitehorse is home to roughly three-quarters of the population of the Yukon.

238.Muddy Lake (BD7)

Bearskin Lake is a remote and serene body of water located near Tatsamenie Peak in the Coast Mountains of northwestern British Columbia, Canada. The area is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, characterized by rugged mountains, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. The nearby Muddy Lake Airstrip serves as a crucial access point to this otherwise isolated region. The region around Bearskin Lake has been traditionally inhabited by the Tlingit and Tahltan First Nations peoples. They have used the area for hunting, fishing, and gathering for generations, relying on its rich natural resources. The airstrip was established primarily to support mining operations like the Golden Bear Mine. It facilitated transportation of personnel and supplies to this remote location, and today, it continues to provide access for visitors and researchers.

239. Watson Lake (CYQH)

We're back into the journey this week as we head to a little place called Watson Lake. Watson Lake is a small but significant town in southeastern Yukon, located near the border with British Columbia along the Alaska Highway. Watson Lake became a key settlement during the construction of the Alaska Highway in 1942, which was built to connect Alaska with the contiguous United States during World War II. The sign post forest is a quirky attraction was started by a homesick U.S. soldier in 1942 who put up a sign pointing to his hometown, and it has since grown to include over 77,000 signs from around the world. We will utilize campout smoke signals to navigate landing points.