deb82lopez, Neighbor

Ryan 4 Alaska

Let’s get started and tell you about the great program I will be traveling with…

•People To People was founded in 1956 by Dwight D. Eisenhower

•How did I know about this program, you ask?

To be a part of this program students are nominated by a teacher and/or principal and guess what I was nominated. Not sure who nominated as that information was withheld. I went for an interview and was accepted into the program

People to People mission is

•To bridge cultural and political borders through education and exchange, creating global citizens and making the world a better place for future generations.

DAY 1 DEPART FOR ALASKA

•When my flight arrives in Anchorage, we’ll be greeted by our delegation manager, a local expert who will be our guide (and source of endless information!) during our journey.

DAY 2 WELCOME TO ALASKA!

•Explore Alaska’s largest city and experience a special People to People moment during a guided tour in this beautiful city. See the historic downtown district and Lake Hood—the busiest float plane base in the world.

DAY 3 LEARN ABOUT SUB-ARTIC CLIMATES

•On this day we will board our motor coach for a beautiful trip to stunning Denali National Park. Encompassing six million acres, this park is home to wild animals large and small who roam unfenced lands, living as they have for ages. Deepen our understanding of this amazing natural wonder during educational, sub-Arctic talks at the Charles Sheldon Center. Then we will experience the wonders of Alaska!!

DAY 4 DISCOVER THE DENALI WILDERNESS

•Begin our day with the Murie Excursion taking us on a unique excursion across an expansive 30 miles of Denali Wilderness. Learning more about the works of scientists such as Adolph Murie and contemporary park wildlife biologists as we discover ourselves, and the reasons why humans wish to preserve this important place.

DAY 5 MEET PUPPIES DESTINED TO BE SLED-RACING MASTERS

•We will travel to Palmer in the Matanuska Susitna Valley where world record-holding, monster-sized vegetables grow in the 24-hour daylight. En route, stop off for a visit to an Iditarod training dog kennel. Learn about the Last Great Race and the life and art of mushing dogs in Alaska. We will even be able to cuddle with some puppies. (But, no, we can’t take one home!)

•As we travel along the scenic Parks Highway, we will make several stops to fully experience the landscape, and dig deeper in Alaska's history with a visit to the Indian Burial Ground at Eklutna.

DAY 6 APPRECIATE ALASKA’S AGRICULTURE

•This morning, we will hear experiences and stories about what it is like to farm in Alaska. Learn which produce grows well and discover Alaska’s own “Alaska Grown” program, encouraging Alaskans to buy local.

DAY 7 GET AN EYEFUL OF BEAUTIFUL BIRDS

•We will need our binoculars during a visit to the Potter Marsh. With its panoramic view of Turnagain Arm, it is one of the most accessible and scenic bird watching areas.

•Take in the impressive sites along the scenic Seward Highway before arriving at the Trail Lake Hatchery to deepen our understanding of Alaska’s salmon fishing industry, an important part of Alaska's economy.

•Then continuing to travel south to the port community of Seward where a local town official will welcome us, and will experience an in-depth look both above—and below—the waters.

DAY 8 HIKE TO A GLACIER IN A SPECTACULAR NATIONAL PARK

•Lace up our hiking boots and participate in a ranger-led walk to Exit Glacier, where we’ll learn about glaciers in the Kenai Fjords National Park.

•Board a vessel for our cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park. Keep an eye open for whales, sea otters, sea lions, walruses, eagles, bears, and more as we gain important insight into marine life and environmental science surrounded by the Alaska's beauty—and some great, new friends!

DAY 9 PAN FOR GOLD!

•Enjoy a special half-day program giving us an up-close look at the history of Alaska’s gold mining industry. Learn about modern gold mining techniques, and even try our hands at gold mining with guidance from an expert.

•Deepen our understanding of the rugged life of miners who traveled North to help shape the Alaskan frontier.

DAY 10 COOK CRAB … AND ENJOY!

•Don an apron alongside a seasoned Alaskan cook! Together with our fellow delegates, work as a culinary team to learn to prepare traditional Alaskan foods such as salmon, elk, and crab.

•Learn more about Alaska's history and native culture when we visit the Alaskan Native Heritage Center where locals with vast knowledge of area history will share their stories with you.

•And then that evening board our flight back home!!

DAY 11 ARRIVE HOME

And there it is everyone, everything I will be learning and doing on my 11 day journey to Alaska.

Again thank you so much for all your support.

We are currently holding a Applebee's pancake flapjack event at our local Applebee's. We have 54 Tickets we need to reach our goal. Please help us reach our goal. Tickets are $8.50 each. If unable to attend donations are excepted @ deb82lopez.wix.com/ryan4alaska