Alaska

Alaska, the 49th state of the Union, is located in the uppermost part of North America, next to Canada. It is the largest U.S. state by area and one of the wealthiest and racially diverse. The area that would later become Alaska was purchased from the Russian Empire on March 30, 1867. It officially became a part of the United States on January 3, 1959.

On January 29, 2009, scientists from Alaska's Volcano Observatory closely monitored the seismic activity of Mount Redoubt. Geologists said the level of activity has markedly increased. The 10,917-foot peak mountain is just about 100 miles away from the state's most populated city, Anchorage.CNN: Alaskan Authorities Monitor Stirring Volcano (January 29, 2009)

The Mount Redoubt volcano last erupted in March 2009, covering most of the Cook Inlet with light ash from the initial and subsequent eruptions. The ash spread as far as Wasilla, located 130 miles away. During one eruption, the plumes of ash affected the air traffic in Anchorage and covered the town, located 50 miles away, in a thin layer of ash.Adn.com: Redoubt's Rumbling, But Still No Eruption (January 28, 2009)CNN: Alaskan Authorities Monitor Stirring Volcano (January 29, 2009)

On January 28, 2009, the Red Cross of Alaska advised resident to take precautions.Adn.com: Redoubt's Rumbling, But Still No Eruption (January 28, 2009)

1. Bird: Willow Ptarmigan
2. Fish: King Salmon
3. Fossil: Wooly Mammoth
4. Land Mammal: Moose
5. Marine Mammal: Bowhead Whale
6. Insect: Four-spot skimmer Dragonfly|
7. Flower: Forget-Me-Not
8. Tree: Sitka Spruce
9. Gem: Jade
10. Mineral: Gold
11. Sport: Dog Mushing
12. Song: "Alaska's Flag"

• • The Mahalo Guide to an Alaska Vacation
  • The Mahalo Guide to an Anchorage Vacation
• Official Tourism Site: TravelAlaska.com