Alaska

The main surprise for me on my quick trip to Alaska is how everything seems about the same as a city between the size of Kirkland and Bellevue. Anchorage is the main population center in the state.

There are the usual fast food places and other stores like Barnes and Noble, Lowes, Fred Meyer etc. etc.

There were a few things different that I noticed.

• No Freeways really, but the highways were pretty empty. No rush hour traffic.
• The satellite dishes are really aimed low, reminds me that the earth is round. 
• Lot of Moose warning signs. So far haven't seen any.
• A good sized lake is totally a Sea Plane base. Sea planes all around the lake with little huts for each parking spot.
• Everything costs more.
• No Sales tax (Again, second week in a row)
• Very long daylight hours. (Sun stays up past 11 PM)

Other than that, pretty much the same as anywhere. To be fair to the beautiful state, I didn't have the chance to get out to the fishing towns, glaciers or other wonders.
Dad