Alaska is BIG

Everyone knows that Alaska is the biggest state in the union-- and quite a bit bigger than most countries in the world (do you know which ones actually surpass Alaska?). But it's quite a different thing to actually experience this largess.

My roommates and I thought about flying to Barrow, Alaska, the northernmost city in the United States (and the sun doesn't set for three months of summer!). We figured that we're already so close to the Arctic Circle, we might as well go over it.

Well, close is a relative term. Let's just say that a flight to Barrow costs around $500 and takes 3.5 hours. For the chance to dip my feet in the Arctic Ocean? I don't know if it's worth it...

I've met a couple Alaskans who are from villages or islands so isolated, no roads exist. They have to fly three or four hours in a fixed wing plane or take a day-long ferry ride just to visit family and friends.

I'm sure my appreciation for Alaska's size will only grow with time and travel experience. Let's just hope I don't get lost!