As you likely surmised, the previous page greatly exaggerated common misconceptions about what life is like in Alaska. It is not indicative of where you will stay for the conference. Instead, life and business in Anchorage is much like you will experience in most American cities. However, the wilderness is relatively close to town if you do wish to experience these sights (with the exception of igloos, which are generally not found in Alaska).

Anchorage
	The municipality of Anchorage spans almost 2000 square miles, approximately the size of the state of Delaware. It is bordered on the west by Cook Inlet and on the east by the Chugach Mountains. The city shares the same latitude as Helsinki, Finland, and the same longitude as Honolulu, Hawaii. Anchorage is a modern city with all the amenities found in major cities. Within Anchorage you will find four star restaurants, first class hotels, several shopping malls, museums, and a performing arts center. However, the outdoor beauty of Alaska's mountains and state parks are only a short drive away. There is no sales tax in Anchorage. For more information about Anchorage, view the following FAQs: Visitor Center FAQ, Bob Lynn's FAQ
Hotels and Transportation	The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is approximately ten miles southwest of downtown Anchorage. This is a major airport served by Delta, Alaska, Northwest, TWA, Continental, and American airlines. Several major rental car companies are also available at the airport. If you are staying at the Hilton, there is a Hilton van that will take you from the airport to the hotel upon request. Disregard any Hilton advisory that the van has been discontinued -- the van is in service for ISCA only. To reserve a spot on the van, you must email your arrival and departure flight information to Amy Bell at Amy_Bell@hilton.com. The van will be waiting outside the bagge claim area for you. Upon exiting the terminal building from the baggage claim you will also find taxis (~$15-$20) or the Borealis Shuttle ($7/person or $11/two) that can take you to any downtown hotel. There is also a courtesy phone in the terminal if you need to call the hotel. Hotels in Anchorage are quite expensive during the summer months. If you do not wish to stay at the Hilton, here is a list of some lower priced hotels approximately 1-2 miles from downtown that you may wish to consider.
Weather
	Start of conference, May 25: Sunrise at 4:50 AM, Sunset at 11:05 PM End of conference, May 29: Sunrise 4:41 AM, Sunset at 11:14 PM     About 19 hours of daylight, 18 minute gain in four days From May 25-29:   Average high temperature: 57o Fahrenheit   Average low temperature: 43o Fahrenheit   Record high temperature:  71o Fahrenheit   Record low temperature:  34o Fahrenheit You can expect little to no snow on the ground by the end of May. Nevertheless, it is recommended that you dress in layers so that you can adjust to the weather which may feature chilly nights. Alaska is also very casual. Bring jeans, slacks, sweaters, sweatshirts, t-shirts, a rain jacket or light coat, and comfortable walking shoes. There is a small chance of rain during May. If you plan to take a cruise, you may also wish to bring a warm hat, gloves, and a heavier coat. Query Alaska Historical Weather Data
Message Board	Web Forum
Pictures
	You may find the following images indicative of what you will see during the summer around the Anchorage area. Chugach State Park Prince William Sound Wildlife Aurora Borealis
Tours	Denali Anglers & Susitna River Lodging - Fishing and River Tours of the Susitna River. Renown charters and Tours - Whales, Wildlife and Glacier Cruises out of Seward Sound EcoAdventures - Biologist-Guided Boating Tours of the Prince William Sound Kenai Fjords - Wildlife and Glacier Cruises Ketchum Air Service - Flightseeing
Day Trips	Begich Boggs Visitor Center, Portage Glacier Alaska SeaLife Center, Seward Chugach State Park Alaska Native Heritage Center Hatcher Pass Lodge Alyeska Resort, Girdwood Reindeer Farm and Musk Ox Farm, Palmer Iditarod Headquarters, Wasilla
Longer Trips	Denali National Park Chena Hot Springs, Fairbanks Kenai Peninsula McCarthy and Kennicott Copper Mine Wrangell Saint Elias National Park Katmai Bear Viewing
Information	Anchorage Daily News Visitors Guide Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau Travel Alaska Hunting, Fishing Regulations Anchorage webcams: AlaskaCam, ACS WebCam, AlasKam Alaskan Lingo The Milepost Anchorage Hilton Hotel

Updated 3/22/02. Email any questions or feedback to Kenrick Mock, kenrick@uaa.alaska.edu