Why it is Famous :Anchor Point, Alaska is so named because the one of the greatest explorers of all time, Captain Cook, lost a ship\'s anchor here in 1778, and he called the place \"Anchor Point\".
Anchor Point is also noted to be the most westerly point of the North American connected highway system.
Facts About Destination : In late May 1778, one of the greatest explorers of all time, Captain James Cook, sailed the ship Resolution into Cook Inlet. Captain Cook was on his third voyage for England, trying to find a northwest passage that would connect the Pacific to the Atlantic. On this trip, attempting to travel north up the inlet, the Resolution was able to make progress only by sailing north
with the favorable incoming tide and then waiting out the ebb tide on anchor so as not to be pushed by water and wind to the south and back down the Inlet toward the Gulf of Alaska. On one of these ebb tides, the Resolution lost an anchor due to the strong tidal flow and stormy weather, and although effort was made, the crew was not able to recover it. At that time, Cook saw two columns of smoke from native campfires on the eastern shore, and he named the area “Smokey Cape.†The Resolution and the sister ship the Discovery spent the night near that location, at a place that Cook called Anchor Point. That name is still used today for this small community located on the eastern shore of Cook Inlet, just north of Kachemak Bay.
Area Information :Anchor Point is a small, relatively non-touristy-appearing place, but tourism fuels a major
portion of the economy of this community that covers almost 91 square miles. The Anchor
Point Post Office was established here in 1949. Businesses in the town include small grocery
stores, two gas stations, liquor store, hardware store, real-estate office, dentist, and a few
restaurants, including sit down and fast food. There is also a golf course, school (grades 1-6),
fire station, library and an Alaska state police office. Medical facilities and a hospital are
available in Homer, which is about 15 miles down the road, or as they say, at the end of the
road. You have probably heard Homer Alaska’s Tom Bodett on the motel commercials
where he promises to “keep the light on for you.†Visitors will also find great places to stay
in or near Anchor Point, including the Wise Old Hunter Lodge and Moose Cabin at Bear Paw
Adventure, conveniently located about one mile north of town in a quiet, private, natural area
among the spruce trees and wild flowers.
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Why visit :If you like the outdoors, wildlife, fantastic scenery, majestic views and any type of wholesome outdoor adventures, then Alaska is the place for you.
How to reach :
The drive from Anchorage to Anchor Point is about 200 miles, and the route is fairly simple - just take the only road south out of Anchorage (Seward Highway or Rt 1), then continue on Rt 1 when it turns right and becomes the Sterling Highway, and then follow the Sterling to Anchor Point. If you miss Anchor Point and come to the end of the road – you’re in Homer. This is a very scenic trip, and although the actual driving time is about 4 hours, many visitors will take most of the day, stopping frequently for photos of Turnagain Arm, the mountains, Cook Inlet, volcanoes as well as to photograph moose and Dahl sheep and visit some of the attractions.
Best time to visit :Anytime is a great time to visit Alaska. May through September is the peak tourism.
Transport system :Most gusts fly into Anchoage and then rent a car or van for their use in exploring the Kenai Peninsula.
Precautions :Watch for moose on the highway and give these and other Alskan wildlife lots of room when you see them along trails or even in town.
Life style culture :Alaskans like a slow pace, caual life style, with great emphais on outdoor acitivities incuding hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, etc.
Languages spoken :Alaskan - which is fairly similar to English.
