Home for the holidays

I am not really disappointed I am not flying south to family gatherings this holiday season. Fortunately, I spent two weeks in July with the entire extended bunch. Traveling during the holidays is difficult enough because of all the other stresses factored in, such as purchasing gifts, baking, sending Christmas cards and party obligations.

This year I have come up with a list of ways I can celebrate the holidays without leaving on a jet plane.

My first free afternoon I am going to take my sled up to Hatcher Pass and park at the lot near the entrance to the mine. Unless there is a fresh dump of snow, there should be a foot path leading straight up from the parking lot.

After a few runs, my thoughts will clear and I will be focused again and the gift I haven't found yet for my sister will not be such a nuisance. Then I will head to Hatcher Pass Lodge and have a cup of hot chocolate. You can call up to the lodge and ask for conditions and hours of operation at 745-5897. The road up to Hatcher Pass is much improved -- not yet paved, but widened with extended and additional pullouts.

Instead of cooking up a feast on Christmas or New Years there are many impressive restaurants and lodges planning special holiday menus. Talkeetna has plenty of options for a holiday getaway.

The Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge is featuring a very special New Year's package again this year, and while in Talkeetna, you can head over to the Talkeetna Outdoor Center to rent skis or snowshoes to tour around town. You can also stop at the Talkeetna Roadhouse cafŽ and bakery, where they serve a delicious hearty breakfast to keep you going all day on the trail. They also have giant cookies and pastries to purchase and pack with you.

On the other side of the Valley, Sheep Mountain Lodge at Mile 113.5 Glenn Hwy. is a perfect getaway during the busy holiday season. You can take your cross-country skis with you and enjoy miles of groomed trails, then head for the woodstove sauna or Jacuzzi hot tub. Cabins are very comfortable, private and tastefully furnished. If the weather cooperates, you can enjoy the spectacular mountain views and the northern lights. Call 745-5121.

Other favorite holiday escapes include the Best Western Lake Lucille Inn in Wasilla and Motherlode Lodge near Hatcher Pass. Both have special New Year's Eve packages available.

"New Year's is always a hoot at Motherlode," said Jill Reese, owner of the lodge. "And this year promises to be just as much fun."

A popular "New Grass" band is performing after a five-course dinner, and rooms are available. You can even reserve sleeping bag space. Call 746-1464.

If ice fishing is your thing, guide Andy Couch of FishTale River Guides can carve you a fishing hole and give you pointers on reeling in the big one during the holidays. I've heard ice fishing is a very therapeutic form of winter recreation. Call 376-3687.

Before Christmas, you can head out to Big Lake for an evening of lights and cheer, on Dec. 22. The Big Lake Chamber of Commerce hosts the sell-out event annually, which begins at the Hangar Lounge at 4 p.m.

Santa comes there to greet you at the end of your tour of lovely homes, glittering lights and holiday refreshments. An auction is also held at the conclusion, to purchase last-minute gifts. Call the Big Lake Chamber at 892-6109.

If you are lucky, your hearty relatives will travel north to visit you this Christmas. Show them all the things we love about winter. Hitch a ride with a dog team. After all, Wasilla is "Home of the Iditarod." Call Alaska Trails & Tails at 373-1408 for a dog-sled ride or a lesson to mush a team yourself.

If you are missing your family during these holidays, like I no doubt will, get out and treat yourself to an adventure. Take some photos and send them with your Christmas tidings.

Mat-Su Convention & Visitors Bureau recently featured an entire article on renting snowmachines and guided tours for those without "sleds."

Call the MSCVB for a list of snowmachine tours and rentals around the Valley and other fun winter activities at 746-5000.