What I learned on my Winter Vacation: Alaska is a "must see" destination and Alyeska is a "must ski" resort. Spectacular is an understatement. Alaska is a rich source for snowsports stories. I found different, deep and exciting material. Will I go back - you betcha. Only next trip I'll spend more time.

I can't say anything about the members meeting as I spent that time being repaired at the Girdwood clinic, but while I was in town I discovered the existence recreational gold mining (yet another story idea). As a get together, the annual NASJA meeting is an opportunity to spend time with West and Midwest members who I otherwise know by email. It's a valuable networking and learning experience. The only downside is that the trip was a burnout for me. I'm an anxious traveler and three weeks later I'm still not recovered.

Rarely does any location live up to the adjectives, but Alaska and Alyeska exceeded expectations. This was truly a remarkable site for our annual gathering, and those who participated came away raving about the location and all aspects of the event. Kudos to all in the process from beginning to final sendoff. This was one of our best meetings and it's a shame more members did not take advantage. Would I go back? In a minute ....

With no disrespect to Telluride, Crested Butte, etc this NASJA conference was a dream come true. (I'd never been to the state.)

Alaska is the place for which the word "awesome" was coined. Now that Jeanette has qualified for her taxi-driver license :-), I hope she's on vacation! She went above and beyond in ferrying many of us around. Sandy and Lauren were incredibly helpful at the resort itself. I've already thanked them, the rental equipment folks and Dino Da MAN for all their work, but it doesn't hurt to say "thanks" again. And Carolyn - what am amazing woman! I also want to thank everyone who posted photos and videos on  Facebook -- I loved Jerry Hoffman's footage from the Kenai fjord cruise.... and even more impressed when I learned that Jerry does not always love being on a boat! As for work, I have enough material for 5 articles. Now please excuse me: I have to book my next flight to Anchorage....

The Alyeska NASJA Conference was one of the best times I have every spent with some old and many new journalist friends.  Our hosts, Jeanette Anderson Moores, Sandy and Loren were all very, very hospitable and gracious!  From the greetings to the send-offs, you all made our very short time very pleasant.

Thanks to all of the hosts for putting on such a great venue, especially introducing us to the Native American culture!  It will be a conference that my wife and I will treasure always.

Dan & Jean Cassidy

from the GREAT State of Maine

Lifts that don't open until 10:30 AM; full sun on the slopes after 5 PM; 30 steps from trai's end to the ski check at the resort;  near naked people running down the main street of Anchorage being chased by reindeer: what's not to like about Alaska? As usual NASJA had a wonderful national meeting highlighted by great weather and great hospitaity in Alyeska,in Anchorage and on the frozen lake in Willow AK,, the start line for the Ididerod race to Nome. Then there was the Frida factor. If her documentary is half as good as her breakfast presentation about Antarctica, it will be a great hit.

The question after all our meetings is 'Would you go back?"  Absolutely, even if the reindeer don'tt run.