Fjords are some of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth. They are deep glacier-carved waterways surrounded by towering mountains, waterfalls, forests, and ice. But while most people picture places like Norway or Alaska when they hear the word “fjord,” some of the largest and wildest fjord systems in the world are actually found thousands of miles away in Patagonia.

On this episode, we compare the fjords of North and South America and explore how two regions in opposite hemispheres were shaped by many of the same forces. We talk glaciers, icefields, rainforests, wildlife, Indigenous maritime cultures, and why fjords tend to form in very specific parts of the world. Along the way, we get into the surprising similarities between coastal Alaska and Patagonia, the differences between temperate and subarctic fjord ecosystems, and why glaciers depend just as much on moisture as they do on cold temperatures.

Why do some of the world’s biggest glaciers exist far from the poles? Why are Patagonia’s fjords so remote compared to Alaska’s? And what exactly is a group of bunnies called?! It’s the episode that'll decide your next winter vacation!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Devil in the Row by Brewerks

Music By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]

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Tourism in Alaska can be a tricky thing. On one hand, visitors come here for everything that makes this place incredible: glaciers, wildlife, fishing, mountains, and small coastal communities full of character. On the other hand, the people who actually live here still have to grocery shop, get to work, find parking, and somehow keep these communities feeling like home long after the visitors leave. Somewhere in the middle of all that is a concept called destination stewardship.

On this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Millane, Board of Directors President of the Seward Chamber of Commerce and one of the people leading the charge behind Seward’s Destination Stewardship Committee. We talk about the future of tourism in Alaska, the challenges of balancing growth with community well-being, and why stewardship isn’t just about protecting the environment. It’s also about protecting the experience for both visitors and locals alike.

What's important for visitors to know about visiting Alaska? Can tourism actually make a community stronger instead of overwhelming it? And wait, you're telling me people actually live in these places?! It's the episode where we all sing kumbaya together!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Hawthorne Longfall Mystery Hop Pale Ale by Turnagain Brewing

Music By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]

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It’s hard to think of two places in the United States that feel more different than Alaska and Hawaiʻi. One is defined by glaciers, cold water, and long winters, while the other is known for warm beaches, volcanoes, and year-round sun. But despite being thousands of miles apart, and complete opposites on the surface, both places are connected by the same massive force: the Pacific Ocean. On today’s episode, we’re taking a closer look at how that ocean ties Alaska and Hawaiʻi together through climate, wildlife, culture, and movement. How can the same ocean create two completely different environments? What connects the wildlife between these distant places? And what does it mean to get TP'd while surfing?! It’s the episode that'll get you thinking the Pacific Ocean isn't that big after all...until you try and paddle it!

Before we wrap up the intro, we just want to acknowledge that this episode was recorded on Maui prior to the recent storms and flooding. Our thoughts are with the people of the island, and of the friends and community we spent time with while we were there.

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Totally Pitted by Harbor Mountain Brewing Company

Music By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]

Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]

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Support the show