My dad was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska in the mid-1970s and I thought it was awesome. Going out to the rivers we would go rafting and fishing. During the winter my older brothers would take advantage of the ski slopes. We did a lot of cross-country skiing.
It is an absolutely beautiful state in both the summer and winter times.
After joining the military, I went back up there for Northern Warfare School, learning how to live on a glacier, navigate through glacial and fresh water rivers, and rock climbing. After getting stationed at JRTC, I went up there again twice again to coordinate with the Stryker Brigade in preparation for their training exercise in Ft. Polk, LA.
Loved it each time.
Thanks for relating your experiences, USMA 92!