You guys are dreaming. I have neighbors who lived in Alaska. They did not romanticize it one iota. They both suffered for years from no sun and overcast, rainy cold with no color at all. Yes they had a stream and fresh salmon nearby. That was COOL. But to hear them tell, they love it here and the bright sun and even the horrid intense heat, rather than that drear.
But maybe that is just them. They are too sunny for that clime.
My middle son lived in the Kenai area for 5 years and his wife most of her life until they moved here a few years ago, other than a brief stay in Hawaii. They had sun in the day all year although only about 5 or so hours in the Winter. I hear the Northern part of the state has it worse. I've only been in the Summer myself. Loved it then but don't think I would like the Winter. Our daughter-in-law hated the cold and don't want to move back.
This one was built and opened in 2006. This park has three really good wooden coasters, all relatively new - - "The Voyage" is the newest. In spite of the dare-devilish nature of hyper-steel coasters, I really prefer the thrills of a wooden coaster. "The Voyage" here is phenomenal - - Life is Perfect for me while I'm riding this ride!
If you haven't watched the little video here, I recommend it -- I like the song someone used for the background and the video captures well the coaster's excitement. I watch the video every now and thne when i need a 'fix' for the coaster. :)
I like The Gemini, too, Bozette! I love the first hill and clapping hands with the other train's riders as we pass by each other here and there during the ride -- and those last hair-pin turns before entering the station! :)
I've seen the event in progress. Never actually attended, but it's pretty hard to hide a sky full of balloons. Being an OTR driver, I pass through Albuquerque often and I've seen the event, from afar, more than once.
Benedict Arnold 