It can be perplexing—and not least because it’s one of the least-discussed details you run into when buying a home. The issue is flood insurance, and it’s sometimes first brought to the fore when you are buying a home in Alaska Real Estate that you would not have thought was on a “flood plain.” If it is, it’s going to require flood insurance before the bank will sign off on a loan. As we only see from time to time, devastating floods can strike when and where least expected: sometimes, in areas where that ruinous flooding is unprecedented. In 2005, when FEMA paid out over $17 billion in flood claims, it once again became clear why flood insurance is absolutely necessary. Here’s what you need to know about flood insurance if the home you are looking at is in a flood plain. The Zone Matte... 03/12/2014

This rock is more than 200 feet tall, and I only wish that there had been a whale next to it for comparison purposes. This upper part of the totem pole in the Whale House in Kasaan is more than 200 years old, and is actually part of a support column. There are 4 huge logs that are used as columns. This is under renovation to be restored. This is nothing like the little slugs that slither across our sidewalks in Sacramento, leaving a trail of slime, they are huge, and you have to be very careful not to step on them and become a slug killer. You can see the mist still rolling at noon across the mountain top in the upper right corner. This is a national forest, the Tongass. 08/31/2013

We are learning about trees in Misty Fjords, and how to tell the difference between a Sitka Spruce, cedar and hemlock. The cedar leaves are soft and the tip of the tree curls a bit; the Sitka branches spread out upward like the palms of your hands reaching up to the sky, and hemlock is what's leftover. It was so peaceful, quiet and surprisingly warm that we took kayaks out to paddle around in circles; it's very hard to paddle in a straight line, but we are still married. I really like this photo for the color and composition. I shot this as we left Metlakatla and headed toward Misty Fjords. It's our kayaks strapped to the front of the Alaska Dream.   08/30/2013

Metlakatla totem pole on Annette Island is dedicated to US Armed Forces veterans.                               The Tsimshian live on Annette Island and these young dancers are like rock stars! Waiting for our ship to dock at Metlakatla. My husband warned that I might offend people by wearing my Bash Em in the Head tshirt from Shaun of the Dead that I picked up in Old Sacramento one day out with Myrl Jeffcoat, but instead everybody complemented me on it, and it was a big hit. 08/30/2013

When the cruiseships leave town, Ketchikan is very quiet and deserted. When it's not raining, it's raining. The way the sun peeks through the clouds over the water cast an eerie shadow on this church and the buildings way down the street. This is a creek where the salmon spawn. I did not know that the mother dies after giving birth. So, it can be pretty smelly around here at times. This is a view fom the creek where we sat on a bench after coming down the hill just to catch the enormous scene. A couple of kids are fishing on the other side. This was installed in 2010 and, like many other travelers, I suspect, I too had an urge to crawl up on the rock, which was surrounded by signs warning us not to crawl up on the rock. The dude in the middle has a bird on his head. I believe this is t... 08/28/2013

    Wordless Wednesday - Alaskan Tourist Trap       Wordless Wednesday - Alaskan Tourist Trap      Whether you are buying or selling a home in Venice, Nokomis and the surrounding area, Kwee will be with you every step of the way. Call, Email or Text Kwee Huset - Brokerowner, AHWD, CSP, ESRES, TRC 941-716-3090 info@kweeh.com Free MLS Search 07/13/2011

My Awesome Vacation Trip to Alaska in 2006 With My Family.  In 2004 my brothers and sisters started talking about taking an alaskan cruise.  I am so glad we did it.  The scenery is beautiful and it was great seeing my family around the boat ship. This picture was taken on June 8th.  I believe it was near the start of the inside passage. This great sunset was taken by my husband.  Nice colors. Here is a passing ship with the orange glow from the sunset.  If the clock on the camera was right, these two pictures were taken at midnight. This is a picture of a glacier in Alaska.  It is shrinking at an alarming rate.  I think it is the Mendenhall Glacier.  If you get a chance to go to Alaska, don't miss out.  It is just breath taking!!! 10/11/2010

My daughter Zip-lining in Ketchikan Alaska We had a wonderful time and the scenery was beautiful!!! The eagles were around us in abundance- kind of like mosquitoes in the swamp;)  Check it out and add this to your bucket list!  There were 7 legs on our zip line trip.  Which also had three rope bridges- if you are afraid of heights- this will really give  you a test of wits- I made it through and so did my parents.     07/27/2010

Monday Morning Motivator... Time is but a stream to go a fishin' in. ~~ Henry David Thoreau My favorite fishing hole some 50 miles inland from Ketchikan, AK Follow me on Twitter... You can follow me on FaceBook too.... © 2009 michael thornton - complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.blogs.chiblogs.com | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com 01/25/2009

When I go to Haines next weekend, I've got to meet Roger Maynard.  For a fresh new look at issues in Alaska, I invite you to visit his website:  http://www.rogermaynard.net .  It is with Roger's explicit permission I bring you the following.  I'm sure you've all read about the supposed boondoggle of the "Bridge to Nowhere".  Many of us within the state understand the real story.  We've all discussed it at one time or another, but I've got to admit, Roger's got me beat when it comes to telling this story! Alaska: Ketchikan's Bridge to SomewherePosted on April 5, 2008 by rogermaynard Once again Ketchikan's Gravina Access Project is in the news. Ten years ago we thought the bridge was expensive; now estimates are approaching $398 million. There are plenty of arguments pro and con-especiall... 04/19/2008