Like most people heading to Alaska for the first time, JJ and Paul had no idea about the adventure ahead of them. The thrill of traveling to new frontiers and exploring the unknown is the reason we travel.  A series of unlikely events and encounters is the origin of Alaska Explored.

Nearly a decade ago, two strangers from dramatically different backgrounds ended up on a flight to Alaska with a layover in Juneau.  Paul sitting in the back of the plane, spotted JJ, seated in the front, thinking to himself, I hope that isn’t who I’m working with for the next month.  The plane landed in Juneua for an hour layover.

Paul headed to a bar across the street at a Mexican restaurant.  JJ stayed in the airport and met the rest of the Nat-Geo crew flying on the plane.  A few hours later, landing in Petersburg, Alaska, JJ and Paul were assigned to work together as part of a small crew living in a remote cabin on an island.  They made great TV, and two strangers became friends. They now both go to the bar together on the layover.

Fast Forward ten years, countless television episodes were produced, dozens of king salmon caught, and over a million Alaska Airlines miles earned.  JJ and Paul have stayed close friends and have been fortunate to explore some of the most stunning places in Alaska together.

We have met remarkable people in fascinating places, from ANWR to Adak, Kodiak to Nome. We know thebest tents to sleep in at -50° and how to set them up, we also know the best pool table in Homer, and if you want to mail a postcard from one of the only floating post offices in the country, we can share that with you too (hint: it’s in Southeast).  AlaskaExplored was created to share our experiences and knowledge with you, so you can create our own epic adventure in the last frontier.