ALASKA

Reindeer, it's what's for dinner in Alaska

By Chris Erskine, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
06:23 PM PDT, July 15, 2008

Dear Santa,

I know it's been a while -- 45 years maybe -- since I've written. I also know it's your off-season. How are the Hamptons? Those New Yorkers driving you nuts yet?

Listen, I have a serious reason for writing. I'm here in Alaska for a few days and discovered a disturbing trend.

Dude, they're eating your herd.

At breakfast, there's reindeer sausage. At lunch, reindeer hot dogs. Dinner is reindeer soup or stew. I never knew they even served that stuff, did you? Did Rudolph? Have you talked to Rudolph lately?

To be honest, I'm from L.A., and I thought reindeer were some Hans Christian Andersen creation, or at the very least Disney or Pixar. I thought they were caribou with enhancements or regular deer on antler Viagra. I never knew they were a real thing, know what I mean? I thought there were nine or so, and you had a lock on them.

The locals insist that the reindeer are being farmed, so it's no big deal. I don't find that comforting at all. What's next? Elf farms?

Anyway, just wanted you to be aware of this. In two days, I'm going to Fairbanks. If you like, I can stop by the North Pole and hide Rudolph and the rest. It's the least I can do. You're an important guy, Santa. I'd just hate to see you flying commercial.

Where am I?

The French built this place before the Americans took it over. There are a couple of big lakes next door.


124 road trips

A list of getaway destinations to help you tap the West's cache of sights.

San Diego

Reader photos of San Diego San Diego

Submit a Photo or Video

My Trips

Subscribe to the Daily Deal blog Daily Travel & DealBlog

$8.14 million Declaration of Independence copy finds its way to Princess Cruises
It'll soon be a particularly historic time to cruise into Juneau: For the week of July 4th,...
Read more »

SIGN UP Newsletter_icons

Taking restless Southern California on vacation

Los Angeles Times e-mail newsletter, delivered every Thursday


Expedia
  • Departing from:
    Depart:
  • Going to:
    Return:

Subscribe to this section    

Subscribe to
Save and share