Another Alaska anniversary

I am so excited! Robin and I celebrate our two-year anniversary with a trip to Kodiak, Alaska. This will be my first trip to Kodiak (Robin lived there for several years).

We will see The Boys (both in their mid-20s), friends, some property for sale, some wildlife (whales, bears, etc.) and all that this area of Alaska has to offer. And yes, of course, we will be FISHING for salmon and halibut.

In preparation for hauling back all that fish we plan to catch, I actually had to research and read baggage requirements. Here are some interesting things I learned:

Allowed in carry-on luggage:

• Human organs: They did not specify how, what or why. I guess anything goes. I assume you would be questioned, regardless, so be prepared if you're traveling with an extra kidney on board.
  
• Ashes: Provided they are in a sealed, leak-proof container that fits in an overhead compartment. They did not specify what type of ashes so I assume this applies to all ashes, human and otherwise.
• Reading material: Provided it is a "reasonable amount," reading material does not count towards carry-on luggage. (It scares me that they think people can determine "reasonable" for themselves. So far, my experience hasn't led me to believe that people are very good at determining "reasonable" on their own.)
  

Allowed in checked luggage:

• Alcohol: If you can keep it under 5 liters per person and it is less than 140 proof, have at it! Just keep it in "retail packaging." However, forget about it if you are traveling to Barrow, Bethel, or Kotzebue, Alaska where you no longer have all your basic American rights and can't possess such contraband. Then it's a big no-no. I guess residents there could learn something from the folks in Santa Rosa where they can control their alcohol consumption. If you travel out of Santa Rosa, you can check one box of wine per person at no cost.
• Critter stuff: Un-mounted antlers and horns, raw capes from big game and bear hide, provided it bears special labeling and meets normal size and weight restrictions.
• Pepper spray or chemical repellent: Provided it is less than 4 ounces, a less than 2% active ingredient and a cap, case or other mechanism in place to prevent accidental discharge. (Unfortunately, most bear sprays exceed the active ingredient percentage allowed so they suggest you buy such items at your destination and leave them behind upon return.)
• Ammunition: Provided it is securely packed in the original manufacturer's package or in a container designed for ammunition and of sufficient strength to protect it from accidental crushing or discharge. (Note: having a single 22-bullet is not acceptable in your carry-on luggage, regardless that you have no weapon whatsoever. Just ask Robin.)
• Firearms: Defined as "designed to or may be readily converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive." They must all be unloaded and packed in a hard-sided container that is locked and you must have the key or lock combination in your possession. All parts of the firearm must be packed in the same container as the firearm itself.
• Paintball cylinders: Provided the regulator valve is completely disconnected from the cylinder and the cylinder must have an opening to allow for a visual inspection inside.

Not allowed in checked luggage or carry-on:

• Wet ice: That's frozen water, folks. I know I always considered this a dangerous item so I'm glad travelers can't posses it! But, you can have dry ice ... up to 5.5 pounds per item, provided it allows for the release of carbon dioxide gas. (FYI: Gel ice is the preferred type of ice and styrofoam is not an acceptable container.)
  
• Radioactive materials: If you have something radioactive, leave it at home, along with any other hazardous materials such as poisons and infectious substances.
• Self inflating rafts: Although I think this would be better as a carry-on, leave your raft at home ... or anything else in a pressurized container such as butane fuel, scuba tanks, propane tanks and C02 cartridges.