By Paddy Notar
Turnagain Times Correspondent

Robert Browning once wrote, “A man’s reach should exceed his grasp or what’s a heaven for?”

If you’re looking for heaven try and avoid the Alaska State Fair on the weekends. Wow, is that event crazy. I’ve never seen so many people and Oakley sunglasses before. The food was good, but the prices are through the roof. It costs $8 for kids to get in and hot dogs are over $5. I thought fairs were supposed to be a cheap, good time. It goes on until Sept. Go during the week and try and pick a day when it’s going to rain heavily so you’ll have an excuse to leave early and not have the family despise you.

If you’re in the mood for putting your body to the test, check out the Vertical Challenge at Alyeska Resort on Sept. 10. You walk, hike, and run up the North Face and take the tram down as many times as you can between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. And I thought being at the fair was a long day.

On Sept. 17, Seven Glaciers at the top of Alyeska has another wine tasting. This one presents Tablas Creek and Perrin Fil Wines. It starts at 7 p.m. and goes until 11 p.m. Call the resort for reservations and more information. A chefs tasting and nice wines – this is an event that’s worth running up the North Face to attend.

On Sept. 18, there’s another incredible, body endurance test that Alyeska has going on. It’s the tram to tram fun run. It starts at the base of the Alyeska tram and goes down the Winner Creek Trail to the hand tram and back to the hotel. Entry fee is $20. You get a pedometer and a nice cookout at the Glacier Express deck. The tendonitis is free.

Just so you have it on your calendar ahead of time the Oktoberfest at Alyeska is Sept. 23 and 24 from 6 p.m. to midnight. It takes place at the Daylodge and there will be beer, food, and festivities. It’s open to all ages. There’s a $5 admission fee or $15 gets anyone 21 and over admission and a filled souvenir beer stein. What could be better than bratwurst, sauerkraut, and a beer? Put it on your calendar, grab your Tracht Dirndl or Lederhosen, and head on down. It’s always a great time.

The Prince William Sound glacier cruises are still running and you should take one at least one during the summer. It gives you a better perspective as to just how beautiful Alaska truly is. Check out the Whittier Chamber of Commerce website to find out more information. Fishing charters are still running as well. I’ve yet to see anyone disappointed at the end of the day after taking one – unless you get sea sick. Then just go fish for silvers in Bird Creek.

The NFL season is about to start on Thursday, Sept. 8. The Packers are hosting the New Orleans Saints. There is nothing better than having chicken wings and watching a football game. If you like watching it on the big screen check out Chair 5 but get there before kickoff as it gets busy and you might not get your favorite spot but you will get a nice view of the game. Spike has multiple TVs in very strategic locations so every fan gets to yell and complain about the bad calls the officials made.

Here’s some trivia: who was the man who swore George Washington into office in 1789? Try thinking about it first or hitting a book before surfing the internet. The answer will shortly follow. Read on.

Described as the “Last great American roadhouse” by Esquire Magazine, it is also one of America’s greatest steak restaurants. Of course I’m speaking of the Double Musky. If you haven’t been in a while do go and try their steak tip appetizer. Tender pieces of meat rolled in a peppercorn batter and cooked until they fall apart. The brown sauce that the Musky puts on top of them is just perfect. Personally, I like the scallop stuffed mushrooms that are baked in a white wine butter sauce. The cheddar jalapeno bread is perfect for sopping up the juices. Justin, who is running the restaurant, is a sommelier and can lead you in the right direction when picking out any of their award winning wines. It’s the Musky. Go and treat yourself to some great Cajun fare.

I plan on taking a closer look at Maxine’s in the next issue. I’ve always enjoyed the variety of their Mediterranean dishes as well as their twists on classic cuisine. I haven’t been in a while and the menu is constantly evolving into more and more tastier cookery. I used my thesaurus so I wouldn’t have to say “cuisine” again. Just let it go.

Robert Livingston, Chancellor of the State of New York (the highest judge) gave the swearing in of George Washington in New York City on April 30, 1789.

Well, that’s it. As Steven Wright, the comedian said, “I intend to live forever. So far, so good.” Enjoy and root for the Buffalo Bills. We need all the help we can get.