1999 Astrodynamics Conference Meeting
Travel and Vacation Information

The 1999 Astrodynamics Conference will be held in Girdwood, Alaska. The Conference site is the Alyeska Resort and Prince Hotel and the conference will run from Monday, August 16 through Wednesday, August 18, 1999 with the possibility of continuing through the morning of Thursday August 19.

Girdwood is located approximately 40 miles east of Anchorage on Turnagain Arm on the way to the Kenai Peninsula..

A block of rooms has been set aside at the Westen Alyeska for the conference at a rate of $147 plus tax (currently 8%).

GETTING TO THE WESTIN ALYESKA PRINCE HOTEL

The Westin Alyeska is 40 miles from Anchorage. There is no bus service, so you will need to travel by rental car or taxi. Alaska Cabs has given us a discount price of $65. This price is just for Alaska Cabs and you will need to tell the driver we have a discount fare for the conference. This is the price for the taxi regardless of the number of riders. Therefore, you can reduce the price by sharing a cab. To facilitate sharing a cab the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau has allowed us to use their Information Center at the airport as a place to go to see if there are other riders who want to share a cab. The Center is in the Baggage Claim area in Concourse B near gate 4 by Alaska Airlines. There should be signs directing Astrodynamics conference participants. If you want to share a ride go to the Information Booth to determine if there are others who want to share. Also, those who have rental cars and some extra space are requested to check at the Information Center to see if there is anyone who needs a ride.

Those arriving at the International terminal who want to share a taxi will need to go to the domestic terminal. It is a short walk or a shuttle bus is available.

We are not making any travel arrangements, we are only trying to facilitate the sharing of cabs for those who want to do this.

VACATION ACCOMMODATIONS

B&B Salmon Haus (10% discount plus lots of information and help)
Bill Wirin is an Associate Fellow of the AIAA. In the summer he and his wife run a B&B in Soldotna, Alaska - 100 miles South of Girdwood. The B&B is the Salmon Haus and it has a two diamond rating with AAA.
California contact during winter:
(760) 345-4770 ex. 2611
E-mail: wirin@worldnet.att.net
web page: www.salmonhaus.com
We will be glad to provide suggestions on Alaska if you give us a call or email.

Downstairs area which has three rooms (two full size beds in each) two baths and a den with coffee bar. It is great for 6 or three couples. Two more rooms upstairs with two beds each or they can be made up as king size beds for couples.

We will be glad to set up guided fishing and other tours. One area is in a sanctuary so it is "catch and release" but the trout go up to 24 inches and the scenery is fantastic. For tours we like the Kenai Fjords and 26 Glacier day cruise. We can arrange these for any of the folks.

If anyone wants to rent a car and go up to Denali we can make suggestions for B&B's. In short we have set up complete tours for friends and we will be glad to do that for you and the others coming to Alaska. No charge for doing this.

Great Alaska Adventure Lodge (10% discount)
Experience angling and premier small group nature safaris from a deluxe riverfront lodge and award winning fly-in bear camp. The Kenai Peninsula provides boundless adventure opportunities in an area of majestic beauty. Experienced guides and some of the best salmon, trout and halibut fishing are yours. View the "wild" inhabitants from numerous outback camps.

One day tours include round trip transfers from the Alyeska, salmon bake lunch, and a choice of canoeing in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, a five hour guided salmon charter on the Kenai River, or a spectacular flightseeing/bear viewing trip to our bear camp in Lake Clark National Park.

For extended stays, 2-10 day overnight trips for fishing or nature/wildlife safaris are recommended. The comfort of the main lodge can be combined with some nights at our pristine remote camps.

Website: www.greatalaska.com
Email: greatalaska@greatalaska.com
800-544-2261

AIRLINE RESERVATIONS

United Airlines has been designated as the official airlines for the Space Flight Mechanics Conference.

United Airlines is offering attendees various discounts on tickets purchased for flights to Anchorage from the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. To make your reservations and to receive the discounts you must call United's Meeting Plus Reservation Center at 1-800-521-4041 (U.S. and refer to our Meeting Plus ID code 542ZH).

TOUR DISCOUNTS

The following companies have offered discounts to people attending the conference. You must mention that you are attending the AAS conference in Girdwood to obtain the discounts.

Denali Raft Adventures Inc. (offers a 20% discount)
Drawer 190
Denali National Park AK, 99755
(907)-683-2234
Fax: (907)-683-1281
E-Mail: denraft@mtaonline.net
Website: www.denaliraft.com
Contact: Rusty

Alpine Air Inc. (offers a 10% discount)
PO Box 1047
Girdwood, Alaska 99587
ph: 907-783-2360
fax: 907-754-150)
E-Mail: alpinair@alaska.net
Website: www.alaska.net/~alpinair
Contact: Donna Jefferson

Ketchum Air Service (offers a 10% discount)
Box 190588, Dept. AH
Anchorage, Alaska 99519-0588
907-243-5525
800-433-9114
Of interest are: One-Day Fishing, Brown Bear Viewing, and Sightseeing Excursions
E-Mail: ketchum@alaska.net