Great Alaskan Railroad Journeys (2019)

Episode Overview

Guided by his Appleton's Guidebook, Michael Portillo arrives in Anchorage, ready to embark on parachute training with the US Arctic Warriors at joint forces base Elmendorf-Richardson. He reflects on Alaska's military significance since its acquisition from Russia in 1867, especially during the World Wars, and its ongoing relevance. A delightful experience with cabbage fairies in Palmer reveals the secrets of growing vegetables near the Arctic Circle, where 19 hours of daylight and minimal soil yield astonishing 127-pound cabbages and the sweetest tomatoes he’s ever sampled, according to young gardener Daisy. In a unique underground sod house made of driftwood and whalebone, Michael learns about the suppression of indigenous languages and traditions. After enjoying smoked and dried fish with his indigenous host, he visits the Alaska Native Heritage Centre gym, where athletes prepare for the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics, choosing to compete in the Eskimo stick pull. Finally, he joins the maintenance crew on a 30