Hop aboard one of the Alaska Marine Highway System's southwest-bound vessels and journey to the ends of the earth. Well, almost. Departing from Homer, passengers sail the northern rim of the Pacific Ocean to Unalaska and Dutch Harbor, stopping at Seldovia, Kodiak, Port Lions, Chignik, Sand Point, King Cove, Cold Bay, False Pass, Akutan and finally Unalaska and Dutch Harbor. These remote places offer sights of active volcanoes, sweeping grasslands and rocky shorelines, as well as abundant species of birds and wildlife including seals and walruses. The round trip takes a week. Staterooms, ship-board dining and space for vehicles is available. The route's popularity makes advance reservations a must. Travelers also can sail aboard the state ferries to communities in Prince William Sound and Southeast Alaska. For more information, visit the Web at www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/.

Shipboard naturalists offer talks and films on the areas seen. Friendly AMHS crews also available to answer passengers' questions. For information on routes, ships and rates, visit the Web at www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/.