Letter from Sarah.

When you think about it, there aren't that many places you can go to experience an Eskimo blanket toss.

And now Americans across the nation know where they can go to fill that experiential void, thanks to a breezy letter from the Governor of Alaska, who signs it just plain Sarah.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty is off brushing up his 2012 credentials by flying to Israel on a trade mission, right about the time the Israelis are spanking Gaza. Meanwhile, while Palin finds a reason to send direct mail to the rest of the country — offering the official Alaska travel guide.

Coincidences, all around.

It's cynical especially to see this as Palin campaign ploy. Afterall, her brand is more recognized than her state's, so it's possible the bureau of tourism came up with the idea of showing a picture of Palin instead of a mother moose and calf.

I plan to pass on the FREE guide, but am still considering returning the survey card, which goes business reply mail back to Portland, Oregon.

It asks:

• Have you decided to visit Alaska? I have, but "Yes, when hell freezes over" is not included as a response.
• About destinations visited in the last 10 years, mixing — as does the governor — continents, countries, regions, one state and the ever-popular "None." Except for Alaska, the check boxes  neglect the entire Pacific and Indo-Asian part of the world, including the place where the governor's son is currently visiting, so two of my major travel destinations aren't represented.
• If you have children at home, but not whether you intend to fly all of them and their boyfriends with you when you travel.

Personally, I can't think of better time than January for Americans — especially Minnesotans — to start thinking about Arctic travel.