I lived in Alaska for almost four years. Just last week I returned from a quick trip to the “Upper One” as we sourdoughs call our beloved Alaska state. I think it is fitting that I give Alaska the applause she deserves and let the world know what an incredible adventure it was just to observe the seasons there.
The Last Frontier:
Backpacking and camping in Peter's Hills with Denali as a morning view.
Bald eagles gather in Eagle River
My first King Salmon catch and an experience in combat fishing I will not soon forget.
The thrill of a catch in your favorite fishing hole.
The wild colors of Alaska
Yellow signals the slow down of summer
Dog sled rides
World Ice Art Championship in Fairbanks
Finding a wildflower at Portage Glacier
Hiking and climbing to the top of Flat Top
Halibut fishing
Checking out the North Pole
Flying with K2 to Denali
Marveling at the glaciers from the air
Eating king crab like a queen
From creek to campfire; dinner within 30 minutes!
Snow machine trip in Hatcher's Pass
Midnight adventure to the cabin for a sauna
Headlamp not optional...
Getting my scuba certification in Whittier open waters while it snows
Baby moose in the spring
Bush planes and incredible views
Fireweed
Beary nice cabin
Calving glaciers in Prince William Sound
Taking in the view at Gold Cord lake
Taking an icey swim in Gold Cord glacial waters
Hiking on and exploring the majestic Matanuska glacier
My second King Salmon catch in Talkeetna, Alaska
Cheering at the Iditarod
Moosing around.
From the outdoor adventures to the wildlife, to learning about the native cultures or just watching the seasons go by, there is NOTHING to equal the grand experience Alaska can offer. I will never forget the awe and thrills of seeing the Northern Lights or being in the presence of Humpback & Beluga whales, Grizzly & Black Bears, Moose and so much wildlife on a daily basis rather than just a rare sighting. There is wonder in feeling an earthquake or experiencing a volcano eruption or in exploring the snow and ice with skiis, snowshoes, ice skates and sleds. I love the termination dust (first snow) on the mountains, the long summer days, the ease of finding solitude and beauty. I will miss the fast driving and the lack of traffic. There is a friendly, "help your neighbor," pioneer spirit in Alaska that is unequaled in the rest of the world. Whether you are a transplant Alaskan or part of the native cultures in Alaska: Alutiiq, Athabaskan, Iñupiaq, Cup'ik, Yup'ik, Tlingit, and Unanqan, these are shared core values.
1. Show Respect to Others - Each Person Has a Special Gift
2. Share what you have - Giving Makes You Richer
3. Know Who You Are - You Are a Reflection on Your Family
4. Accept What Life Brings - You Cannot Control Many Things
5. Have Patience - Some Things Cannot Be Rushed
6. Live Carefully - What You Do Will Come Back to You
7. Take Care of Others - You Cannot Live without Them
8. Honor Your Elders - They Show You the Way in Life
9. Pray for Guidance - Many Things Are Not Known
10. See Connections - All Things Are Related
I leaned so much about the world and about myself during my time in Alaska.
I can only hope I get the chance to live there again someday.
I love Alaska.
