Alaskan Life

So I guess its time for me to up date what is going on in my life for the one or two people who read my little blog... After I got off of the river I went on a little trip around Alaska and Canada. I spent ten or eleven days driving around and sight seeing things and areas I thought that I might not get another chance to see before I left the area. After we got off of the river I stayed a few days in Fairbanks waiting for my bus to Whitehorse. While on my 18 hour drive to Whitehorse the driver and I got talking about my trip and come to find out... He happened to do the same trip with a friend when he was nineteen. He built a row boat in Dawson and headed out. He said they didn't have a clue about what they were doing but that it was one of the best trips he has ever done. The trip took them about two months and when the got to a small Indian village called Pilots Junction (which is about to the Bering Sea) they realized they had no way to get home so... he stayed there for about 12 years. Met a girl, got married, and had a family. It was an amazing story. I asked him what he did for work and how he was able to support him and his family. He told me that the first couple of years he hunted and fished with the elders learning all he could about the people and living in that area, and after a few years he became mayor of the town/village, and the last several years he was there he ran the general store. He has recently moved back to Whitehorse so his children could have more opportunities than what they would have received in the village. A truly inspiring man...

Once I arrived in Whitehorse I picked up the car from the fly shop and spent a couple of days hiking and exploring the town and area. Whitehorse is one of the most amazing towns I have had the opportunity to visit. The people are wonderful - friendly and happy. The location is perfect for river running and there is great snow in the winter. The only downside is that its way too cold and dark in the winter.

After picking up the car and exploring what I could in Canada I drove down to Haines AK. The trip down to Haines was a beautiful aw inspiring drive with high mountains, beautiful flowers, and a few amazing waterfalls that I found. Once in Haines I searched for good camping, went on a few good hikes, and watched a few brown bears catch salmon in the river. While I was in Haines I thought I might as well head down to Juneau - cause why not. The ferry ride was a cool 4 hours. After arriving in Juneau I found a campground right next to the Mendenhall glacier and went to explore the town. Juneau was an interesting town - the downtown was a tourist trap with thousands and thousands of people coming off of cruise ships. But it is a really beautiful place. And come to find out its the largest city in the states - who knew.

After getting back from my Juneau escapade I headed back up to Fairbanks to pick up my river gear and then headed down to Anchorage with lots of stops along the way.

It was interesting being back in Anchorage - so much had changed, bus such is life. I went back to work and occupied my time with that until I left Alaska.

When I first arrived to Alaska I didn't like it at all, but I did grow to love it there. I have met so many wonderful people and have gained some wonderful friends. And now that I am no longer in Alaska I really miss it...