North to Alaska

Again, my bearings pull north. On Wednesday, I landed in Anchorage, Alaska, got my fishing license (something that's worth more than a driver's license in these parts), and beat it out of the United States' northernmost city faster than one can say mush. My rented Chevy Impala complied and immediately turned south onto the Seward Highway and into the Chugach mountains.

We found our home until Saturday in Girdwood, an artsy little mountain community that cares about recycling, healthy living, and sustainability. In Girdwood, we also found a restaurant that serves King Crab legs by the pound (I'm sure mine were caught by the crew of the Wizard!), and another one that little black bears seem to prefer. As we sat at a table by the window eating yam fries, a young bear strolled by hoping for an easy dinner. Everyone, including the locals, were excited. I was happy for that window because I wasn't giving up my yam fries without a fight!

In addition to Girdwood's many bears, there are also quite a few trails to hike. Although I'm blaming the weather for not venturing out too far (it's been rainy and cold), it's really the bears that have me sticking close to home. We did a short hike at the edge of town yesterday to a pretty water falls, and the only wildlife we saw were three crazy dogs happy to be in the woods with their owner. I don't know - maybe I'm overthinking this bear thing?!?


Me looking around thinking, "This looks a lot like Oregon!"

With the summer solstice behind us, the days are getting shorter meaning we only have daylight for 18 and a half hours to cram things in. If you love long, stretched out days, Alaska in the summer is the place for you. Last night, wanting to build up my bear/trail comfort and feeling brave after a couple of glasses of wine with dinner, I decided to do one last hike just before 9 o'clock. However, I didn't fool everyone with my bravado because soon I had a sweet little friend for company.


She stayed with me through the entire hike, and even provided door service as she walked me all the way home and up the steps to my front door.


I've long thought the people of Alaska are some of the friendliest I've met; apparently, the dogs of Alaska are too.




Alaska loves me, loves me not.















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Location:Girdwood, Alaska