What is it about Alaska?

SkyWatcher

I was just wondering who around here had ever visited or lived in Alaska, and what it is/was that you like about it? It is one of those places that people seem to either love or hate, but I've met a ton of people who seem to love the state. I understand that it's beautiful there in places - but so are places here in the lower 48 - I'd think some of the rocky mtn states would be similar. My question is - what sets Alaska apart?

I know that Aglore is from there, but can't think of anyone else. The reason I ask is that we have some neighbors who have been planning on moving up there for several years now. They've visited extensively, and the wife lived there for a couple of years in a inuit village in the far north doing social work right out of college in the late 70's.

My wife and I had briefly considered Anchorage as a duty station choice once. The thought of living in Alaska was exciting, but it is an extreme move and very far away from family. The only reason I ask is that the conversation this past weekend got me thinking again and I was wondering what all your thoughts were.

To whom much is given, much is expected.

He Dog

Downsides: too long a commute to work, too darn cold!

Upsides: Aglore is there, great hunting/fishing.

My heros have always killed cowboys.

22WRF

I visited Alaska several times in the '70's. Courtesy of USCG.
Juneau, Ketchikan, Anchorage, and Kodiak.
Scenery is breathtaking. Probably the closest thing to ever being in the "Old West".

Warbirds

There's something about it up there, that's unique, for me the reason's not tangible. I considered being a recruiter up there, but with the racecar I had to pass, and I couldn't figure out how to move all my guns through Canada up to Alaska.

R/

Dave


How different the world would be if we could consult the veteran instead of the politician. - Henry Miller

old06

Spent 5 years there in Anchorage USAF loved the hunting, fishing, camping, the outdoors it was great times for my family and myself we did most everything together [:D] We drove there from Biloxi Ms took 2 weeks site seeing and drove back. We had our old friend from Biloxi moved to Fairbanks they would visit us then we would go there.
The place had a flavor of its owen, so much to wish for days gone by
psalms 16

bambihunter

Where has Aglore been lately anyway? I haven't seen him post for at least a week now...

pabooger

He had said he was going to do some caribou hunting!!!



LIFES MOSTLY SCARS AND SOUVENIRS - Max Stalling


To Ride, shoot straight,and speak the truth
This was the Ancient law of Youth
Old times are past, old times are done:
But the Law runs true, O little son!

bambihunter

That lucky dog! [:p]

Bert H.

I spend at least one week each year up in Alaska... Fantastic fishing, beautiful scenery, fantastic fishing, really nice people, and did I mention... the FANTASTIC fishing[:D]

Bert H.

Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!

p3skyking

I've spent summers and winters there. The air is clean. I can drink from any stream and not fear disease or polution. People are friendly and will stop and give you a lift.

The Dolly Varden, Halibut and Salmon are abundant. I caught some with my bare hands just like a bear.

If you want to be left alone, you will be. Anchorage and Juneau have a nightlife if you want to do that. Chillihook (spelling) Charlies is one of my really good memories of Anchorage, sawdust floor, cold beer and a good juke box. Nome had 3 hotels and 7 bars. Great place to have a good time. Fairbanks was COLD so we didn't stay there long.

I never hunted caribou, but they were there. The Ptarmagan (spelling again) are hunted if you like bird hunting.

Even with the short times I was there, it felt more like being in a territory than a state.

If you enjoy nature, the tundra abounds in the summer. I touched a glacia and drank melt water from ice maybe thousands of years old. Watched whale migration from the air. One year, I saw a dazzling display of the northern lights. Very cool.

Just my recollections.

What men call a hero...is merely a man who is seen doing what a brave man does as a matter of course.
A man who is in love with learning is a man who is never without a bride, for there is always more. L'Amour

redrebel

....and dont forget, The Great Alaska Bush Co. [}:)][:D][}:)]




Oh Hoppe's No. 9 you are so fine.

I need to get me some more of those bullet propulsion devices.

One shot, one kill, 29 more for the thrill.

p3skyking

quote:Originally posted by redrebel
....and dont forget, The Great Alaska Bush Co. [}:)][:D][}:)]




Oh Hoppe's No. 9 you are so fine.

I need to get me some more of those bullet propulsion devices.

One shot, one kill, 29 more for the thrill.



Yeah, forgot about that one. Didn't have much luck there, but got my bag limit at Charlies!

toolmaniam

I visited Alaska for two weeks when I was sixteen. My Dad, Mom and I drove there in a motorhome, we spent two weeks sight seeing getting there, two weeks there and two weeks sight seeing on the way back. I would'nt trade that trip for nothing. Alaska is the last wildnerness in the U.S. and is absolutely beautiful. We would drive sometimes for over an hour without seeing another vehicle, sometimes there would be 150 miles or more between gas stations/outposts. If I were to live in Alaska it would be in the Juneau area because the winters are a little more mild than the Fairbanks area.

A dead intruder cannot testify against you in a court of law!

If they're still moving, put another round in them!

Rickstir

I think it's because it's kind of the last frontier. A lady at work spent 4 years there while her husband was stationed there. She loves it and would like to move back when they retire. Years ago, when I was on the road I would often buy Alaskan Magazine. Wonderful stories of the state, its history and breathtaking pictures. Don't know if its still in print but it was dandy. One of the interesting features was the obituaries for the old settlers. It would say when they homesteaded and where.

Like in the NFL, defense is the key.