Real Men of Alaska

We thought we would try something new:

On the first Friday of each month, we'll be interviewing some of the rugged, intelligent, male specimens found in such abundance in the great State of Alaska.

Please Join us in Welcoming:

Tim, Mr. March 2013 - Real Man of Alaska

Welcome Tim, and thanks for being here today. As Romance Writers We Are Always On The Lookout For Hot Hunky Hero Types, So Please, Take A Few Minutes And Tell Us A Little About Yourself.

1: Were you born in Alaska, and if not, then how did you end up here? What do you do for a living, and what do you do for fun. (Age, height, fav. food, and any other statistics you are willing to share)

I was born in Anchorage Alaska. I have also lived in North Carolina and in California, but I moved back to Alaska because I love it here. I am 24 years old, 6 foot flat, 155lbs., my favorite food is spaghetti, and for fun I like to climb, dance, and draw still life.

2: What kind of woman appeals to you, and who do you let make the first move, you or her?

      I like a woman who is independent, intelligent, a good sense of humor, and natural beauty (low, if any, use of makeup). I like to make the first move, but at the same time I tend to be very passive, so it takes a couple of tries of increasing forwardness.

3: Where is your favorite place to take a girl on a first date, and why?

      It really depends on the girl. There is always the safe default of dinner and a movie, but why do that when you have access to a beautiful hike, or whale watching off Beluga Point, or some dance lessons? In short, I like to choose something that appeals to both of us.

4: What's the wildest experience you've had with a female companion since living in Alaska?

 

I have to say the wildest thing I’ve done with a female companion is something I like to call experimental dance. It’s like exploring movement possibilities and finding new ways to connect and move together.

 

5: Winter can be long, dark, and very cold here in Alaska. What are your favorite frosty pastime activities? And, what is the coldest temp you’ve seen/been in?

 

After enjoying a fresh snow I like to come inside and warm up with some hot cocoa and snuggle while watching a movie, usually under a blanket. The coldest temperature I have ever been in is -58oF, and yes, I went inside after playing in that weather to warm up with some hot cocoa.

6: And, if we ask about winter then we simply must inquire about the too short, wonderful summers. What are your favorite things to do during all those long hours of sunshine? 

I like to water ski at midnight. The lake is usually clear of traffic and smooth as glass. I also like to take advantage of the long lasting sunsets/sunrises and grab a few photos.

7: Alaskan men take their vehicles very seriously. What is your favorite mode of transportation – car, truck, snow machine, four-wheeler, airplane, skis, snowboard, etc., and why?

      My favorite form of recreational transportation is skiing. I love the feeling of racing down a hill with simple tools and remaining in control.

8: What is your favorite Alaskan animal – to see along the highway or on your dinner plate?

      My favorite Alaskan animal to see on my dinner plate is King Salmon. I’m salivating just thinking about it.

9: Have you ever wrestled a polar bear, mushed a dog team, panned for gold, eaten muktuk, done the polar bear plunge, climbed Denali, run the Mt. Marathon, or any of the other 'found only in Alaska' activities?

       I’ve done the polar bear plunge, panned for gold, eaten salmon eyes, eaten herring eggs, eaten sea weed (a common ingredient in chowder cooked at my house), climbed Mt. Marathon (out of season), and touched glacier ice.

10: In your opinion, what exactly is it that makes an Alaskan Male so wonderfully macho and appealing?

      Shouldn’t you be answering this question? If you must know, my best guess is the connectedness with an untamed nature, and the ability to survive. Then all you have to do is throw in some myths and legends.

11: What’s the biggest fish you’ve ever landed?

As far as weight, the largest I caught was a 46lb halibut. As far as length I caught a 37 inch ling cod (it‘s like a rock fish).

12: Other than making love under them, what is your favorite thing to do when the Northern Lights are out and putting on a show?

Science experiments on cosmic particles, just kidding. I just like to watch them with someone that I love, let it start a conversation and let the conversation go where ever it takes us.

13: And last but certainly not least, in your opinion, what is the most romantic thing about Alaska, and why?

      Besides the northern lights, long sunsets/sunrises, and the unbelievable scenery of Alaska?  I guess, in my opinion, it’s not really the place or individual things that are truly romantic, but how they are presented and who shows them to you. What makes the idea of Alaska romantic is the idea of being shown the wonders by someone who loves it for what it is, and you for who you are.

Well said - Thank you, Tim, for answering all of our questions and for being our very first:

Real Man of Alaska - Mr. March 2013!

PFD application time again!

 What is the PFD?

 In 1976, we passed the constitutional amendment to create the Permanent Fund, like a savings account for the State of Alaska. The state gets royalties from the oil companies for the privilege of taking oil from our state lands, and they are deposited in the Permanent Fund. Governor Jay Hammond and others promoted the idea of a Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), when each Alaskan resident gets a slice of the Permanent Fund to spend as he or she chooses, to share some of the wealth directly. (There are a few requirements: to qualify, one must be a resident for at least one year, live in Alaska the majority of the year, etc.) The first dividend was sent out in 1982, and each year the dividend amount varies because of the royalties earned, how the fund’s investments, did etc. Last year, the dividend amount was $878. Many Alaskans use it for day-to-day expenses or save it up for big purchases, and others use it for fun things like travel or fourwheelers. PFD money contributes a lot to our local economies, and you’ll see “PFD specials” ads every fall, to encourage folks to spend their money there.

 What’s happening this time of year?

 Alaska residents send in their PFD applications January 1st through March 31st, so this is the time of year when everyone is asking each other, “Did you apply for the PFD yet?” and nonprofits advertise the Pick.Click.Give. program.

The Pick.Click.Give. program allows Alaskans to contribute part of their dividend to organizations of their choice. In 2012, 23,169 Alaskans donated $2.2 million to more than 400 nonprofit groups. It’s easy to pick from the list, click how much you want to give, and then when the dividends are distributed next October, the groups will receive their donations as we’re getting our checks or deposits. Last year, I picked the Food Bank of Alaska and the Anchorage Library Foundation; I’m thinking of adding Cook Inletkeeper this year, a group that does research and advocacy to keep our Cook Inlet waters clean.

The PFD and Pick.Click.Give. are strictly Alaskan, but I bet other locations have easy ways to contribute to organizations they care about. The United Way campaigns come to mind. Proactive communities are always looking for ways to help people get involved.

 So, did you Alaskans apply yet? Did you Pick.Click.Give.? If you’re not from Alaska, what group(s) would you choose for Pick.Click.Give. or other donations?

--- Lynn Lovegreen
 www.lynnlovegreen.com

Junior Nordic Skiing in Alaska

I keep my skis and poles in my car ready to go.

To most Alaskans skiing means Nordic skiing, also called cross-country skiing. I just call it skiing. Three times a week I coach Jr. Nordic.

I get to run around on skis, mostly in the dark, making sure kids have fun. The trails are lighted but we like to bushwhack through the shortcuts and howl like wolves.

Jr. Nordic is a kid's ski program which meets at three locations in Anchorage.

I believe there are about 500 kids involved, give or take some younger siblings and parents along to help out.

We divide the kids up by ability: Polar Cubs, Otters, Wolverines, and Hawks. The Hawks are the fastest. I ski with the Polar Cubs.

Last Saturday, high winds were forecast, so I called the Jr. Nordic hotline to make sure we were skiing. The wind didn't pick up until the precise moment I opened the hatch of my car. Whoa Nellie!
About 200 kids were gathering in the snowy soccer stadium, checking in with coaches and waxing skies. Dogs are barking with excitement. I found my kids.

My group is quite fast for Polar Cubs, but I tell them to wait for the Cookie Tour to becoming Otters. The Cookie Tour is a race of sorts so we can figure out who is a Hawk and who is a Polar Cub. The kids who can't yet stand on skies forgo skiing the loop but still get a cookie.
Only two of my kids showed up on Saturday.
I usually ski with five.


The wind was roaring through the trees, and the snow was melting with pine needles mixed in, but the trails were was still skiable. We got up Heart Attack Hill which is a steep herring-bone uphill. Oh dear, I'm using too much jargon.

Cross-country skiing has two categories of technique, one is skate or freestyle and the other is classic. Skate skiing is like ice skating, while classic skiing is like running.

We teach classic skiing first, but I mix techniques shamelessly. I'm not a purist.

Classic skiing uses herring bone--also called duck walk--to get up steep hills. To duck walk, angle the ski tips outward so that the skis make a wedge with the wide part in front, tip the inside edges of the skis into the snow for traction, and walk. It helps to keep ski poles moving behind you, ready to keep you from slipping backward. The truly classic way to do it is at a run. It's quite a workout.

At the top of Heart Attack Hill, we stopped for snacks. We debated going back to play tag games in the soccer field, but I get bored with tag, especially with only three people. Instead we skied the Service Loop with a few short cuts. We even had time for rainbow tag.

Well, I'd best go get ready for skiing tonight. The snow is icy, so we're going to be at Kincaid Park. I need to stop by the grocery store for more Oreos and apple juice.


--- Lizzie Newell