Why I Love Alaska...

I love Alaska.

I know that is a much repeated phrase and can become a bit trite at times. Many people love Alaska. Some have a love/hate relationship with it.
There are an infinite number of reasons why someone would either love or hate this place, because it is that big, that immense, that encompassing.

There are many layers to my love for Alaska. My relationship with Alaska has been an extremely significant and momentous one in my life. Alaska welcomed me into its folds when I was a misplaced girl from the Deep South, and gifted me with a sense of belonging in the Far North I had yet experienced in the world. Alaska offered me sanctuary, like any misfit, from a busy and irrational world I did not understand. She has since put me to the test and shown me my mettle, my depth and my command of myself. Thus, she has, in the true fashion of any important relationship, offered me a unique perspective of my own soul. She has let me leave, continuing to not only hold a place for me, but to sing her siren’s song beckoning me home.

I don’t say these things poetically or for the romance of fawning. I say them because I have earned the right to say them through my trials and tribulation with her. I say them because I know that I was meant to be here, and because I am grateful for the intensity of experience that has embroidered my life.

I think it is common for people who live here to mire in the misery of the mess, the weather, the cost, or in disagreements on how things should be run. Alaskans love to be contrary. It is one of the reasons we have come here, to go against the common grain.

But I have learned to step back and nod my head politely when someone feels the need to vent about the insults she flings about so recklessly. I won’t defend her. Alaska on her best days can be indefensible. And I love her for the very reason that she is unapologetically extreme, daring those who don’t like her to leave her. I wish that in my lifetime, I had carried myself with such uncompromising confidence. My perspective on Alaska’s character is a sacred secret I carry in my heart, and I feel no need to convince anyone to love her like I do. Anyone who lives here should know not to expect sunshine and roses anyway.

If you come here expecting either, you will be sorely disappointed.
During my time in Alaska, I have lived with no water to wash with and no electricity to light my way on dark winter mornings, holding a flashlight between my knees as I rummaged through black garbage bags of clothes for something clean to dress my babies in before school. I have dug out my stuck cars when I couldn’t afford to pay someone to plow the driveway, and I have dug out my outhouse when it was too full and the ground too frozen to dig a new one. I have split wood with my babies on my back, and I have bathed those four precious children in Rubbermaid trash cans with water hauled in 5 gallon gas cans. I have cleaned fish till I couldn’t stand the smell of it, and I have butchered moose for days on end on my kitchen table. I have built my life in Alaska from rock bottom, from a place that offered no cushion and no wiggle room. And in return for my hard work and tenacity, she has offered me her abundance. She has given me miracles of light, every day a different palatte, a changing hue. She has provided unexpected friendships and synchronicities of spirit. She has taught me wonder. Her landscape has moved me to tears, and her voice has sung me to sleep in the gentle hush of summer. She has woven her magic in the cells of my body, so that if I were to ever leave again, I believe I would die a little each day. It may be mad to wax on about such a place, unforgiving and relentless as she is. But I think there are those of us, every once in a while, who are bitten in a way that is profound for us. Robert Service had a way of describing the essence of that venom, illustrating with words that madness that some of us feel for this northern clime. I’d say it is fair for anyone to question my passion for a place that has as many faults as redeeming qualities. But then there will be those very few who comprehend, who have lived by trial and adversity and come out wiser and richer. They will have sat quietly and watched the changing light in all its wondrous subtlety, listened to the solitude closing in with clamoring cacophony, or looked into the depth of the wilderness and seen their own reflection staring back at them from its shadows. They will know what I mean and they will say, “Ah…yes.”

--- Deb Pollock

Why I Love Alaska

As of late, my local RWA chapter has been blogging about all things Alaskan. I’m not a well-seasoned or elegant blogger, my sisters are much better at it. But after careful consideration, I’ve decided to share what I love most about this enchanting state.

There’s so much…

Of course, I love the fact that most of the important accomplishments in my adult life occurred here; my wedding, college/graduation, my first house, my career as an environmental scientist, and the publication of my first novel.

 

Although these are all blessed events, I found something even more valuable within the boundaries of this vast playground— a real home.

I’ve lived in six other states (Pennsylvania, Texas, Colorado, Maine, New Hampshire, and Delaware).

None of them compare.

 There’s something magical about the fresh air, ice cold water (from the tap), seeing snowcapped peaks every day, eagles overhead, moose stripping bark off my front yard birch trees, the seemingly endless days/nights, a crackling fire in my fireplace on a frosty evening, Christmas, the first snow, the first warm day in summer, eating a reindeer dog in downtown Anchorage, a hockey game, flipping through all the cable channels with reality shows focused on Alaska and grinning because I live here, all the wonderfully tiny villages and towns I’ve visited (reachable only by plane), salmon and halibut, humpback whales surfacing in the water only a few yards away from me, a carriage ride downtown in the dead of winter, getting to wear boots and jeans to work every day and having it considered fashionable, four-wheeling to the edge of a glacier, hunting, fishing, hiking, men (very handsome), the cultural experiences I’ve had, and most of all—just being here.

That’s it.

 Alaska isn’t for everyone. It’s a hard place to thrive if you’re opposed to dark cold winters.

However, if you’re one of the lucky few to call it home, you know what I mean—its paradise.

--- Violetta Rand

Real Men of Alaska

Mr. November 2013

"Seth"

 

 

As Romance Writers, we are always on the lookout for Hot Hunky Hero Types. This month we welcome Seth.

Here is what Mr. November 2013 has to say:



First, some basics:

Were you born in Alaska, and if not, then how did you end up here - how long have you been here?

What do you do for a living, and what do you do for fun.

Age, height, favorite food, and any other statistics you are willing to share.

(Just remember, we are a PG 13 site & blush easily) J



I was born in Alaska, raised in Alaska - 25 years.

I am a gunsmith - playing with fire, going to a range, mostly outdoorsy stuff.

I am 25, 150 lbs and 5'11.



What kind of woman appeals to you, and why?

Gun-loving German women.



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



Gold mines up in Hatcher's pass.



What's the wildest thing you've ever done in Alaska since you’ve lived here?



It's a tie between: falling into a frozen river and living - and driving a doorless jeep cherokee.



Winter can be long, dark, and very cold here in Alaska. What are your favorite frosty pastime activities? (not counting the obvious of course.)

And, what is the coldest temp you’ve seen/been in?



Watching movies , playing games, working on my rifles, and the coldest I have seen was -40.



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?



Being outside working, out at any rifle range long enough to accommodate my guns.



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



Ural Motorcycle and Ural 4320 6x6 truck.



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



Bear, on both counts, very tasty.



What exactly is it that makes an Alaskan Male so wonderfully macho and appealing?

We do things on our own, and make things happen that people don't believe, even when they see it.









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



18 inch red salmon, no idea on weight.



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





Chill by a warm fire and enjoy the show.



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



The privacy we enjoy, very easily.





Our Thanks to Seth for this interview and his candid answers!



To our Readers: Please check the AKRWA Blog each Friday for a new topic, and come back the First Friday of each month to meet new Real Men of Alaska!



Until next time...keep your fire burning!


www.akrwa.blogspot.com

FISH CAMP

 

I spend nine months of the year “Outside” and my summers commercial fishing in South Naknek Alaska. Recently, I was at my writers group and talking about getting ready for fish camp. There are a million things to do this time of year. Where we fish there are no markets, pharmacy, or Starbucks. It’s remote. But my group of fellow authors started to joke and giggle. Every time I mentioned fish camp they saw a tent and little cartoon fish roasting marshmallows over a campfire swapping stories on how they got off the ‘hook’.

So, I thought I’d share with you what our fish camp entails. A large portion of other fish camps around the State of Alaska operate this way.

First, no running water, electricity, cell phones, Internet, and the before mentioned Starbucks. Instead we deal with outhouses, generators, and what food you can’t catch, you eat out of a can. Second, bears, weather, and the ocean RULE. If you find yourself in a situation, and can’t get out of it on your own, you usually don’t make it. Every day is a challenge and a fight. They call it Bristol Bay combat fishing, and it’s a wild, unforgiving place.

There seems to be more reasons not to be out there fishing than in favor of it. Here are some pluses. No electricity, cell phones, or Internet; and wildlife, the ocean, and the opportunity to make a lot of money in a short amount of time. Most importantly, time to spend with family, unplugged from civilization.

We play card games, cook, have dinner together, target practice, beachcomb, work and joke around together. Bond. Reconnecting in this crazy, busy world and building relationships is the absolute best thing about fish camp. Though the money doesn’t hurt.






Here is one of my favorite salmon recipes, and I have some dandies.

 

 PESTO SALMON

A fillet or two of Wild Alaskan Salmon
Basil pesto - home-made or store-bought (I use a small jar of store-bought pesto)
Lemon juice
Parmesan cheese
Pine nuts - optional
Sliced tomatoes - optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut the salmon fillet into serving sizes, and pull out the pin bones. This doesn't take very long and is easy to do. If you don't have a pin bone tool, pliers work great. Squeeze on lemon juice, coat on pesto as thick as you like, and top with parmesan cheese and pine nuts.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Test with a fork. When the flesh flakes, it's done. I usually serve this over rice. I start the rice before I slather on the pesto and they both are done about the same time.

Tasty and so good for you!

Tiffinie Helmer’s latest Romance Novel in her Edge Series, 'HOOKED', will be released May 13th.

Visit her website www.tiffiniehelmer.com for more information. 

Real Men of Alaska - Mr. May 2013

"BEN"

 

 

 As Romance Writers

we are 

 always on the lookout for 

  Hunky Hero Types  

 

 

     So, here's BEN     

  to tell us a little bit  

      about himself...    

 

 

    BEN, Welcome to the AKRWA Blog Site    

 

   Please answer the following questions ---  

 --- what are REAL MEN Of ALASKA like?  

 

 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. (just remember - we are a PG 13 site and blush easily)  

 

     I was born in Wyoming. I was a flight paramedic. Right now, I’m in school to be a Physician’s Assistant. I’m 6 foot 5 inches, weigh 220, and I was a WYO state swim champ. I work out, and all of that means I have a six pack, ladies.

 

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

 

     I’m physically active, and I really like a woman who can participate in my lifestyle. And who cares who makes the first move as long as it’s made!

 

 3: Where's your favorite place to take a girl on a first date?  

 

     Really classy restaurant (need he say more?)

  

 4: What's the wildest thing you've ever done with a female companion since living in Alaska?    

 

 

     Sky diving

 5: Winter can be long, dark, and very cold here in Alaska. What are your favorite frosty pastime activities (remember...pg-13) - and what is the coldest temp you’ve seen/been in?  

 

 

     Snow machining, cross-country skiing, snow boarding.

As a paramedic, I’ve been stationed in Barrow, Alaska in the winter. I saw temp of 40 below zero.

 

 

 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?   

 

     Go boating. I wake board, jet ski, waterski, hike, take my dog and run.

 

 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? 

 

I really love driving my Corvette convertible, but I also loved flying in the Light Flight helicopter.

 

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

 

     Wolf. Hands down.

 

 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?   

 

     Oh, I’ve done the polar bear plunge.

 

 

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

         We just ARE          

   macho and appealing   

   (Come up and check)   

 

 

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

Watch them!

 

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

 

     Well heck - that’s got to be cold, dark, long winter nights...

  ...and really nice fireplaces.   

 

 

 

Thank you, Ben. We appreciate your candor and honesty.
We love REAL ALASKAN MEN!

To our Readers - please join us the first week of each month for another interview with REAL ALASKAN MEN -thanks for following us!

 

 

Leaving Alaska

 

While I happily make my home in Alaska, I also leave Alaska a lot. Since my husband and I are building in Hawaii, we go there every winter. I travel east to see my family every summer.  And then there’s “conference season.” During conference season, romance writers love to get together in milling, mile-a-minute groups where we buy each other drinks and discuss Amazon trends and alpha heroes. Since much of our time is spent being virtual hermits, huddled over our computers, the thought of venturing into the outside world can be daunting.

It’s twice as terrifying if you live on a homestead in Alaska where you go months without shaving your legs. Now, all of a sudden, you’re faced with the Herculean task of making yourself presentable to readers and writers – not to mention publishing industry types who look like they’ve stepped out of “Sex and the City.”  In my natural habitat of Homer, I’ve perfected the “grunge elf” look. But velvet sweatpants, mudboots and Tibetan earflap hats aren’t going to cut it at the 30^th anniversary ball at the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention. 

Clothes shopping is a must, but wardrobe is just the start. What about my hair, which is usually stuffed under a wool hat , its once-cute layers a distant memory? What about my toenails, which lurk under layers of Smartwool socks, cringing at the prospect of daylight? Have I shaved my armpits since last conference? I’m afraid to find out. Getting ready for conference season, I often feel like Sandra Bullock in the movie Miss Congeniality -- she needs a team of white-coated scientists to whip her into beauty pageant shape. For myself, I’m not aiming for beauty contestant – my goal is to not scare the public.

Making myself presentable is just one challenge. Any trip out of Alaska is a trek. For me, it starts with a five-hour drive from Homer to Anchorage. Since I’m going to the big city, I like to allow time to see family there, and get together with my beloved AKRWA writer’s group. Then there’s clothes shopping, and the eye doctor, and all the above-mentioned self-improvement efforts. Might as well spend a few days in Anchorage before hopping on the plane.

Speaking of that plane, when you’re flying out of Alaska, there’s a good change your flight will be scheduled to depart at 12:50 am, or 1:30am, or some other equally sleep-depriving time. Why? I have no idea. I wish someone would explain it to me. I imagine it has to do with connecting flights, because unless you’re going somewhere on the West Coast, a connecting flight is guaranteed to be in your future. Along with connecting flights go long layovers, and missed connections and lost luggage. I try to turn connecting flights into a positive. For instance, a friend of mine is meeting me at LAX so we can spend my five hour layover catching up.

Of course, if I’m going to fly the huge distance that is any trip out of Alaska, I might as well combine it with visits to people in the lower 48 whom I never see. The upcoming RT Convention is in Kansas City. My elderly aunt, who rarely travels anymore, lives in Chicago. How can I be so close and not visit? So I tack on another stop, a few days in Chicago. By now we’re looking at a week, and I haven’t even gotten to the conference yet!

The return trip will be the same drill in reverse, with a few extra twists. I’ll soon find out how much snow has piled on top of my car while I was gone, and I’ll have to adjust to the fact that it’s STILL WINTER in Alaska, even though everyone else is picking strawberries and enjoying the sunny daffodils.

After a trip out of Alaska, I don’t truly relax until I’m all the way back in Homer, cuddled up in our cabin in my velvet sweatpants. Leaving Alaska is hard, but coming back makes it all worthwhile. 

Jennifer Bernard's latest book is SEX AND THE SINGLE FIREMAN. Visit her website for more.