It’s Different Up Here

I know there are places in the Lower 48 where people say “if you don’t like the weather, wait 15-minutes...it’ll change.”  In Alaska...not so much.  We have weather and it sticks.

We recently went through what could very likely be our whole summer: two and half weeks of sunny, hot weather.

“Hot” of course is a relative term. I know parts of the West Coast and Southwest are hitting 100+ degree temperatures in the next few days. My mind can barely comprehend that kind of heat!

In Anchorage, when it hits 80 degrees...the TV weather people start to put fans and air conditions on the weather maps. And when it hits 85 (if it hits 85) we get the bright red fiery “HOT” on the TV screen.

I know, in many parts of the world, 80 isn’t hot (I’ve been told this quite clearly from my family in Nevada).

But it’s different up here.

Our city’s average high temperature for this time of year is 65 degrees. So, yes, 80 is a wee bit toasty compared to that. 

And Alaskans love it. It’s so rare we don’t dare waste a moment of sunshine. I had a movie scheduled with a friend and she said “it feels like sacrilege to go inside a movie theater on a day like this.” We ended up at restaurant with an outdoor patio. The patio was packed!

That was the first weekend of the sunshine. By the second weekend, we went to movies to escape the “heat.”  Now, it was still only in the upper 70s but no one has air conditioning and every fan for sale had been snatched up. I went for five days with my house never cooling off below 76 degrees. Ugh. I actually was excited to get in my car (air conditioning) and go to work (air conditioning turned up so high we had to wear sweaters) just to cool off.

The warmest (official) temperature ever recorded in Alaska is 100 degrees.  For Anchorage, it’s 86.

It clouded over and cooled off two days ago and I’m not unhappy. I like being able to sleep with blankets on me.

I’ve lived in Alaska going on 43 years. I’m not used to hot weather. I’ve talked to people who have moved up here and they’ve said that the heat is different, that 75 in Alaska feels a lot hotter than in other places.

I take comfort in that. Makes me feel less like a weather wimp.

On the other end of the scale, in winter, when it’s 20 degrees outside, I can say “that’s just about perfect.” And my Lower 48 family and friends think I’m nuts. 

What can I say? It’s different up here.

Stay cool!

Tielle St. Clare

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Tielle's Book News

Crimson (Book 1 of the Red Panty Diaries) is free for one more week. Find it at Ellora’s Cave, Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Also, A Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing (Book 2 of the Welsh Wolves) is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords. 

 

And I got the new cover for Fire Engine (Book 4 of the Red "Panty" Diaries! Lovely huh? Coming soon from Ellora's Cave!

Happy Summer Solstice -- I Think

Summer Solstice is pulling its usual trick of not letting the sun actually shine through. It was sunny last night as the actual moment of Solstice hit, but today, on Friday, when people who work can actually stay up and play through the shortest nights of the year, the sun has done a runner on us. Or rather, it's called in the thick, gray cloud cover. 

So, Happy Summer, Alaska. It's business as usual here!

It's a bittersweet celebration. Those of us who love the light and accept the winter's darkness as the price to pay for all this lovely brightness, are sad that the planet has now turned the corner and the northern hemisphere will now start slowly sliding further away from the sun.

When I lived "Outside" solstice, winter or summer, never really crossed my consciousness. Up here it is far more noticeable and as people who live half the year in boots and coats, we revere the sun. 

We love the long summer days, although we can live without the mosquitoes, and we use the time to get out and play. Windows and doors are thrown open, houses and heads are aired out. Gardens are grown either for show or food or both. Dogs are walked, people exercise outside, time is spent on decks burning offerings to the gods of summer. Lakes are popular spots for swimming, fishing, boating and all manner of water play. The canoeists shake their paddles at the jet-skiers and campers listen for the call of loons drift hauntingly across the water. 

This is when I miss the cabin we used to own about a thousand years ago. It sat on a hill above the lake and from there we watched wild life cross a narrow channel from one side of the lake to the other. Moose, bear, muskrats and all manner of creatures used the same trail. The tall birch trees would filter the sunlight creating dappled shade and the leaves rustling in a gentle breeze played a lazy song. We'd sit by the firepit on the edge of the lake, telling stories, arguing politics and catch up on life with friends far into the night. Good days.

So however you celebrate the turning of the season, the official end of Spring and start of Summer, take time to relax and enjoy the day. Have a beer or iced tea with a friend or loved one. Grill a burger or two and remember to sacrifice one to the spirit of summers past, present, and future.

Remember to live and enjoy the warmth and ease of summer. Before you know it the sun will be setting before 10pm and you'll begin to wonder where summer went.

Morgan O'Reilly
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 Real Alaskan Men - 'Mr. June 2013'

 

"ROSS" 

As Alaskan Romance Writers we are always on the lookout for
Hot Hunky Hero types.

So please, Mr. Alaska Man - tell us about yourself.

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, favorite food, and any other statistics you are willing to share. Just remember though, we are a PG 13 site and blush easily.
I was born in northern Minnesota. The trek to Alaska came right after I graduated college in 2007. One of my best friends in college was from Wasilla. My biggest desire when I graduated was to move somewhere, anywhere with mountains.  Alaska’s a place I have grown to love & call home!
I am a Civil Engineer for a communication company and primarily design communication sites. 
When I’m not at work I enjoy hanging out with my friends whether it is movies, a bonfire or going out for drinks. I like a good adrenaline rush so white water rafting is always a good time. Hiking in the mountains with my dog while listening to the sounds of wilderness. Wood working is a big hobby of mine. I’m always down to try new things.  Life is too short to not keep an open mind.
I’m an avid snowboarder and power lifter, and love competing.
I'm 29, 5’7” 185 lbs. 
Favorite food - well I eat a lot of bacon and eggs. I love bacon. Ha-ha. Generally I eat pretty healthy but I am always down to try some new foods at least once.

What kind of woman appeals to you, and who do you let make the first move, you or her?
I very much enjoy an active woman that takes care of herself. Being active myself I seek someone that can keep up. A woman that displays intelligence, family orientated, caring, self-respecting, fun, sensual and adventurous. Not much beats being able to get lost in your companion's eyes.

Where is your favorite place to take a girl on a first date, and why?
I tend to keep it pretty traditional. Maybe go for a walk in the park followed by dinner. I enjoy something that gives us a chance to chat a bit and get to know each other.  Then, if that all goes well, let the adventure begin.

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?
Snowboarding is by far my favorite winter time activity. There is something about riding down the face of a powder covered mountain that just can’t be beat.  Wood working projects, good movie snuggled up on the couch is always a good time. Not much beats a good movie snuggled up with that special someone. The coldest I have ever seen was in Minnesota in ’97. The temps dipped down to -60 degrees. That was pretty dang miserable!

And, if we ask about winter then we simply must inquire about the too short, wonderful summers.
Fishing, camping and shooting some guns. My favorite though is having a big BBQ with all my friends, an ice cold beer and a bonfire for some s'mores! 

Alaskan men take their vehicles very seriously. What is your favorite mode of transport and why?
My snowboard. Ha-ha. Floating on the snow, ripping down that mountain, gives me pure serenity. However, I do LOVE to fly. Especially in a helicopter, which is something I get to do from time to time at work. We do a lot of remote communication mountain top sites that are only accessible via helicopter.

What is your favorite Alaskan animal – to see along the highway or on your dinner plate?
That’s a tough one. Well on the plate is easy, moose.  I love a good juicy moose burger. 
Bears are super neat animals. The power and strength they have amazes me. Also a reason why I never go into the woods without a fully loaded, powerful pistol! 
I’m not much of a 'bird for pets’ kind of guy, but in nature they amaze me., so seeing an Eagle soar through the sky is cool. Skydiving is something that comes to mind that is a must try some day!

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?
One of the neatest things I got to do was one day at work. They sent me out in a helicopter to look at a couple mountain top sites out in Prince William Sound for five hours. The Chugach mountain range is so powerful from the air. We even flew over the Knik Glacier and got to see it calf.

In your opinion, what exactly is it that makes an Alaskan Male so wonderfully macho and appealing?
My upbringing and roots are Minnesota born. Minnesotans are a bit friendlier. Alaska is the melting pot of the lower 48 so there's a diverse crowd up here. I’m an honest, hard working gentleman. I don’t much feel the need to prove my macho image. I’m perfectly happy being the nice guy that I am.

What’s the biggest fish you’ve ever landed?
The first summer in Alaska I pulled in a 60 lb halibut. Probably the funniest one was last summer when I finally hooked into the elusive Alaska king salmon. It was around 30 lbs and provided quite the exhilarating adrenaline rush!

Other than making love under them, what is your favorite thing to do when the Northern Lights are out and putting on a show?
Typically I just sit in silence and enjoy the visual stimulation they bring. I have a bit of a personal connection with them. A story I would be happy to share on a more personal basis.

And last but certainly not least, what is the most romantic thing about Alaska, and why?
Well I suppose if one doesn’t mind doing a little work to make it happen, a picnic on top of a mountain would be incredibly romantic. As long as no slips, trips or falls occur that could compromise the bottle of wine, it would be a peaceful little getaway. Hopefully the wine will calm some inhibitions while we are alone!

 

Our thanks to ROSS - 'Mr. June 2013' for a great interview on what REAL ALASKA MEN are all about.

 

Check back on the AKRWA blog to see what 'Mr. July' says!

Thanks for stopping by - see you next time!

Alaskan Writing Events

We are lucky to have two large gatherings for writers in Alaska every summer. Here’s some information for those of you who keep thinking “I’d love to go to Alaska some day,” and need an extra incentive to book those tickets. :-)

 

The biggest writing conference in Alaska is Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference, set in Homer, Alaska.

(photo of Kachemak Bay by Lynn Lovegreen)

KBWC is sponsored by the Kachemak Bay Campus of Kenai Peninsula College, part of the University of Alaska Anchorage system. There are always excellent workshops led by writing instructors and other writing professionals. Plus, they have a nationally-known keynote speaker every year--this year’s is Naomi Shihab Nye.

I always learn a lot from the conference. But my favorite element is the camaraderie. No matter how much experience you have, whether you’re published or not, you are part of the writing community. I feel comfortable talking to everyone there, and it’s great to be surrounded by fellow writers.

 

(This year’s dates are June 14-18; check for space available.)

See more at:  http://writersconference.homer.alaska.edu/ 

A similar atmosphere is found at the North Words Writers Symposium in Skagway, Alaska.

(This year’s dates are May 29-June 1st.; check for space available.)

I haven’t been to that one yet, but I hear it is a smaller gathering that has workshops, plus more in-depth discussions and memorable events in and near Skagway. This year’s keynote is author and environmental advocate Kathleen Dean Moore.

Check out their website at:  http://www.nwwriterss.com/
 

Alaska’s scenery is inspirational enough, but combining it with a writing event is a heady experience. If you’re thinking of coming up to Alaska in the summer, why not time it so you can attend one of these? Bookmark these sites and make it part of your plan to come up, whatever year your Alaska adventure takes place. And don’t be shy about introducing yourself to your fellow attendees--you may have connected with them already on this website! :-)

Lynn Lovegreen writes young adult historical romance set in Alaska, and her first book will be published by Prism Book Group this fall.

Check out her website at:

 www.lynnlovegreen.com 

 

 

At Great Harvest Bread in Anchorage, Leigh Newman read from Still Points North, her excellent memoir of growing up in Alaska. Her footwear struck me as quite odd for wearing in Alaska in the springtime. I'm not sure if her shoes were uncomfortable or her feet were cold. I must say anyone who wears snake skin pumps for breakup in Anchorage is quite a gal. I understand she now lives in Baltimore, which might explain the choice of shoes.

 

The footwear of the audience ran to boring but practical black walking shoes.
 

Notice the red wool socks.

 

Footwear for the Alaskan Fashionista

 

 

Alaskans for the most part ignore fashion rules. Want to wear white shoes in the winter? No problem. We don't really care what color socks you wear or even if your socks have holes. Socks with sandals? We're good with it. However, we do have one social rule regarding footwear--shoes come off at the front door.

 

We share this practical custom with the people of Japan, Russian, Canada, and Scandinavia. It keeps snow, mud, and worse from being tracked into the house. Some hosts and hostesses offer slippers to visitors, custom knitted booties. Most don't. Sandals and clogs are great for dashing from car to front door and then removing, but only if they're worn with socks. Some Alaskans wear the sock and sandal combination for longer outdoor activities. I've witnessed a Buddhist monk wearing wool socks with his sport sandals, the socks appropriately colored saffron orange.
 

Most of us wear boots for longer outdoor winter activities: Sorrels, Extra Tuffs, and bunny boots, bulbous white monstrosities purchased from military surplus. It is perfectly acceptable to wear white bunny boots at any time of the year. Forget about the etiquette rule limiting white footwear to summer usage. We like any kind of boots as long as they are warm, waterproof, and practical.

In the winter many Alaskans slip on ice creepers, metal studded crampons stretched over boot soles for walking on ice. It's extremely rude to wear ice creepers inside. The studs damage floors which is part of why we remove footwear at the front door.

Despite the hazards of weather, we love wearing fashionable footwear. We just wish it was more practical. Alaskan women can act a bit giddy when given the opportunity to dress up. They might be traipsing around on stilt-like heels at cultural events. What is the fashionista to do while attending the theater? The solution, carry stiletto pumps in a shoulder bag while wearing Sorrels, Extra Tuffs, or Bunny boots with that lovely gown. Change footwear and leave the bunny boots at the coat check.

--- Lizzie Newell

 

Lizzie Newell writes science fiction set on a planet resembling Alaska: fjords, glaciers, and nasty tides. Due to fishing accidents, the planet Fenria has a shortage of men, so women are in charge. Lizzie crafts costumes, sculpture, and art, exhibiting and winning awards at Worldcon and NASFiC (North American Science Fiction Convention). She's interested in relationship between clothing and culture. She facilitates Northern Speculative Fiction, a Facebook page and website for speculative fiction writers in Alaska and Yukon. She also takes photographs of Alaskan writing events. Currently, she's working on a novel, The Stud and the Sperm Thief, about a man valued for his genetically determined altruism who becomes a stud for hire.

 

First Camping Trip of the Summer

Last weekend my family and I ventured out on our first camping trip of the summer. I use summer loosely because we live in Alaska. What we refer to as summer others refer to as fall/winter. It’s an acquired concept and one that a lot of people who venture to this rugged state never acquire.

Always, my family’s first outing is to the Valdez Airshow. This is our test run with the camper and I’ll admit we forgot a lot of stuff. Thus the test run. But the breathtaking drive made up for our forgetfulness. Even though snow still blanketed the mountains, there were definite signs of spring. Just the hint of melting sends most Alaskans into a euphoric state that lasts until the first snowfall.

Here are some of the sights we were gifted on our first night of driving.

 

 

Since we left on a Friday night and my husband had worked all day, we drove for three hours and then pulled into a rest stop near Mendeltna. Once we set up camp, my kids got busy. It was like nature’s movie screen. They would wait for a car or truck to pass and flail about, trying to get them to honk. Thank you to all the drivers who made their night by tooting your horns. Ten total by bedtime. Of course this did my heart good not to have my daughters hooked up to electronic life support and instead watch them enjoy the kind of fun we had to settle for as kids.

 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are pictures from the second day of trip. We only had one mishap when the hatch of our camper blew off and we had to backtrack eighteen miles to find it. Luckily it was in one piece and my husband easily reattached it, saving us from having to go home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Valdez Airshow is where the general aviation population shows off its stuff. STOL (short takeoff and landing) competitions were the first order of the day. Some of the smaller planes can take off in as little as 200 feet and land even shorter. It’s amazing to watch.

Being plane owners, my husband’s a pilot, we love to walk around and check out the other planes. This one I call the monster truck of planes. The tires were huge and the black paint job only added to its badass feel.

Also on display was a Japanese Zero. Very cool.

But the best thing at the Valdez Airshow was Fiona, a nine week old English bulldog. Her owner, a pilot and friend of ours, had loaded the kids and the puppy into the plane for a weekend of camping fun. Fiona wore a red down vest and needless to say, drew more attention than the competitions. I wish I could have taken her home.

Overall, the trip was great fun and I can’t wait for our next outing, clamming at Deep Creek. I’m sure the weather will still be chilly and water icy, but I doubt that will stop Alaskans from taking advantage of one of the first low tides of the season. I can almost taste those clams already. Yum.

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.