At play where the midnight sun holds court
The sun struggles to rise over the horizon during the day. Minutes after noon, it finally yields its light over the mountains, shining across the valley below. The cold that had settled in the valley throughout the long night begins to dissipate, the mercury slowly rising towards zero. Snow adorns the spruce boughs and ice … Read more
The sound of the logs popping and crackling reverberated off the barrels. Inside, the fire burned brightly, the flames light playing out through the vent onto the snow. As the fire built to a climax, the 55 gallon barrels glowed red, radiating intense heat to anyone that was cold enough to stand nearby. In two … Read more
Clack, clack, clack, clack. The sound of the metal points hitting the ice broke the silence. On either side of the river valley rose sharp, limestone mountains covered with high cliffs and pinnacles. It was mid-April. Although the days were long, night still fell over the land. And with the sun dipping behind the mountains … Read more
I often hear negative opinions* on trapping whenever the topic is brought up with someone from outside the northern regions (Alaska and Canada). Living in the wilderness offers a lifestyle where one sees the direct result of their actions and bears the consequences, both positive and negative. Animals are killed by those consuming them, wood … Read more
The term sourdough is one flung around in Alaskan literature when talking about the history of the state or people of its past. For the unfamiliar, the name brings to mind that of the bread, that trusty companion out on the trail or away from town. Upon hearing it is a term applied to people, … Read more
It is considered to be one of the most elusive animals of the north. Quietly and stealthily moving throughout the forest, it often goes undetected by human eyes. So it is no surprise that when the animal is sighted, it is a special experience. I speak of the lynx. The northernmost member of the cat … Read more
Its multitude of calls will occasionally surprise even the most ardent observer. A presence throughout all of Alaska, they are one of the most visible animals within the state. Winter or summer, fall or spring, one can see their jet black figure flying above or calling, perched atop a spruce tree. The raven is arguably … Read more
There are quite a few Alaskans who have a tendency to hold on to things. In a state where stores are few and far between, people aren’t eager to part with anything, with the thought that they may be able to salvage a part later on. While pragmatic in theory, this seems to devolve into … Read more
In the morning around the yard, I often see bunnies feeding. Clustered around the brush piles, they pick at old buds, strip bark from the trees and feed on any grass that’s present. Every so often, I’d be awoken early in the morning to the sound of steps outside the cabin. Not long after, the … Read more
