Alaska Calling

Yes, my friend, there is certainly something truly unique about the far North regions of our 49th state, something alluring and silently beckoning. And yes, even now still something mysterious and more than just a tiny bit frightening. It is a vast land of moody mystery, its sprawling endless miles stretching from the lower southern peninsula to the frozen tundra of the Arctic. The land of the midnight sun, great herds of hardy caribou and wooly musk oxen making their journeys on snowy trails to destinations unknown. Adventurers and their tales of fantastic struggles and heartbreaking defeats. A land which allows its inhabitants to get lost and face challenges just to survive, testing one's ability to live a solitary life if so desired. Writers such as Jack London in his novel 'White Fang' described the struggle to conquer the vast land and its never-ending challenges. Life or death depending on skills, ingenuity and perhaps a smidgen of good luck. Explorers risked everything, seeking gold, silver and other treasures. From Ketchikan in the rainy southern peninsula to the Inupiat village of Barrow, Alaska is a splendid mix of the old traditional ways and the pounding energy of modern cities such as Anchorage and Fairbanks. I had always wanted to treat myself to an exotic trip and with funds secured, I was soon to be on my way. On Day one of my countdown I made my final preparations in my home state of Colorado, packing my luggage and checking items off my list of 'must haves'. Day two I journeyed to a local departmrnt store and after listening to the salesman's pitch I purchased an extra camera and several accessories. Documenting my trip accurately was so important and I knew I would want lasting memories in my old age. So, Day three was a long lunch with my travel agent friend Diana who expressed regret that her own schedule was always too busy to allow her to accompany me and she'd had sons to raise. But now her two boys were just about to graduate from high school and head to the University of Colorado in Boulder. She had sold hundreds of tour packages during her career but she'd had yet to make her own way to Alaska. What a great graduation present a family Alaska trip would be I suggested. I assured her that yes, I would send daily texts and pictures. So, armed with my cache of necessities I began to feel jittery excitement set in as my departure date loomed ahead of me. I set my alarm and nervously dozed off, dreaming about my trip. Then, suddenly before I knew it, I was on my way, boarding at Denver International Airport and tucked into my comfortable window seat aboard an Alaska Airlines jet. Barely able to contain my excitement I chatted with a fellow traveler, a Native Alaskan. Samuel Solomon introduced himself in a rather formal manner and offered his advice about my planned itinerary. Somewhat cocky he advised me to not waste a lot of time in the bigger city tourist traps but to hasten to the far north. He then described in great detail the ancient Native custom of harvesting the mighty whale in the Bering Sea, of the great community endeavor to supply meat to all . The huge chunks of meat carved from the behemoth is called 'muk tuk ' and nothing is wasted. Seal is also a daily food option and he motioned to his rustic boots carved from tanned seal skins. Seal oil is also used for fuel and on the skin as a moisturizer. The Elders of the Inupiat tribe are revered and cared for with genuine respect and love. Listening to Samuel I knew that this trip was not only a dream come true but was a journey that would change my life. A couple of hours later we disembarked to change planes and then finally, we were securely buckled in for the final leg of our long trip. Julie, our flight attendant smilingly obliged us when I asked if she would snap a quick picture of us. Samuel laughed outloud, amused and made a humorous remark about tourists. I appreciated his short but friendly remarks. As the plane raced down the runway, I couldn't help but notice his tight grip on the armrest. His lips moved silently and I believe he was muttering a prayer to the almighty. As I too am not comfortable flying, I reached over and patted his weathered hand each time we ran into turbulence. As we soared into the wispy white clouds and gained altitude we both noticeably began to breathe normally and relax. When Julie offered drinks and snacks he declined but I find nibbling relaxes me so I accepted the nuts and chips gladly. I asked Samuel to tell me more about his life. He explained that because he receives funds from the state, he chooses not to work at a 'job' but instead hunts and fishes. His frequent trips to Anchorage are to procure items not readily found in Barrow and to visit restaurants and taverns. Barrow is an alcohol free city, dictated by borough law. So for those who crave an alcoholic beverage it is necessary to travel to indulge those cravings. After awhile, our conversation began to wan so I quietly stared out the window. Then suddenly I was startled out of my reverie when Samuel smilingly patted my arm and whispered an invitation to join he and his extended family for dinner. Yes, he assured me, I would be safe and would experience something very few travelers have the opportunity to do...a family dinner with all seventeen members, children, grandchildren and elders including his Great-great Aunt Imelda Faye, age ninety one celebrating her birthday. Feeling truly blessed I thanked him and accepted his invitation. No one will ever believe me but that doesn't matter. I am making memories and lifelong friends. The great state of Alaska and its people harken.