Home Sweet Home August 5, 2010
Posted by lizp4 in Uncategorized.trackback
From time to time, I have friends Outside who ask me the inevitable question: “Why on EARTH did you move back to Alaska??” I can tell them it’s the challenge of staying one step ahead of nature at its wildest, but that wouldn’t be all of it. This 10-minute promotional video for Wasilla should explain a little better than I could. It’s kind of noisy, so turn the sound down a bit.
1. I’d go in a heartbeat. There are some GNARLY rivers around here, but alas, I’ve never had the thrill. Just ONE of the many pleasures of life up here I have yet to sample.
2. Skydiving is also on my list, but it’s down there by basejumping and gator wrestling.
3. Most of the small planes have not just floats, but skis and wheels. (Not all usable at once, however…)
4. The country fiddle is not a MAJOR part of life in Wasilla, but most people here love their country music. You know the saying: “If you’re gonna play in Alaska, ya gotta have a fiddle in the band!”
The 2-cycle engine has played a huge part in the civilizing of Alaska. Most homeowners have chainsaws and generators, as well as large woodsheds and boats. Gotta have a boat. Gotta. The only thing more important is three kinds of fishing poles and a ten-foot dipnet.
Liz, this leads me to ask you a few questions.
1. Just how often do YOU do the white water kayak thing?
2. Do you also do sky diving on a regular basis?
3. Do all of the airplane have floats – no wheels?
4. Is the country fiddle an key part of Wasilla, or is that optional?
The impact of modern technology was quite evident in those pictures, particularly small gasoline engines. Without chain saws, snowmobiles, and related things, life would be a whole lot harder in that environment.
It is obviously very beautiful, uncrowded, and natural. My wife and I are leaving for NM tomorrow, and we might just have to swing through Wasilla on the way home!