Way Up North

In case you are wondering where I am, let me tell you! It is a place where I stopped only for a refueling on my way to China some forty-five years ago. Snow-covered mountains engulf me. They look like the Alps. The people are fearless and sincerely warm. Folks, I am in Alaska!

I am visiting my cousin who has absolutely been spoiling me. I am watching her sweet little Shorkies, Clyde Christmas and Cora Joy. While we have 'Big Frog' radio back in Central New York, they have 'Big Moose' radio here.

There is a reason that Alaska is called the land of the midnight sun. It is bright out until midnight - at least now it is and it is May. The winter is a different story. Chris told me that produce grows to mammoth sizes due to the long hours of sunlight.

My cousins Susan and Chris have taken me out to eat at many of Anchorage's most popular restaurants and coffee shops.

They took me up the mountain overlooking Arctic Valley. The view looking down at Anchorage and Cook's Inlet is incredible. There is a military base nearby which is the refueling spot for our president when he is en route to Asia. Military operations take place here. There is also a small ski area at the top.

Susan's husband Christopher took me to Earthquake Park where a moose was there to welcome us. Earthquakes are not uncommon here. It was very windy on the bluff but it was blue skies up above offering great views of "The Sleeping Lady" looking west. It is really a mountain called Mount Susitna across from Cook Inlet. It resembles a recumbent lady. It is kind of like looking for "Anthony's Nose" on Lake George, but I am happy to say that I could make it out.

Legend has it that the lady was engaged to a man who was off to protect their village before they were to wed. On the day that her fiance left, the lady promised to wait in the exact same spot where he bade farewell until his return.

She fell into a deep sleep while waiting. It was announced in the village that the men were killed.

Awake Lady with Sleeping Lady in background

The villagers could not bare to wake her up seeing her sleeping there so peacefully. Thus she still awaits in her restful slumber (Let sleeping ladies lie).

You can also see Mount McKinley also known as Mount Denali, which is the highest peak in North America. Athabascan Alaskans have always referred to this mountain by its Koyukon name of "Denali" which means "Great One". Its peak reaches 20,320 feet high! It was unofficially named in 1896 for President William McKinley by a gold prospector. Then, in 1917, it was officially named for President William McKinley to commemorate his presidency from 1897 until his assassination in 1901.

In 1975, the Alaskan people asked that the name Denali be returned as it was commonly used by the original natives of Alaska.

Once again, it has been reverted to Mount Mckinley to "restore names that honor American greatness".

A dear lady, Louise Cummins, who I used to assist used to say that someone looked like "Man Mountain Dean". Man Mountain Dean, his ring name, was a huge, whiskered professional wrestler from the early 1900's. I used to compare someone who was large to "Mount McKinley".

Now I would learn more about the Denali natives at Anchorage's famed museum. It has the Thomas Planetarium too. This is a 1.96 million dollar state of the art facility that will take you to the stars. Susan and I enjoyed seeing the stars and hearing about the legends passed down by the indigenous people in the "One Sky" program. It also featured the Aurora which is always a sight to behold.

I have enjoyed some wild sockeye salmon which my cousins caught themselves. I did not dare order the Bering Sea King Crab legs which are $130 on the menu but that is for a pound and a quarter - steamed to order, with drawn butter, garlic roasted potato and a side of grilled vegetables. However, I did spy some of this delicacy my cousin's freezer and Susan did tell me to make myself at home! I also have some reindeer sausage to try.

Chris took me to the Bodega in downtown Anchorage. It is amazing. There is a plant store adjacent to the bakery where one can watch artisan breads being made. French pastries like lemon champagne confections are on display in the glass case. The aroma of roasted coffee fills the air. Walking through the plant store, one enters the organic produce store. The presentation is everything with bananas hanging from a palm tree. There is also a wine and liquor store. The bodega offers seating both inside and al fresco. It is authentic northern exposure. Chris told me to get whatever I would like. However, Susan just brought me to Eagle River's local coffee hangout called "Jitters". She spoiled me with a fresh brew and a rhubarb-raspberry croissant-muffin. Not quite sure how to describe it, but to say that it was to die for is an understatement.She also insisted on having me select one of their beautiful hand-glazed pottery mugs, and a T-shirt. There was a T-shirt that had a black bird on it with the 'Jitters' coffee cup in its beak. It reminded me of my crows that I feed back home so I went with this one. Thank you Susan!

Chis also took me to Hood Canal which was completed in 1940. It connects Lake Hood and Lake Spenaro. We watched the floatplanes take off. This is a seaplane base. People hire them out like taxis to get to other parts of "The Last Frontier". Susan and Chris have taken one such plane to an outpost. There is only one road that goes through Alaska. My son James has always been intrigued how there is one part where one can literally walk on the ice across the sea from Alaska to Russia. The Bering Strait separates the two areas by 53 miles. However, if one walks between the Diomede Islands, (which is illegal), one can cross the international boundary in two miles - when frozen.

Susan took me out to the Eagle River Nature Center. This is the gateway to the Chugach State Part, and a glacier river valley. Once can enjoy a three-mile nature walk on the Albert Loop, or trek five miles up to see plunging waterfalls and 3,000 foot cliffs. Susan has some friends who walk the loop, but one must be vigilant. My cousins brought me out here the other evening and 'lo and behold, there was a huge Grizzly bear chomping on some grasses, sedges and roots. Chris and I got out of the car to take pictures. Susan stayed in the car which is always a wise choice. I was banking on this bear being sluggish after his long winter's nap. Thank God, he was and I got some up close and personal pictures.

It is nothing for the moose to show up in the residential areas. In fact, children are exempt from going to school if there is a moose sighting in their neighborhood. Susan took me out to see if we could find moose and we saw four in one day!

Chris gave me a great book to read. It is called "Fishcamp" by Dorothy Savage Joseph. The author often speaks on cruises about her life growing up in the Alaskan wilderness. She is one of fifteen children and her stories are fascinating. They are especially fun to read as I immerse myself in this environment.

It is interesting, because Alaska was part of Russian colony at one time. Hence, there are a lot of Russian people here. It became the 49th state in 1959 (the year I was born!). I live not far from Utica, New York which is a place that has always welcomed refugees. We also have a lot of Russians there.

A big thank you to my generous cousins for hosting me.

Thinking of you all - "Way Up North"....