Someone recently asked me about Alaska. "What do you miss about it?" he asked. I know this sounds silly but the first thing that came to mind was the drinking water. I don't know what made me think of that but it's true. It's cold and delicious, right from the tap! Here is a list of other things I miss:1. Family. My mom and dad still live there. I'm a 3rd generation Alaskan and I'm proud to claim that.
2. Mountains. They're beautiful, they're majestic, absolutely breathtaking and a point of reference. When I lived in Alaska, at least in Anchorage, I knew that the mountains were East. So while I may not have known where I was at least I knew what direction I was headed. I can't say that about where I live now. I'm frustrated by how many times I've gotten lost and that's even using Mapquest.
3. Camping. Growing up we didn't go on many vacations. In fact, the last time I left Alaska before leaving for college was to go to Hawaii when I was 11. Vacations meant packing up the camping and fishing gear. It also meant lathering on the mosquito repellant and sleeping with a hat and long johns to keep warm at night. Boy, do I miss those late nights around the campfire listening to "Desperate and Dateless" on the radio and not getting out of bed on those cold mornings until the water my mom boiled heated up the pop-up camper.
4. Summers. . .seemingly endless daylight that allowed us to squeeze in many activities-biking, hiking, camping, fishing, rollerblading, softball, etc.
5. Winters. Real winters. Not the winters I have here where we get an inch of snow and school is cancelled. I want to teach my kids how to make a real snowman. I want to sled at Service High, cross-country ski on Hillside and ice skate at Westchester lagoon.
6. Moose. Though they are pretty common thing to see, I still get excited when I come across one. Even while driving I'd pull over just to watch them eat.
7. No Billboards along the highways, just pure unadulterated beauty.
8. Air. It's cool, fresh and clean! One of the first things I'll do when I get off the airplane is take a big Whiff and drink it in. I can smell it now.
9. Fishing. I can still remember as a young girl squeezing my way in between the "old" men for a spot at the mouth of the Russian River. I'm sure they were concerned that I'd get in the way or worse snag their line. There was never a prouder moment than when I was the one that got the "Fish On" and was able to prove that I belonged there too. Traci caught this fish, but I helped her land it.
10. Mom's Deep Fried Halibut. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. I just know she'll cook some up when we visit. She knows it's my favorite. Hint. hint!
1 comment:
It's funny how me miss almost all the same things! Except I want to add that I miss Carrs chinese food and being able to walk into the supermarket in chest waders and not have anyone even give me a second glance. I am jealous you are already headed up there, but we'll be up in a month or so!
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