Hey,
We bought two 4 wheelers before we left Anchorage and had them flown up. After Cathy got a job she ordered her own so now there are three. They are our all purpose vehicles. They are a necessity to get around town to shop, go to the post office as there is no mail delivery, go out to eat, or whatever. Now you can walk anywhere in town if you want to as it is only about a mile and a half long and one mile wide. But hey, who wants to take the time or exercise? We thought about buying a clunker here as there are no highways or interstates to break down on. But, gas is three dollars a gallon and during the winter you have to start it and leave it run a long time before driving it, then leave it run while going about your business, it just isn't worth it. By time it warmed up we can reach our destination by walking or riding the 4 wheeler. We will be putting block heaters on the 4 wheelers soon. If it is raining we have cold weather waterproof clothes and of course if we are going to snowmachine, we have the outfits for that so it serves a dual purpose. The plus is being able to get out of town on the beach or the few miles of gravel road that loops about 5 miles through the tundra. The 4 wheelers can negotiate the tundra too, but it is a rough ride.
You are right about exploring and everything being new. Years ago we looked at traveling long distances and thought it was a tremendous undertaking. As the years progressed and we took longer and longer trips we found out it wasn't so big a thing. So, I don't know, this just did not seem like the huge undertaking it should be. Looking back it was almost easy. Didn't take big balls at all. Maybe all we get is one shot at life so we want to live it. Look at my parents, dad a barber and mom a cafeteria manager. They always said they wanted to go to Alaska but couldn't afford it. They squirreled away money everywhere and guess who got it? And yes, they could have gone to Alaska many times over. I'm not saying they led meaningless lives or were unhappy, I'm just saying I don't want myself or Patty to be sick or dying and say-if only. Now being a nurse and having a skill that is in demand everywhere helps a lot, that I cannot deny. This is what made it as easy as it was. I'll tell you this, our plans were to stay here a year or three and move to the Anchorage area. Now we have decided we like this small town stuff. I have talked with a number of people who live and/or work in rural Alaska (the bush) and elsewhere and I'm not sure anymore what I want to do, so we are just taking it one day at a time. You really want to experience it? Come on, I have room with a fold out sofa and transportation. All you need is airline tickets and spending money.
As far as the cold-if it is below 20 below you just don't go out if you don't have to. But you would be surprised; it does not feel as cold as you might think. The cold squeezes the moisture out of the air so there is no humidity. Also, you dress before you go out according to the weather. Hell, the Eskimos have been doing it for thousands of years.
Glad to hear from you. Tell everyone-mom and dad, (cherish them as long as you have them, even if they can be a pain, because is hurts so bad when they are gone) and all the rest hi. One final thing-material possessions and petty squabbles or irritations from people just aren't so important anymore. They take up too much energy that can be used for good things. Life is to short-that is one thing being an ER nurse has taught me. So live life with those you love.
Take it easy, and yea, with love,
Carlo
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Last updated:
08/29/05