Alaska may be barren and remote, but nature remained a great companion.
Men frequently say to me, “I should think you would feel lonesome down there, and want to be nearer to folks, rainy and snowy days and nights especially.” I am tempted to reply to such,—This whole earth which we inhabit is but a point in space. How far apart, think you, dwell the two most distant inhabitants of yonder star, the breadth of whose disk cannot be appreciated by our instruments? Why should I feel lonely? is not our planet in the Milky Way?
–Henry David Thoreau (essay: Solitude | Walden)
Hiked along the Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords with a view of Exit Glacier. A steep climb (about 1,000 ft elevation for every mile) with practically no leveled points for breaks. Dressed for summer and winter at the same time. It was peak tourist season with perfect weather, so the trail had more hikers than usual at this time of year. There were great quiet overlook points and streams. Descending seemed to require more concentration as there were many rocky points.
Some trails were intentionally unmarked, so people had to forge their own path to wherever they desired while keeping an eye out for bears. Crossed railway tracks to access certain trails or towns like Talkeetna and Horseshoe Lake Trailhead.
Spontaneously tried white-water rafting at Nenana River. It reminded me a bit of dragon boating. The rapids were intense at times, but not too bad overall. Denali National Park was beautiful and trees were already changing colors. Many trees appeared burnt from forest fires, but in fact they succumbed to spruce beetles.
Got a chance to see the replica of the Magic Bus from the movie “Into the Wild” (based on the book and true story) after dining at the 49th State Brewing – Denali Park restaurant in Healy (~29 miles east of the bus’s original location on the Stampede Trail). Was it only coincidence that the protagonist, Chris McCandless, abandoned his beloved car and many other possessions as he left the civilized world, only to find refuge in another abandoned vehicle out in the Alaskan wilderness? Ironically, after abandoning civilization on his pilgrimage—hoping not to be traced—he found himself trapped in the wild, unable to return. Eventually, he hoped to be found and rescued.
In each loss there is gain, as in every gain, there is loss. –Buddhist proverb
Nature is not only a close trusted companion that can revitalize us and provide solace, it also teaches patience, perseverance and that everything grows in their own time.
Alaska Galleries
Alaska Native Heritage Center
Anchorage Museum
Alaskan Summer Soundscape | Field Recording
Summer field recording in Alaska. Sounds included are from a performance at Alaska Native Heritage Center, dogsled demonstration at Wasilla Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Museum, Denali and Kenai Fjords trails among others.
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