The Alaskan Adventure - Volume 14 - One Year and Counting

A little more than a month has gone by and yet again, so much has been packed into what feels like such a short amount of time. This has honestly been one of the best summers of my life. I was just talking to my older brother Tom today and was sharing some of my recent activities and adventures. He told me he could not remember for a very long time, hearing me as upbeat, content and sounding like I was definitely in the right place, as I shared stories with him. Tom said, "Sounds like it's time to write that book." Maybe he's right. I've been very fortunate to have a lot of wonderful experiences in the last twenty years of my life, and have spent so many wonderful and special times with family, friends and in wonderful relationships. But I have to say that this is the first time in many, many years that I finally feel like the round peg that goes into the round hole. For those of you reading and scoring at home, the round hole means here in Mountain Village, Alaska.

I don't know if I mentioned it in a previous blog, but I had a very good friend share an interesting thought with me last year. He said that he believed when we meet and interact with anyone in our lives, we need to think about their 'age and stage'. Thinking to ourselves: How old are they? What stage are they at in their life right now? What experiences have shaped their attitudes, behaviors and actions? How are their age and stage different from mine? I thought it was a really great perspective and when I gave it some serious thought, so many characteristics of people I do and have had interactions with, have become much more clear and now make much more sense. Simply put, I found a good fit for what is best for the age and stage in my life right now. And when I look back on friendships and relationships from my past, I have a lot more empathy and understanding that many of those people were at a much different age and/or stage in their lives, and it just wasn't a fit for mine. No one's fault or blame, just different paths in life, different ages and stages. Food for thought.

Speaking of food for thought...moose! August 1st was the opening of moose hunting season. And having been here one year now, I am excited to legally be able to catch my first moose. And just to clarify if you are not familiar. Here in Alaska, it is traditional and culturally appropriate to say you are going to 'catch' a moose or 'caught' a moose. You don't say I shot a moose. I learned last year at this time from my friends in the village that catching a moose is being respectful to nature and the land, and what it provides for you. The moose provides food and at one time clothing, to each of the families. It is a term of respect for the Yupik culture and people here honor it very seriously. So I am very excited to have the opportunity to catch my first moose this fall. In talking with several of the guys I have gotten to know and become friends with, the majority have felt that it is better to wait until September to start hunting the moose. The warmer weather of August can allow the meat to get warm too quickly, creating a greater possibility for the meat to go bad. In addition, there are more bugs around which also presents a problem in the fur and with potential meat. From what I am told, the Mountain Village area, as well as up and down the Yukon River Delta, offer a plethora of opportunities to find and catch moose, and September will be a prime time to do so. I can't wait.

Another big event that I was able to experience for the first time was the start and height of the berry picking season. Everyone gets very excited and really looks forward to the berries turning and being ready for harvesting. It's funny to hear people talk. The eager berry pickers are out as soon as they can be, yet are very hesitant to give away their secret spots, or where they are finding their first picks. After a while they are everywhere and talk turns to the excitement of boat trips to far off tundra, where in some places you can't even begin to make a dent in the berries, because there are so many. Some villagers will travel as far as an hour-to-two-hours or more to some of their favorite places. Kotlik is one of the favorites to travel to for many villagers. Some refer to the trips as going to Berry Camp, where they pick berries and camp for one or several nights. The first berries of the season are the Cloud Berries, also referred to as Salmon Berries. They start out as a deep-orange and turn to a light orange and become very soft. They have a sweet, unique taste that I can't even compare to anything else. Next in line are Blueberries and Raspberries, and finally the Black Berries as you get further into August. Most people here refer to their picking in terms of gallons, so the more gallons you have, you've done some 'serious' berry picking. And keep in mind how small most of these berries are and you can begin to appreciate the sheer commitment they have to gathering. Most of the berries are used to make the traditional akutuq, Eskimo Ice-Cream and it is delicious, and like nothing you've ever tasted. You won't find a family gathering, event or celebration here that doesn't have a large bowl of akutaq included with the meal.

I did spend a lot of time on my own this summer too. I really liked that flexibility to go where I wanted to go, when I wanted to go and do whatever moved me at that moment. If someone called to ask me to go do something, I never said no. I dropped everything and took advantage of those experiences and opportunities. Age and stage again. I know not everyone can say they can do that, so not for one second do I take it for granted that I had those opportunities. That freedom could be taken away in a heartbeat and I will always be grateful. What were my 'alone time' activities? They became some of my favorite things to do. Hopping on my four-wheeler and going anywhere; up the mountain, down to the docks, miles along the tundra, over to the gravel pits, or simply driving around town seeing who was out and about. I also found a comfortable patio chair and a small stool to put my feet up on and spent hours and hours sitting on my tiny porch, with a Pepsi in hand, watching people zoom by on the dirt road, super-highway that hugs the side of my house facing the mountain. I'd also retreat on many nights to what we call The Tracks. It's a stretch of trees and open field under water until summer, along the Yukon River and the edge of Mountain. That's where I made a little campfire spot for anyone to enjoy. Although I never saw signs of anyone else taking advantage of it, I spent many nights enjoying the warmth of the fire, peanuts and Pepsi and the soft, rolling waters of the river. It's also the spot where I met up with my first and hopefully last bear and now my trips are not complete without the addition of my gun and a can of bear spray. Knock on wood, no more bears. (The campfire site I told about is in the picture above.)

I talked about it a little before, but I can't help but think how lucky I got in this first year with friendships and getting to know people in the village. Even though I enjoyed my alone time, I still looked forward to the friendships I had made. The unique part of it though is that I not only made friendships with other guys, but I made many quality and genuine friendships with both the women and families in the village. People you could stop and talk to on your four-wheeler for fifteen minutes or more, just sharing stories and laughs about life. Or going down to the docks or shore to manuq and striking up a conversation, that before you know it lasts for a couple hours. Families took me in for meals, took me camping on the coast of the Bering Sea, for boat rides, fishing at one of the village's, favorite hot spots - Clearwater, I was a part of three family funerals, drift netting for King Salmon, invited to bingo, and was offered help in so many ways. I am very grateful for all of that. I didn't know what to expect for the summer, sadly knowing I wouldn't be able to get back to Wisconsin to see my son and daughter, my grandkids and my other family and friends. But...I wouldn't have changed a thing. I couldn't have asked for a better first summer (and year) in Mountain.

That's all for now...stay tuned!