15 Comments

“With September bucks up high, my bushwacking penance was rewarded with alpine hunting terrain.” what a line! beautiful piece.

Expand full comment

Thank you for saying that, Lisa. I appreciate it.

Expand full comment
6dEdited

I love Kodiak. I came soooo close to moving there in 2008. If the employer had been a little more expedient in offering me the job, I would have been there for at least three years. But they dragged their feet and at the same time the Coast Guard kicked the civilian contractors off base to accommodate a new ship, crew and family and POOF, all housing evaporated.

It is a stunning location. My husband's brother and family live in Anchorage but he travels all over the state as military liaison with native tribes.

And we ended up in Vermont.

Great post.

Expand full comment

Pam- Thank you. Very cool to hear how you almost ended up there. I was close a couple of years ago, but the stars didn’t align. Kodiak City remains “undiscovered” in certain ways, so I’ll be interested to see how it changes over time.

Expand full comment

My parents took me on a summer car camping trip to Alaska when I was in high school. We started in the Kenai Peninsula and made our way north, finally spending time in Denali National Park. It was almost unreal and the distances were mind bending. I've always wanted to go back!

Expand full comment

Erik- what an awesome road trip. The Kenai is out of this world…so much to explore and richness in a relatively small area.

Expand full comment

I’ve been to Alaska twice and I would go back again in a heartbeat. The wilderness and beauty of it has a special pull.

Expand full comment

That pull is strong. It’s always there for me, a low simmer that boils over when I look at pictures from past trips.

Expand full comment

Many accounts I follow motivate me to buy a new book or piece of gear from time to time. Now I have one inspiring me to plan future trips to Alaska… shit.

Beautiful article and especially enticing considering you live in one of the more remote areas of continental US. Your Alaska is rural to lower 48 urban was great.

Expand full comment

I’m glad I could inspire you to visit…It is a special place I recommend, especially for those looking to test physical & mental limits.

Expand full comment

Now you’re speaking to my soul!

Expand full comment

I too feel that "haunting pull" of Alaska. Way to capture it in a few words!

Expand full comment

Thank you, Joe!

Expand full comment

This is awesome, Jesse -- would love to pick your brain on ideas for an itinerary for when my kids get a little older!

Expand full comment

Thanks, Lou. Yes, anytime. Like talking about hunting, I could endlessly talk about hunting/fishing in Kodiak.

Expand full comment