I arrived in Fairbanks, Alaska wearing four layers of clothing, with my zipper-busting luggage and camera in one hand, and Flat Stanley in the other. I looked like a tourist, for all the Alaskans were in short sleeves. It was an unseasonably “warm”—twenty degrees—and according to the natives, that’s a heat wave. There was no slush on the ground, only packed, frozen snow that moved like sand in the wind. The ice fog was heavy, causing ice crystals to form on my face. The night air was crisp, fresh, and clean. It was a cold that with one breath cleared my mind, yet froze me to the core. I soon realized that the next four weeks would be challenging, both physically and mentally. But this excursion would also prove to be a life-changing experience.
And sorry I could not travel both and be one traveler, long I stood …
Alaska is well known for, and prides itself on, its abundant wildlife population. I had the opportunity to get up close and personal with two of the most beloved creatures in Alaska, the caribou and the musk ox. The caribou came right up to us, licked our cameras, and sniffed our clothes. The musk oxen showed off their strength and were, well, a bit “musky.” But, on a trip like this, with wildlife like that, the odors of the animals were not my concern.
Dog mushing is the most popular sport in Alaska. In fact, most Alaskans can tell you who won the last Iditarod sled-dog race, but few would be able to name the team who won the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl is nonsense to most who live in Alaska, and is said to be “so lower forty-eight.” Of course, I had to take a shot at dog sledding. Would you expect anything less? To say it was a bumpy ride really is an understatement. But the dogs were beautiful and had such charm. One look into their bright blue eyes could make your heart melt. They truly exemplified the phrase “man’s best friend.”
My colleagues and I spent an evening trying to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. I can’t begin to tell you how foolish I felt for actually choosing to stand out in the below zero temperatures! But, on a trip like this, with a sky like that, comfort was never an option. There we stood, speechless at the spectacular sight of our night sky. Countless shooting stars filled the darkness. I think I made enough wishes for every person in my life that night.
Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back …
Before I knew it, it was time to leave Fairbanks. My colleagues grew tired and returned home. I however, still wanted to do some more exploring. Hey, how often was I going to be in Alaska? So, I took the road less traveled and stayed. Yes, I would now become a lone traveler. Most would consider this absurd, and I admit, I second-guessed my choice as well. But, on a trip like this, with mountains like that, I would not let my fear of the unknown discourage me.
I left Fairbanks and flew south to Anchorage, a popular destination for tourists and home to 47 percent of the state’s population. The joke among non-Anchorage dwellers is, “When you’re in Anchorage, you’re only ten minutes from Alaska.” I realized very shortly upon arrival what this expression means. The hustle and bustle, tall buildings, and tourist attractions made it feel like the typical city I purposely came to Alaska to escape. I could see, however, the beautiful snow-covered mountains in the distance. So, I got into my car, started to drive, and within ten minutes I was back in “real” Alaska. I drove for miles on a stretch of highway that ran along the coastline.
