Early military rule in Alaska was a challenge the Army was not prepared or often authorized to effectively execute. When the United States purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867, it acquired far more than a remote wilderness rich in furs and fisheries. The transfer also handed the federal government a difficult administrative problem: how to […]
Bald eagles and close encounters of the bird kind
I had the joy and privilege of being the camp host of the Chilkoot Lake campground for a few years after the pandemic. It was a wonderful time to assume that role of stewardship. The campground was relatively quiet after the international quarantine. It afforded me the opportunity to enjoy bicycling, kayaking, fishing, and generally […]
How I spent my summer vacation in Saline Valley
There is an amusing tale to be told here, which would aptly be named “how I spent my summer vacation in Saline Valley.” I am currently reading the classic western of Lonesome Dove. This is an encore endeavor for me. My first time reading Larry McMurtry’s novel was during the summer months in Saline Valley […]
Tetlin Wildlife Refuge | Chena Hot Springs
It has been years since we stretched our legs and journeyed out of town and across the border into Canada and beyond. Reminiscent of great memories of road trips in what has become known as “the before times” (pre-pandemic) I set aside a few weeks in September to “stretch” and roll down the road and […]