subject: Getting Back To Reality In Kodiak [print this page] I've always wanted to visit AlaskaI've always wanted to visit Alaska. My father went there when I was a young boy to go fishing with some of his friends, and when he came back, he told us stories about trout that were as big as his leg, that had to be thrown back for being too small. I was sure he was exaggerating, but I have heard that what he was saying wasn't too far from the truth. The clean water, plentiful food, and habitat that remains largely unobstructed by humanity allow fish and wildlife to grow to a massive size. It's something that I have always wanted to see.
I worked with a man, originally from Alaska, who returns there ever summer to do commercial fishing. He taught me a lot about the difference between wild and farm-raised salmon, and to be honest, what I learned from him will make it hard to settle for farm salmon ever again. His stories of working on the boats with his friends sounded like something right out of a Jack London novel and almost make me want to drop everything and head north myself.
While playing around on the Internet, I recently came across a list of seventy-five things to do in Kodiak, Alaska. Twenty of the items on the list had something to do with interacting with the wildlife by either seeing, feeling, or eating them, and the vast majority of the list recommended some sort of outdoor activity. Even the things that were indoors were somehow related to what was outdoors. When you are surrounded with that much natural beauty, it just makes sense to revel in it.
I have to admit, places like Kodiak are very attractive to me. I love having just enough people to make things interesting and tons of wilderness to keep things real. I'm also a bit partial to cooler weather, so the springs and summers in Kodiak sound just right. I recently spoke with a women who owns and operates a bed and breakfast in the area, and in hearing the pros and cons of a bed and breakfast over other accommodations, I have to admit, I am converted to the idea. Should I make it up that way, I plan to contact her and make arrangements.
So now, I just have to think of a good reason to take a trip to Alaska so I can write it off as a business expense. Maybe I need to get up there, stay in a nice bed and breakfast, and surround myself with nature so I can write with a clearer mind. Jack London, here I come!
