From Metro to the Bush

Our journey from the metro of DC to the small village life in Alaska

[wanderingsoulwv]

1 year

Today is the big day. Today is the day that makes 1 year since we landed in McGrath. 1 year since we set up house here in the Bush. 1 year since our big adventure finally started. 1 year since everything changed. I can’t believe how fast it went. It seriously seems like only a few weeks ago we were stepping off the plane on a chilly and rainy day and looking around at our new home. I remember that day vividly. The plane was full of hunters here for moose season. We stepped off the plane and started walking toward the gate. I looked and noticed someone waving their hands in the air and thought that must be the other weather service family. We walked up and introductions were made. Then she escorted us to baggage claim. Which is really just a pallet with your luggage on it. That’s when we noticed our luggage was missing. Our first joy of Bushlife, baggage bumped for moose season. We were prepare and had essentials in the cabin with us. I remember T telling one of the hunters who was mad about his stuff getting bumped saying, “yeah but they live here now, what’s in their luggage is all they have.” It wasn’t a big deal, it came out on an evening flight but it was our first experience with how important planes are to this little community. We have learned so much this year, and have truely fallen in love with Alaska. It is such a unique place and when the day comes to leave I know I will cry. I have never lived anywhere where I just felt at home. I feel at peace here, with a sense of freedom I find difficult to put into words. This past year we have grown as a family. We have learned to appreciate each other more, to enjoy our time together. It has been wonderful to slow down and just reflect on us. I love the simplicity of things here. I don’t feel this pressure of having to “keep up with the Jones’ ” that I was faced with before. While living here you can wear the same jeans 3 days in a row and no one notices. No one cares that you’re wearing the same clothes over and over again. I can finally wear my collection of print screen t-shirts and not feel out of place! We have had so many wonderful experience this past year as well! We have been allowed to live a different way of life than most people could ever dream of. We drive four wheelers to work and go ride snow machines. We got to see moose up close. We went ice fishing, and shot grouse. I learned how to clean birds and how to make fry bread. I bought an Ulu and love it! Best knife ever, it really is. I got to pick berries and learn how to can! I made fireweed jelly and blueberry preserves. I tried my hand at a garden, which did ok until the moose for in to it. I learned that you really have to want something in order to get it here, usually because it is a lengthy process to get it. Yes, we have Amazon Prime but it is not 2 day. You’re actually lucky if you get it within 2 weeks. I learned to pay attention to shipping policies because that whole “free shipping” often excludes Alaska. We got to try moose, and reindeer, and grouse. We are part of the few that have tried akutaq! Which is really good by the way. We got to experince Artic temperatures. Where it's so cold your hand will stick to metal and burn. Where you have to keep all skin covered bc it just hurts. Ah, good times. In the end it doesn't matter when we leave, or where we go, Alaska will always be a part of us. We love it here and it feels like home.

[wanderingsoulwv]

Flower boiling time! #fireweed #fireweedjelly #alaskaliving #BushLife

[wanderingsoulwv]

Fourth of July Bush Style

This year our Fourth of July was so much fun! I got to experience an entirely new way of how people celebrate our Independence. It starts with a small but adorable parade that is made up mostly of the Fire people, the Rescue Squad, the VPSO, and a bunch of people on bikes that are all decorated. It takes about 5 minutes for the entire thing to pass you, but there is so much energy you can't help but smile. They throw candy and wave and honk. They let their sirens wail, just like in the bigger cities. The fire people spray people with water. Everyone is waving, everyone is smiling. Then you race to the ball park, which is where the parade ends, so you can get a good spot to enjoy the festivities there. Someone is BBQing, the Rescue Squad is selling t-shirts and popcorn, kids are jumping and playing at the "water park." everyone is happy. Then they start with the games. They have a good size pile of sawdust that they have burried treasure in for the kids. They have coins ranging from pennies to quarters, and even a few special tokens that you turn in for prizes. My little one enjoyed finding treasure. Amongst the other games like three-legged and gunny sack race, which I did participate in, they have a greased pole which has money on it. To get the money you have to climb up the pole. It was interesting to watch people do it. The day is ended wirh base ball games lasting until almost 10 pm! Now, no, we didn't have fireworks. I mean what's the point really? It's still super bright outside because of the Midnight Sun, it was still a great way to celebrate! And even though it started pouring rain on and off for the ballgame, the energy was so high that the atmosphere seemed to make everyone in good spirits. It was great to see the entire community come together to put this on. That's the part that I find so amazing and special. That's why I love this place!

[wanderingsoulwv]

Home made pom poms DNR threw out at the parade!#alaskaliving #BushLife #wheninthebush #pinterest

[wanderingsoulwv]

Daylight

The Summer Solstice was a few days ago, the longest day of the year and McGrath saw a smidge over 20 hours of actual daylight. However, it never gets really dark. You can still see the twilight lingering on the horizon. And the sun doesn’t seem to move in the pattern I’m accustomed to. Instead of going straight across the sky, there is a curve to it. We have to have cardboard and blackout curtains covering the windows in the house, just to keep enough light out that we can sleep. The living room is so bright at night that I constantly think I must have left a light on, when I go to bed. The term “at night” is relative because it never seems to really be night. That’s how I’m able to stay out till almost midnight and not need headlights while driving, or still need sunglasses at 10 pm. Our days will start getting shorter, slowly at first so a point where our days become “normal” for a while. But then….the dark season will start to come…it seems there is a turning point to all of this.

When we first arrived here in September the sun didn’t set until around 11 or 10, but it did fully set. Then I noticed the days start getting shorter and shorter and then BOOM, all of a sudden it felt like the days were significantly shorter. Then we were only getting 4 hours for a little while…. Same thing with the coming of the light. The days for longer and longer and then “normalized” out for a while, before finally never seeming to set. It’s crazy how fast the changes take place, so subtle at first you don’t notice and then it’s all you do notice.

I must say that even though the sun has messed significantly with my sleep, I enjoy it. I enjoy being able to go sit outside at 11 pm and still have enough daylight left that I can read in the sun. And believe me I am soaking up the sun as often as possible because I know….I will blink and the darkness will be upon us again.

[wanderingsoulwv]

Enjoying this gorgeous #Alaskan day #soakingupthesun

[wanderingsoulwv]

My Ulu came!!! Now I just need a fish! 🐟 #alaskaliving #ulu

[wanderingsoulwv]

My slippers finally came!!! Seal with beaver trim. I've been wanting some for 6 months and finally found some :) #alaskaliving #BushLife

[wanderingsoulwv]

What's new

Wow! It has been a hot minute since I last wrote here. I'm sorry, I've been super busy and out and about enjoying all that the Bush has to offer. Now it's spring time and I've planted a garden to hopefully grow some yummyness. It had a rocky start, but I've got my fingers crossed. It is crazy how fast the landscape has changed. It went from being white and frozen to lush and green almost overnight. The river was frozen one day and then next the ice was gone. And it was wet and dreary for a few weeks and then BOOM!! Everything is budding and animals started returning. I cannot even begin to describe how many shades of green there are. More than I've seen anywhere. It is also crazy to think that I now believe 65 is a nice warm day. I am wondering how I will ever make it though summer when I already think such a low temperature is warm enough. LOL. Our houses don't have A.C. so we have the few windows open and fans running to help keep it cool. My favorite thing to do to unwind is just hop on the wheeler and just go for a ride. I don't worry about anything more than the moment whenever I'm riding. It's very freeing and I think this is my element. This is where I'm supposed to be. I know it cannot last so I treasure it. We went for a boat ride and it's nice and relaxing being on the river. The water is still ice cold but open and creates a nice ride. I have been to town a few times since my last post. It's crazy how after a few days of being in civilization I am exhausted and ready to just come back to the Bush. I like my simple life here. Nothing too crazy or hectic happening. I just do. Nothing really as far as planning. I just do and I absolutely love it. It's fire season right now. We had a fire about 50 miles away a week ago, but don't worry it's contained now! It gets pretty lively here. The fire station comes alive with people when a fire is near. The jumpers come in along with other crews, and the sky becomes filled with planes and helicopters. It's pretty neat to watch them all in action. You could see the smoke from the fire for a few days. It looked almost like a cloud but obviously it wasn't. You could also smell a faint whiff of smoke. I cannot think of anything to write. That's how simple life is here. So I'll sign off now. Till next time!

[wanderingsoulwv]

Iron Dog

Well today, Sunday, was the official start of Iron Dog. Now for those of you that don’t know what that is let me enlighten you. In short, it is “the world’s longest toughest snowmobile race” that covers 2,031 miles across Alaska. Its ceremonial start is in Anchorage, then heads to Nome before finishing in Fairbanks. To give you an idea that’s “roughly the distance from New York City to Phoenix, Miami to Denver, or Seattle to Chicago.“ They have little checkpoints all along the race trail that causes a big excitement for the towns and villages. McGrath is one of those stops, and everybody is on pins and needles waiting for that first machine to come flying down the river and up the A.C. slip, which is a pretty steep hill that comes up off the river on to the main road. They are excited to cheer for their teams they are connected with, they are excited to see their loved ones make it here, they are just excited. There are a few teams from McGrath in the race this year. We are pulling for Team 12!! The team’s don’t usually get there till night ranging anywhere from 10 p.m. on. Some teams didn’t even make it in until 2 or 3 a.m. Some haven’t even made it to McGrath yet. It’s all about timing.

Now, this race can be dangerous, like almost everything here. People can get hurt, they’re exposed to the elements, something could happen to their machine leaving them stranded in the middle of nowhere, just to name a few. These riders train months for this race. As soon as they can, they start practice riding. They have to know their machine inside and out, because if it breaks, there is no pit crew to fix it, they are the ones that have to fix it. Sometimes, they can’t fix it though. Heartbreaking as it is, sometimes things are just completely out of their control and they can’t fix their machine. Think of it like in Nascar, when your favorite driver has a big race that they’ve been training for, and they are doing well and then something happens, so they go to the garage to try to get it fixed, knowing they cannot possibly win but with the hope that they can at least return and finish. But then the unfortunate thing happens and they can’t even finish….yeah now imagine how that feels. But, all they can do is give it their all and do the best they can in this unforgiving land. Sometimes they can fix it just enough to get to the next station, like at least 2 teams came in with only 1 ski. Imagine trying to make it up the slip and travel all those miles with only 1 ski. It’s crazy!!!! And man are they fast. I looked out over the river and saw their lights way down river, and within seconds they were coming up the slip. It was an exciting thing to see.

On today, Monday, it was an impressive site to see all the team’s that came in overnight. They are all lined up side by side, in their set spots. People go and view them. Because they can only be worked on when they riders are on the clock, they sit there resting for a nice time. The riders are all in the local cafe’ trying to get food and rest and it’s a madhouse, but the atmosphere is buzzing. Everyone is all excited and getting ready to head out on their time. I go outside and watch them head off. Their time starts and they quickly work on their machines. Then head over to get the official gas for them. *A rule is everyone has to use the same fuel that is provided to make sure the playing field is level.* They fill up and zoom zoom down the road, back down the slip, on to the river and speed off to their next stop. It’s a timed race, with a set number of rest hours at each place, so just because you were the first team in, doesn’t mean you’re in first place. You’re just trying to travel the 2,031 miles in the shortest amount of time. Good luck to all the teams out there and safe travels and fair skies friends!!!

[wanderingsoulwv]

Snow machine!!!

So today was the first time I’ve rode a snow machine. Now a snow machine is what people elsewhere in the world call a snow mobile. Yes, I realize to a lot of you a snow machine makes snow, not something that lets you ride on snow, but not here. It’s what the people here call it, it’s what I’m calling it, so please don’t say stupid shit like why do you need to make more snow in Alaska? You’ve been informed….MOVING ON!

Now, as I said we bought a snow machine and today was the first time I’ve ever rode one. Let me just say it was a learning experience. Lesson 1- Make sure every inch of exposed skin is covered, especially when it’s 5 degrees outside. I didn’t have goggles, so a nice part of my forehead and eyes were left unprotected. It only took about 30 seconds to realize this was a horrible, horrible mistake. Not only did I have an instantaneous headache, I also was so nauseous, I made S stop so I could recover. Needless to say we went straight to the store and got me goggles. It was wayyyyy better after that. Lesson 2- If you are riding longer than 15 minutes wear the Bunny boots! My boots are rated for minus 40, but a big factor in this is movement. Ergo, you’re not moving your feet, therefore that’s not a true rating. My toes weren’t popsicles, but they were quite chilly. Lesson 3- I should have worn the long johns. I assumed I would be fine with just my lined jeans and Carhartt bibs, but I could have used an extra layer. Lesson 4- Make sure your hair is dry…yes this seems obvious and it is but it’s still a lesson…. Lol Lesson 5- Enjoy the view :) It was amazing! The way the sun hits the ice and snow….it glitters and sparkles. I never realized how much we were missing. It’s like in Aladdin when they are on the magic carpet….a whole new world!!!! Hahaha At first it really took my breath away, but I tell you….I am hooked! I can’t wait to go out again!!! As soon as it’s broken in, we will be going in the trails and taking baby steps to possibly riding on the river. Ahhhhh life is good :)

[wanderingsoulwv]

Bc I'm homesick today

[wanderingsoulwv]

#always #ripprofessorsnape

[wanderingsoulwv]

2015

Well....today is New Years Eve. The last day of 2015 and I must say it wasn't all that bad of a year. Big changes, happiness, making peace....it was good. S got out of the Marine Corps, which not gonna lie caused panic. I continued to love my job as a surgical tech. I became friends with some amazing people. My new friends help me see what a great person I actually am, and that I am loved and cared about. My daughter grew, and shows me everyday how incredibly smart and creative she is. We finally got out from that hellish nightmare of a house. I made peace with my mother. I let negative people go from my life. Finally got back to an amazing point in my marriage. Learned how to become a better parent. S got a new job and we picked up and moved to the middle of the Bush in Alaska. I am living in the middle of nowhere in Alaska!!!! I did things I never dreamed of doing. Driving across country. Seeing Rushmore. Seeing Little Big Horn. Seeing a moose. Getting close enough to a moose I could touch it. Experiencing almost 4 foot of snow. Thinking 45 is warm. Getting a new job working with children. Shooting and cleaning a grouse. Getting on a plane. Getting on a plane by myself. Getting on a tiny plane. Getting on a tiny plane by myself. Living in minus 30 temperatures. Tackling challenges of Bushlife. Mailing food to myself. Becoming stronger than I ever thought possible. 2015 was full of emotions. Up and down and back up again. Feeling so hopeless I never thought I could get up again. Feeling so happy I thought I would burst. But I made it. Another year full of wonderful memories. The only thing I wish for 2016 is to keep on having these amazing adventures. Meeting amazing people. And most of all time slowing down so my life one doesn't grow up so fast. *Cheers*

[wanderingsoulwv]

Best one yet!

Ahh the day after Christmas. I wake up to my child playing with her new favorite toy, this little mouse that Santa brought her. I reflect on the happiness yesterday brought. Watching my little ones face light up warmed my heart, and hearing her giggle with delight was what I live for. I love that sound. I think it is my favorite sound in the entire world. I think this Christmas was the best one yet. Even though we were away from family and didn't get to see them it was still our best. It was a simplified version which made it seem more authentic. We opened our gifts gifts and played with them. Then I made the simplest Christmas dinner which was still yummy. Then we took off all our boxes and wrapping to the burn box and drove around looking at Christmas lights! Yes, even here in the Bush we decorate for Christmas. Then came home and rented Minions for our Christmas movie. It was awesome! I also received the most thoughtful gift ever. My husband got me a gift that will help tremendously with my OCD. I know some look at it as a cool new gadget but this is something he really thought about that would help me. Keep my from my panic, help keep me focused, make life easier for me and it will. I almost started crying when I saw it because it was so thoughtful of him. He also really stepped up and helped me this Christmas. I came down with a terrible cold that seriously kicked my ass and he helped me get things done. He helped wrap presents, and clean, and put up lights outside. That in itself was a gift. I loved this Christmas best one yet!!!!

[wanderingsoulwv]

Traditions

It's Christmas Eve and as I'm sitting here contemplating on where to start I begin thinking about traditions. Some of the Christmas traditions we have are things from my childhood that I never would have thought would stick with me. For example, every Christmas without fail my mother would clean the entire house. It was always a big production that everyone was forced to partake in. And then, you had to make sure you were clean as well. Freshly cleaned and dried hair, clean sheets, and fresh new smell goods. I never understood it. Why did it matter if the floor was vacuumed? Santa didn't care, of that I was sure. But here I am, my 8th Christmas on my own and I find I am doing this same thing. My house has to be cleaned, everyone has to have clean bodies and clean hair, freshly groomed. I smile a little because my husband doesn't get it, but he helps anyways. Another tradition is you get to open 1 thing on Christmas Eve but only after you had cleaned up. What we have started doing is our Elf brings everyone a gift and that's what we open. This year is great because our Elf finally has a name, Applepuss. Another fun one is on Christmas we would always go watch a movie. This year living in the Bush we are going to have to try to stream a movie to keep that one going. If we wanted to go watch a movie We would have to go get on a plane and fly to Anchorage. So instead, we will sit on the couch and snuggle up and watch a new movie. Ah, traditions you keep me going. Merry Christmas everyone!!!

[wanderingsoulwv]

Tradgey

When tradgey hit this small village I now call home, I wondered what would happen next. How would this small place be able to deal when they lost one of their own, especially in such a sad way. The story is a sad one that you can read about at the bottom. This post is about how McGrath deals in the face of tragedy and the response has been overpowering. The entire village has come together to help find one of their own. They have spent hours and hours in below zero conditions to help find him. The Village Council is providing food and warmth to the volunteers that are searching. The people in the village are dropping off food and drinks to help. Everyone is assisting in any way they can, no matter how small. It really is a beautiful thing to see everyone come together. Even more amazing are his Marine brothers. When they heard he was missing they set up a go fund me account to send up as many as possible to help aid in the search. The response to their campaign has been phenomenal! The local airline has helped try to fly as many as they can from Anchorage to McGrath. The local hotel has set up a deal to help them with boarding. The people have opened their homes up to them for the overflow. People have volunteered their cold weather gear to help them as most have never felt this kind of cold before. People have offered everything they can from making food to lending their washing machines and dryers. It's a beautiful thing to see. People coming together to help one another out in a time of need. If more people in the world followed this example I believe the world would be a much better place. No-one here is thinking, "What's in it for me?" instead they are asking, "What can I do?" They are working all day and then going out on the river at night to help with the recovery. They are doing everything they can, in every little way to help. I recently watched a video where people from the outside often look down at Villiage life. They believe there is something wrong with "these people" and "this place" but honestly I have rarely seen something as wonderful as "these people" or "this place." It's a rare thing to see an entire community come together in such a big way. Here is the link for Casey Graham's Go Fund Me account. It was set up by his Marine brothers and whatever is left after expenses will go to Casey's family. Please donate if you can, and if not please share. Every little bit helps in a big way. https://www.gofundme.com/caseygraham The link also has the story of what happened. As stated this post was about how McGrath handled what happened.