Myths about Alaska

It was a skating rink outside this morning!

My alarm went off at 5:30 a.m., and usually I try to be out the door within 15 minutes. However, I gave myself 30 minutes prior to heading out. I think this really helped because when 6:00 rolled around, I didn’t feel so dead tired and instead felt up for a run.

As soon as I stepped outside, I saw the street lamps reflecting off the ice on the streets and figured there was no possible way I would be able to run! However, I thought I should at least give it a try–since I was dressed and outside. So I carefully shuffled my feet to the street and prayed I wouldn’t fall. As I took off, there was just enough “ripples” in the ice that made it manageable to run without falling flat on my face.

I didn’t know how far I would be able to go, but I wanted to go at least go 3 miles. (I have this notion that a run has to be at least 3 miles.) When I go to the spot I would turn around for 3 miles, things were going okay, so I decided to try for 4 miles. I ended up running 5 miles, which I was pleased about. (Although, ideally, I would have liked to run 7-8.) I took it pretty slow, so I’m sure my splits were around 9 minute miles.

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I have lived in Alaska for over 3 years now. During my time here, I have learned quite a few things about the state and the many things that make this place unique:

1. The amount of daylight.

(This was taken at 4:30 p.m. today.)

Most of the “light” in these pictures comes from the streetlights reflecting off the snow and clouds above.

2. Seeing moose in the city.

3. Salmon fishing

4. Sea kayaking

Growing up (I grew up in Minnesota.), I really had no concept of what life in Alaska was like; it seemed so mysterious. I knew the state was there, but didn’t know the first thing about it. So, I want to occasionally post about life in Alaska and give people a glimpse about life here.

Let’s start by making a few things clear:

– We do not ride dog sleds to school/work.

– We do not live in igloos–no one does, not even the Eskimos.

– Penguins do not live here.

– It is not always dark; there are 20 hours of daylight (for Anchorage) in the summer.

– Alaska is not near Hawaii.

– If you have not been to Alaska/Anchorage, Anchorage looks like any other city complete with chain restaurants, strip malls, and some “skyscrapers” (although they aren’t super tall).

There are so many other things I could write about, but I’m going to save those things for future posts!

Question

For those of you who don’t live in Alaska, what are you curious to know more about? (Don’t be embarrassed!)