I came to Alaska at age 20. Was homesick as hell for the next 15 months, when I went back Outside to visit friends and family for 6 weeks.
When the airliner dropped below the clouds above Indian, I looked down and saw the sheep trails I'd followed a few weeks before. I don't think that silly chit-eatin' smile left my face for a good six weeks.
Surprised the heck out of me that I'd found my life-time home. I didn't leave even temporarily for a decade afterward.
