Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Alaska Good Bye to Alaska

My office in 1975 and 76:

Congrats on your retirement.

I've never been to Alaska and only met 4 people that have, that I know of. Two of them went for vacations and loved it. One lived and worked there for several years. The 4th person hated it, but he didn't go for a vacation. Mr. Rollins was sent there in '41 and stayed until '45. RIP Mr. Rollins.

Having lived previously in Idaho for 3 years I think you will like it there, if I hadn't decided to move back to Ak I would have probably stayed there. I've got 3 kids that live Idaho, 2 in Mtn Home and 1 in Twin Falls so I do get to spend a little time there every now and then. I'm about 4-5 years out from retiring myself and I'm not sure what our plans are for the future but if we move, Idaho is near the top of the list, along with Wyoming and Montana. Good luck and have fun in your retirement.

I get to pull the pin next summer. I'm moving further north where the sub-zero winters keep out all but the hardiest of riff-raff and have no desire to ever go back to the L-48 to live. Although my current boss has kinda twisted my arm into taking him and his wife on a tour of deepest-darkest Appalachia in the next couple years. I figure a fall trip with a ride on the Cass Railroad would be a good trip ending.

Tsavo, what detachment were you last with?

What is your definition of civilization?

No reply, no suprise, most people get civilized confused with malls, theaters, paved roads & the like. Been here awhile and on the rare occasion I travel and would like to do more... people always ask "what is it about Alaska?" Difficult question to answer as its one of those, "if you don't know you won't get it".

Finally came up with answer, "its the most civilized place on the planet".

Usally ends the conversation with some quizzical looks.
Bottom line is, civilized is how people treat each other, more so, how strangers treat each other.

That was reinforced today at Freds, when the clerk engaged me in conversation, asked if I found what I was looking for? And very sincerely let me know that if I can't find something in the store to ask a clerk, he then said, sure we're supposed to say that, but I mean it, and I believe he did.

There are good people wherever you go, but Alaska is different, seen plenty leave and return, they may miss the outdoors stuff, but inevitably they say, "its the people". It would be easy to say they miss their friends, nope that's not it. Its Alaskans they miss, capable. Helpful friendly people operating on a face value basis.

I ain't leaving any time soon.

That's what I tell people also.