An Alaskan Winter

I step out onto the back porch and know I’ve made the right choice. Snow already covers the mountains and soon it will cover the ground. “I want to have a real winter!” I’ve been saying that for the past few months. More importantly I want develop some mountaineering & back country skills. Two weeks wasn’t long enough to explore the Last Frontier so I’m going to spend the winter here getting ready for my next project.

It feels good to have had time to reevaluate my goals. I was ready to go back to Montana and on the verge of heading out when Tyler and I went for a short hike up Flattop. That’s when I knew I needed to stay a little longer.

I found a room share in Anchorage. The house is neighbored by the park. I feel really lucky and can’t help but believe that it was orchestrated. It doesn’t feel like I’m in the city and it’s easy to find a place to work.

My truck bed design turned out to be quite brilliant. Not to brag or anything. Just giving myself a couple pats on the back; no more, just 2. “Good job Dwayne.” I used 2 pieces of angle iron and a 4 U bolts to create a perfect bed for my new room. I love it.

For the last couple of nights the aurora has been quite active. It’s exciting every time it comes out, and I can’t wait to see it again.

I’ve joined a rock climbing gym and can’t wait to actually start progressing. It will take time. My fingers are weak and my skin is tender. That’s what happens when you punch keys all day. That makes my job sound much more intense. I want to learn though. It’s part of the long term goal.

I’ll leave you with a few more pictures of the Aurora. There’s so much to see here!

So much to see! Even from the porch.