Alaska, 2006
(or Northern Exposure)

6/17 6/18 6/19 6/20 6/21 6/22 6/23 6/24 6/25 Epilogue

EPILOGUE—July 7, 2006 (Friday)

I understand a little more now the idea of Alaska as the last great American frontier. I certainly can't imagine any other place on Earth quite like it. The scale of everything is so much bigger. I had pictured a land of mountains and snow; what I hadn't realized was the diversity of the rugged environment. We saw climates ranging from glaciers to rain forests in our short visit.

The fascinating thing to me is how Alaska is today as it ever was, a struggle of men and women against the environment to sift a living from the land. Everyone should come here at least once, however, to understand the sheer majesty of wilderness. Just remember to pack for all seasons when you come, because you're likely to experience the entire range whenever you visit.

For my usual closing observations:

  • Pretty much every major population center in Alaska is nestled between snow-capped mountains and the sea.
  • The camera can't do this place justice.
  • Don't bet the green chips unless you have a whole lot of 'em.
  • The ship's elevators are malevolent.
  • Wherever you go, there's no place like home.

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