Week One in the Bush

It's been one week since we landed for life in the bush on the Last Great Frontier.  And I am here to say, it is indeed great.  Though, I suppose the previous couple of blog posts suggest that on their own. ;)  In such a short amount of time - (though it feels like much, much longer due to what seems like an absence of clocks and time up here during the summer), I have acquired a good amount of eclectic learnings and new friends.  And in an effort to hold on to such nuggets and remember these gems that I am meeting, I want to document some of them.  I'll start with some of the learnings and consider this my way of giving back should ya'll choose to read and acquire such facts for yourself as well.

1. Like humans, dandelions sleep at night and rely on the sun to know when to awake from their slumber, thus re - blooming in the am.

2. When you hear people clapping, it's not for you.  It's for the mosquitoes.  Sidenote: Grandma's favorite morning activity is electrocuting them; "It's my favorite sound in the world," she says.  I'm starting to agree with her considering I wake up with ankles that look like dogs have been chewing on them for hours.  I guess I have sweet feet.

3. If you think of mosquitoes before bed, you will feel them all over you, all night long - even if they are nowhere to be found.  A bottle of repellent sits with you right alongside your morning coffee, water bottle, and evening glass of wine.

4. Cow owners in Homer, AK, walk their cows on the beach with leashes.

5. It need only be 30 degrees for women in Homer, AK to wear gold bikinis on the beach.

6. When you have walked from the General Store, to the Library, to the Liquor Store, and to Buzz's Coffee Shop (in a matter of two blocks), you have walked through the entire town of Ninilchik, AK.

7. Jack Bison, the best Alaskan name we have heard thus far.

8. The only way to cook a S'more is by sticking the piece of chocolate inside the marshmallow before roasting it.  And they pretty much only sell Jumbo Mallow - this is the big leagues in terms of S'more roasting.

9. Fishing Weirs: One intention of theirs is to make full rivers by stopping and stealing salmon eggs in order to re - produce elsewhere, but according to all the locals, this has actually hindered the fish population and decreased the availability of fish.

10. Despite popular thinking of "bigger is better," halibut weighing between 25 - 60 pounds are the perfect catch and are most favored in regards to taste.  I skinned, battered, cooked, and tasted, so I know. :)  Sidenote: It's a good thing it's common to eat fish five nights a week because we have taken dessert (and caloric intake) to a whole new level here at the lodge.

(Fresh Caught and Seasoned Battered Halibut with Cabbage and a Secret Sauce)

(Homemade Chocolate Crunch Cheerio Balls and Graham Cracker Dipped 'Mallows)

(Homemade Chocolate Fudge with a Peanut Butter Glaze and Graham Cracker Topping)

(Homemade Cake Cookies with a Peanut Butter Filling and Toasted Coconut Topping)

(Cinnamon Apple Bake - just for Fish Camp)

11. The only time when not having cell service doesn't suck: when a river runs through it (literally).

12. Neighbors actually have time to talk with you.

13. People actually fish side by side, in the same river, as grizzly bears.

14. Tradio: It's the live radio version of Craigslist.

15. It's common practice to leave your keys in the engine while shopping.

16. You can still shave your legs despite living in the bush.

17. Off - roading is driving.

18. Natives to Alaska have some of the best stories to share.  A lot of them also have Husky dogs that I would like to bring home with me.

19. Live clams are feisty and put up quite the fight for their lives.

20. Growing up, being a camper and saying goodbye to those on staff was hard.  Being on staff and saying goodbye to the campers feels harder.

21. God is a show - off.  I love it.