our trip to alaska was a learning experience.
we realized a lot about what we need to exist.
number one on that list:
our car = our freedom. without it we were trapped in a cycle of bad food choices, nothing to do that didn’t rely on the shuttle schedule and ultimately a scary health moment that led us to the decision to leave. isolation is one thing, but being hours away from medical care is a whole other ball of wax when you have a chronic illness.
number two:
good friends can be made everywhere you go. we met a handful of people that we will definitely stay in touch with. and then we met a few people who became close friends. being in the same situation; living, working, eating, playing together builds strong friendships. that was a positive. that was something we wouldn’t change.
number three:
alaska is just alaska. so on the bus ride (the torturous, five hour bus ride from anchorage to healy) I kept waiting. waiting for the “WOW!!” moment when alaska would knock my socks off. that never came. I mean, it was pretty and it had trees and mountains and more trees…but it wasn’t like, OH OK THIS IS AMAZING. it was just, *shrug* alaska.
number four:
I never saw a bear: in fact in the months we were there the total wildlife I saw amounted to three moose and a handful of sea gulls. seriously.
(ok I did get to see this, which was pretty freaking cool. the bus they used in the filming of into the wild which was an inspiration for coming here in the first place.)
number five:
we really just need each other. (I know, right?) but for real. life is about the people you choose to share it with. and then making that time the healthiest, happiest time possible.
stay tuned. we’re moving this party east :)
All images © 2013-2016 Jeannie M. Starks / two daisies life
two daisies / life 
No *wow moments? Then I am sure you did not stray too far from the beaten path of the millions of other tourists that visit Alaska. It is true that you will either hate or love Alaska after that first visit but you have to explore the real ‘off the beaten path’ Alaska to obtain the memories that will be with you the rest of your life. I feel sorry you did not experience those and hope you will return and give Alaska a chance to grab a hold of your soul.
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Pete, we were not there as tourists, so unfortunately we didn’t have much time to stray from the Interior. I’m sure there are breathtaking, memory-making parts of Alaska that we didn’t get to experience, and perhaps one day we will get to return and do so. I’d love to see the coastal regions, or the Arctic Circle areas. Unfortunately though, we were there as seasonal employees who have an entirely different experience than the tourist. Thanks for your perspective!
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