Alaska Is

I know this reads like fiction... but it truly was just another afternoon in my Alaska. How I do love this place. Click the photo to enlarge.

 

 

Alaska is a never-ending source of wonderment for me.

I've lived here all my life and still everyday brings something new and different. Even the weather, in it's harshest onslaught, can be mesmerizing.

The photos on my page are testament of what we experience everyday here. Capturing those scenes with my camera somehow sets all things right.

After several years of wanting to go trout fishing again, I found myself alone in a canoe on a gorgeous little lake five minutes from my house a few weeks ago. I spent two hours paddling around the lake, casting here and there not really caring if I caught anything. Eventually I felt a tug on the line and began playing in a small Rainbow trout. The fish was leaping from the water and diving back to the depths. The silver and pink and black markings on it's side glistened in the water, and then the sunlight. As I sat in that little canoe on the flat-calm lake "fighting" a brave and determined little fish a Bald Eagle began buzzing me. Not threateningly really, just swooping by to let me know she was quite interested in what was on my hook. I've never seen an eagle do that before and it was remarkable.
Eventually the fish began to tire so I gave it a little slack and it freed itself. As I reeled in my lure I glanced up at the eagle, she had landed in a nearby tree to watch the epic battle. She realized the fish was gone and I swear she gave me the nastiest scowl.

I paddled around the lake for a while more, I was the only human there amidst the loons, the watchful eagle, and whatever fish swam beneath me. The lake was like a mirror, save the ripples from my canoe. The only sound was the swish of my paddle.
Ahhh... my Alaska. I wish you could see this place...

Reviews

[J]

Aaaaaah. You have given me such an aching ~ if only to sit on the shore and interpret the silence. Do you really think that ........ someday? Ya know ~ I've never been, but through you . . . I feel the sting of homesickness. How blessed you be. ;-) Thank you, D, for sharing with all of us your world of unmitigated glory. Truly God's hand . . .

[Creepy Swine Guy]

I've been there. Not specifically in Alaska, but in the solitude of a dozen small lakes where I was the only human. The silence is stark ... and therapeutic. You've made me yearn even more for the arrival of spring ... if that's possible.

[Emily B]

I think we just did see it. Through your eyes. It is the loveliest place I know, next to my Kentucky. ;)

[An Ordinary Woman]

I feel like I saw your Alaska, Dale. I mean really I could see it and it was breathtaking. The eagle, wow. I wish you would've had your camera too but thank goodness you can write and that your willing to write, this is every bit as good as photograph. It really is.

[Marianna Venodecci]

I love the passion you feel for your state. It's inspiring and very descriptive. Nice piece. :)

[raining]

Yes, I can imagine. I live in Vermont and so have been in a canoe with a fishing rod as well. I spent time leaning back, letting the canoe drift in ArrowHead lake, nothing to do but be there. I enjoyed your story. Vermont is not a wild as Alaska perhaps but we have our moments. thanks, raining

[alternative_be]

Thank you for this litlle bit of 'Northern Exposure'.
Sometimes I dream of living in balance with nature, the way you are describing.
Well, I am moving to the country in a few months time ...
I really enjoyed your piece, thank you for sharing!