I live and write on Lingít Aaní, and gratefully acknowledge the past, present and future caretakers of this beautiful place, the Jilkaat Kwaan and Jilkoot Kwaan.

Bikes and Books

Yesterday morning by 7 I had already pedaled my bike up to the White Pass summit and back down to Skagway. This morning I’m drinking coffee in bed. I only tell you about my ride to brag. I’m shameless, and perhaps a little crazy. But I have had a goal...

Off to Skagway

I am off to Skagway for the North Words writing symposium today through Sunday. Which means I will miss John Hagen’s opening at the museum Friday. He will be exhibiting a series of photographs of the Chilkat Beaches where John and I often meet while walking...

Yikes

My father Papa Bob was here a week, and since it was only a week, and since the sun was shining, and since the family has all (just about all, we missed a son-in-law who is hunting in the Aleutians and a son who is crewing on a fishing boat that’s in Seattle...

What’s up this week? A lot.

I missed the inaugural Letter Nerds gathering at the library last night. The new group has formed to promote the old art of paper correspondence. (Cards, paper and stamps will be provided at meetings), because my dad, Papa Bob, the sun worshiper is here, so it figures...

Bear Huntin’. A True Story.

It is the time of year when some folks hunt black bear for meat. Black bears are the pork of rural Alaska. (The butcher will turn ours into sausage and brats.) But there is more to this first hunt of the year than food.  There is something that calls male hunters,...

Sunday’s Thought

“Get a life in which you are not alone. Find people you love, and who love you. And remember that love is not leisure, it is work.”- Anna Quindlen