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.

Happy Birthday to Sarah

29 years ago my second daughter was born in the old Haines clinic during a blizzard. Dr. Len Feldman delivered her with his boots on, and then the power went out so we were told we could go home. Our first visitors the next morning were Roger and Nancy Schnabel, who...

Heard on the Wind Chill Line

We are entering the bragging stage of a cold snap. You know, the it’s colder at my house than your’s phase,  when we say things like, ” We skated across Chilkoot and it was so cold I had to keep my eyes shut or they’d freeze” or “I...

Eight Degrees and Clear

It’s eight degrees with a North wind that could turn your face into an ice sculpture in about three minutes. Which means the skating is pretty good up at Rutzebeck by the rock end and great at Chilkoot once you get past the rough front part and down toward the...

John is Cleared

For those of you following big game guide John Katzeek’s trial in Juneau, you may have seen him almost smiling at the basketball games this weekend (almost,  if you know John.) Friday a jury found him not guilty of all the major charges against him. Here are the...

Sunday’s Thought

“This is another day , O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me do it gallantly.”...

Under the Weather

So of course my sun-kissed fresh-produce eating body completely collapsed after three days back home in the frozen north. We get soft so quickly. That will teach me to leave. Which means as far as the Iditaswim goes after a blazing start  my doggies are stuck in...