Blog Entry 6

Personally I don't interact with Alaskan wilderness on a regular basis. Thinking back to when I first moved to Alaska in 1999 (when I was 7), I became best friends with the girl across the street, and because of that friendship I became somewhat comfortable with Alaskan nature. When I was younger, playing in the tree house, by the slough or in the woods by my house was something I looked forward to. However, when my friend moved in 2003, I lost my desire to go out and play in nature.

Although I had some of my best childhood memories playing with my best friend in the woods, I believe that my perspective as a 20 year old has changed my view of Alaskan wilderness. I think that as I've gotten older, I've gained knowledge about how dangerous the Alaskan wilderness can be. A person can be so vulnerable when out in the Alaskan wild, and the possibilities of danger can arise not only from the weather, but the wildlife. The fear of extreme weather and animal attacks have kept me from venturing into nature as an adult. Which leads me to believe that as a child, I was more adventurous and willing to take risks, but as an adult I am more skeptical because I have some knowledge about the danger of the Alaskan Wild.

I believe that I have lost most of my wonder when it comes to the Alaskan Wilderness. Although I still find it breathtakingly beautiful at times, I make sure to keep my distance. I have never gone camping, hunting, and have only fished at a lake and once on a charter boat in Homer. I do enjoy nature, but its from a distance.

Photo of a Moose taken my my stepdad on trip to Anchorage in April 2011.

Highway infront of Mountain. Taken on trip to Anchorage April 2011.