Reflections on our Alaskan Adventure

For 71+ years, I've lived in the southeastern United States.  And although desirous of doing so, I've seldom had the opportunity to travel widely - until now!!   Never have I visited and viewed our great American Northwest, nor the majestic land of Seward's Folly!!

Well now!!  All that is in the process of changing!!

By transposing the phrase, that "one man's trash is another man's treasure," one can, I believe, rightfully state, that "one man's perceived folly is a nation's treasure."  In fact, dividends have been gained in furs, gold, oil, and - continue to be gained in the immense, beautiful environment - that is Alaska.

Through the graciousness of a long-time friend from our former home in Beaufort, SC -  who now resides in the beautiful, picturesque village of Haines, AK - my wife and I are settled in for a month - preparing to work, play, taste, and enjoy life in the vast wonder of America's last frontier.

This opportunity has presented itself, in large part, due to the work of my wife, Melba, who in retirement, has continued to explore and expand the infusion of art - as a tool for assisting teachers to enhance the academic learning desires and skill development of their students.

During our month long stay, here in Haines, Melba will be consulting with several teachers and counselors in various settings - who work with children and adults, assisting them to view opportunities for using art as an adjunctive means of enhancing their work efforts.

However, by no means is our being in Haines an "all give" occasion.  For although we have only been here less than forty-eight hours, it is readily apparent that this community loves and values art, and that it is a community of persons who are giving - in multiple ways - to enhancing the quality of life for themselves and others - through multiple and various ways.

There are several excellent craft shops in the area, along with a small, but impressive museum.  The culture, particularly of the native Tlingit Indians - reflected in their totems, dances, and stories - is respected, and has in recent years, enjoyed a renaissance of cultural awareness and respect - that in former years was lacking.  As I've listened to persons discuss the renewed respect for the Tlingit culture, it reminds me of the sense - in which the Gullah culture of the South Carolina and Georgia coast - has also enjoyed a renewed sense of cultural and historical respect in recent years.

However, my initial impression of Haines is that the word "beautiful" is too limited - in fact, too trite - for describing the overwhelming majestic beauty that constantly appears before one's eyes.  As my wife states, "everywhere one turns and looks is a photographic opportunity."

Our ferry trip up from Juneau through the Lynn Canal - or more accurately, a fjord that in places is 1500 to 1600 feet deep - was a journey along mile-after-mile of massive, snow-capped mountains that, for me, repeatedly echoed Haydn's lines in "The Creation" - "the hand that made us is divine"!!

And yesterday afternoon, on an area tour into the Chilkoot Valley, the pristine majesty of this area, which attracted John Muir in 1897, was in subtle - but vivid display.  It's been a life-time wait; however, being able to view a bald eagle sweeping and diving down from high in a fir tree, and plucking its meal from the waters - that's high drama, not often viewed in our modern world.

And to think that in October and November, each year, the Chilkat Valley area has the largest concentration of bald eagles anywhere on the North American continent.  It's a family reunion of between 3500 and 4000+ eagles!!  And what brings them together?  It's the great, annual festive event of being able to feast on the remains - after the great spawning and salmon run.

So, what does our journey to Haines, AK hold for us?

Well, that's why we're here - to find out and to enjoy persons and events, as they happen.  As the month unfolds, I'll be reflecting and commenting!   Hopefully, it'll be worth your time to "stop by" for a few moments!!