Alaska is a dangerous place.

Alaska is a dangerous place, everyone knows that. Rivers that can swell overnight, cutting you off. Mountains where it can snow anytime of the year.  Grizzly bears. Black bears, both of which can outrun Usain Bolt without really trying. Wolves, mountain lions or cougars.  Moose weighing 1500lbs+. Elk not much smaller. A protective sow will charge anything that threatens her offspring. And four wheel drive trucks the size of, well, four wheel drive trucks, sometimes being driven in a less than ideal way. Super large RV's or Winnebagos with an octogenarian at the wheel with bilateral cataracts who is not quite sure if this is the right way to the Walmart. Yes, Alaska is dangerous. Everyone knows that.

• But that is not the danger I am referring to.

The real danger is that you come here and gently fall in love with the place. The land. The people. The 'spirit'. Because the land is breathtaking.  The wildlife is awe inspiring. The people, from four wheel drivers to the snow geese in their RV's, are so friendly. Everyone looking out for each other, but fiercely independent too. Yes, Alaska is dangerous.

 And if you are thinking this is just a crush, you will be wrong.
I am a little bit in love with the place.



Below: Sarah feeling endangered. Denali national park.