WE moved to Alaska in 1983 and settled down in Cold Bay. I had always dreamed of Alaska. These dreams resided in my heart and mind. Fueled by Jack London, Robert Service and countless television shows and movies I watched as a kid.  Linda was unsure but it was a paycheck and a career. After my military duty I took advantage of the old GI Bill and went to Oregon State University. Linda made the house and kids all work. I buckled down. When I was done, we were flat broke. Knowing nothing about the Alaskan Bush I applied to the National Weather Service in Alaska and received the one and only job offer after college. We jumped at this opportunity and have never looked back.

We have lived in Cold Bay, Kodiak, Anchorage, Palmer, Fairbanks, Susitna Landing and Wasilla. Along the way we raised two fine sons both straight and true. The adventures we shared are what the dreams of my youth were made of. Plenty of opportunity working for the premier meteorological agency in the world. Linda was more than just a pretty face she also worked retail at her beloved Lamont’s’ in Wasilla. Our family led an Alaskan life of freedom and opportunity.

Of course Linda did the really hard lifting with our sons I just took my sons into the bush    though my sons and I bonded, they learned what was expected of them as they grew straight and tall. We talked about great things and small things. We each learned the importance of depending on each other. As a father there was still some work to do with those boys of ours and all the other friends I brought along helped in that effort. It wasn’t all play.