I read the book “Into the Wild” a couple years back, and even though I think the kid in it was really kind of a dumb ass, (yeah, I think he kind of deserved that phrase) I have always had a mental picture in my head about the back woods of Alaska. And the buses there and the stupid kids that try to live in them. I didn’t see any buses. Only trucks.
My brother took our family on a 4 wheeling adventure the next day. We borrowed an extra wheeler from his wonderful neighbors, so Brady and I could each have one. The little man rode with my brother. It was an all day trip. Which started out on a nice, carved out road into the woods. Later we found ourselves crossing rivers, and climbing rock embankments, driving through water that went well over the tires. Still, we laughed and smiled, with sore butts, the whole way. We passed grizzly poop, and thousands of moose tracks along the way, so we knew we were not alone. We ended up at a raging river, which my husband needed to fish. I got off and sat by a tree. Completely content in the backwoods of this wild country. I might add, it was the first time in all the years I’ve know him, that my husband complimented me on my outdoor recreation abilities. I have always loved 4wheelers, grew up with them, and I don’t get to ride them often. But now, I think I need one. Or two. Or maybe even three. I have a thing for plowing through giant puddles.
The Alaskan brush is harsh. And little tiny bushes are normally taller than a person is. It’s hard to maneuver and easy to get lost. The “trail” we were on was apparently carved out by sheep guides. (which we did see doll sheep on the sides of the mountains, little tiny dots that moved occasionally.) Some how an old truck worked its way back there through all the brush. I have no idea how in the world it could have done that, but none the less, it was there.
We made it back down the moutain and ended in a race. I totally won. And then……totally unlike me, I drank a beer. And then, totally like me, ate King Crabs legs, thanks to my big brother. (Yeah, he kind of spoils us when we visit.)
Song: I’m Free, Kenny Loggins