"Life in Alaska - Doesn't get much better than this" RickinDutch's Profile

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Home of the Largest Bears in North America

Taken in the summer of 2010, these 3 bears were fishing at the Russian River out a Bell's Flats just north of the airport. We decided to fish elsewhere ourselves that day.
Sept 2011 update. We came across the medium sized bear on the right in the above photo while silver salmon fishing on the Russian River. It has gotten much larger than last year and is much faster than he looks. He made it real clear that this was his creek so we went futrther down the road.

Life on Kodiak Island

Kodiak sunrise

We are all settled in Kodiak, Alaska. The move from Unalaska (Dutch Harbor) after living there 18 years proved to me that the Matahama had the right idea. A loincloth and a bowl are all you really need in life. Happy travels!

As I wander thru the many home pages and travel tips from thousands of folks from around the world I find great comfort in sharing that mutual understanding of the importantance of travel. Of getting outside of one's known world and experiencing life in someone else's shoes. Of seeking the different.

Americans are often accused of being ignorant of life in the rest of the world. And for the most part, it is hard to argue the point. On a trip to India years ago, I found myself trying to explain American foreign policy in Central America to a 12 year old Indian girl. She knew more about what we were doing there than I. I've never forgotten that lesson.

Travel, especially outside of our own borders, especially off the beaten path, gives us an understanding of how fortunate we have been and also an idea of what we have missed. Breaks down barriers and wipes away prejudicies. Opens the pores and the eyes.

Anyway, by way of introduction...
My wife Aimee and I have been married 32 years. We raised five kids and are now raising a grandson.

I was born in London, England, and immigrated to the US at the age of 8. Grew up in Los Angeles (Hawthorne & Manhattan Beach). Went to the Air Force Academy but didn't finish. Worked for an airline (Flying Tigers) in L.A. and then in Anchorage for ten years. Saw a lot of airports and a little of the world. Have always enjoyed travel, though it seems either I'm getting claustraphobic or these planes are getting mighty crowded. I remember when you could use the tray in front of you to eat with.

Balancing real life with building virtual travelogues can be a bit dodgy - but doable. Right?

Awe inspiring

Morris Cove (Unalaska) just after a storm

I've been to a few places around this world but never to any place that compares to Alaska. I now understand the term a "sense of place". I'll just be driving along to work mulling over some problem or listening to NPR and then see a scene like this or a humpback whale surfacing in the bay - and my mouth drops open and all I can say is "WOW"!
While driving home a few years ago there was an eagle perched on each of the light poles heading out the valley. 24 in a row! Of course, I'm still not a full blooded VT-aholic, because the camera was at home.

Size does matter!

Size matters!

If you are planning a trip to Alaska, this image will give you a hint of how large we are. I love to tell Texans that if we cut ourselves into two, they would then be the third largest state.
So where I live would be New Mexico and our capitol, Juneau, somewhere in Georgia. A little perspective goes a long way!

Intro Updated May 23, 2012
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Comments (561)

Goner May 23, 2012 at 4:41 PM Report Abuse

Wish I would have seen those bears!!
starship May 23, 2012 at 5:59 AM Report Abuse

Fabulous intro picture! One of my best friends is visiting Alaska right now!
tere1 May 22, 2012 at 1:26 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for the Birthday wishes :-). Hugs from Portugal
Tugboatguy May 20, 2012 at 12:52 PM Report Abuse

Rick, Thank You for your visits and comments to my Oshkosh, Albuquerque and Dayton pages. I will email you about the Crosby Tug acquisition. My wife is a keeper, after being widowed for 32 year and she for 12. Great shots of your family! Doug
dustmon May 18, 2012 at 5:19 AM Report Abuse

Thanx for the ratings---have not been to Alaska yet but one day.......
TravellerMel May 17, 2012 at 2:57 PM Report Abuse

By the way, yours is one of the best travel mottos I've seen in some time!
tayloretc May 17, 2012 at 4:10 AM Report Abuse

Thanks very much for you comments on my Chennai page - I imagine Calcutta must be even more chaotic! I've really enjoyed your Alaska pages, it's been on my wish list for a long time. Cheers!
kellinwood May 16, 2012 at 6:42 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for visiting my pages. Yes, the Terranea Resort is on the site where Marineland used to be.
mccalpin May 16, 2012 at 4:45 PM Report Abuse

Yeah, for suburbia, it's pretty busy here animalwise. Richardson on the northern border of Dallas while Irving is on the western border, so not far away at all...Bill
Beausoleil May 16, 2012 at 4:44 PM Report Abuse

Love your English lessons. "leave your values at the front desk" in Paris does not surprise me, but my favorite had to be the "When passenger of foot heave in sight, tootle the horn. Trumpet him melodiously at first, but if he still obstacles your passage then tootle him with vigor" from the car rental firm in Tokyo.

Thanks for your comment and thanks for posting these. You live in a gorgeous place . . . but I don't think I'd like winter there. ;^)