So what does “Real Life” look like in Alaska. You know I spent the fall living off the land. My winter set up is not quite so rustic. I am living in a tiny cabin heated by a wood stove. I have electricity (from an extension cord run out from the main house) but no running water. I have access to a kitchen and full bath in the main house. My cabin is a cozy little place. It was a screened in building until October when Mary – the woman I am working for – had it insulated. She choose the fabric for the walls and the colors. I’ve taken it upon myself to make a few additions to the cabin that make it very functional!

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Winter cabins in Alaska generally have 6 inches of insulation. If they are log cabins the logs are generally that diameter or greater. These little spaces heat up quick. With out running water you can leave them for days or weeks with out worry. My cabin has 4 inches of insulation. I can get that place like a sauna! It heats up quick – but in real cold like -30, once the fire dies out it only holds the heat for about 4 hours. There is a flow to living in a cabin heated with wood. You have to start a fire at least 30 minutes before you want to be in it with out your jacket on. If you keep tabs on it through the evening, you can have it toasty by the time you retire for the night. And the wood stove – it’s like a new relationship where you are getting to know your partner…. what makes it burn most efficiently, how to get it started quickly and of course what makes it burn real hot! It’s taken a month but the wood stove and I are in a groove. I’d say that’s pretty good for a relationship!

But on to real life. I’m learning a lot of lessons here. I’m taking walks under the stars and the crescent moon – or what Mary calls “the canoe moon”. I’m finding time to get on my nordic skis. I’m making new friends, we have potlucks, I cook, clean, do dishes, grocery shop like anyone else…. and this week I spent a lot of time at the hospital, supporting my friend through a surgery and the after care. Times like that are intense and can push you to your edge – I met mine on visit 3 to the ER in 24 hours! While life feels “surreal” by not having a job, it is very real in the experiences it provides me each day. Practicing communication with Mary who I share space with, exploring the dynamics of power with the dogs, taking moments to appreciate the grouse on the railing or the grossbeaks at the feeder. Living in this vast state with a different set of challenges than Seattle or the other places I have called home and showing up to each day open to whatever it hands me. That is real life.


Bring it Alaska!