As winter approaches and snow begins to fall, Alaska always comes to mind for those of us who have had the experience of visiting this incredible state. 

 It gained a reputation for some unknown reason as a seniors’ place to visit. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Its natural beauty is overwhelming for the very young to the very old. In truth, there is so much to say about Alaska that words do not and could not capture the experience of it all.

Most people visit in the summer. Of course the summer is very short up north.

In July and August the sun rises at 3:30 or 4 in the morning and does not set until approximately 11 at night. This is an unusual experience for those who live closer to the equator.  Seeing snow and ice in August is thrilling. As much as we get tired of the snow in the south and dislike driving in it, Alaskan snow is beautiful.    

For those who love the outdoors the traditional activities in Alaska are very exciting. Kayaking in a parka, hiking on some of the most exquisite trails in North America and whale watching are everyday experiences. Watching bald eagles fly on the same day as seeing salmon jump and seals and sea lions playing in the water are everyday occurrences.

A personal favorite of those on our trip was visiting a husky training centre. It was there that I went on a unique ride.

 Dog sledding is exhilarating. The strength and magnificece of the dogs is overwhelming, and they run fast! It was at the dog training centre that I first met an Alaskan who was born and lives north of the Arctic Circle. How fascinating her life has been. And how her vision of the world is so different from ours.

Alaskans are by and large, content. They travel by snowmobile. Cars are rare in the very north. Shopping and buzzing around are not in their sphere of thinking. Most have no interest in the streets of big cities. They live in Alaska because they love nature and the simplicity of their lives.

All of this said, there is a very sad part to this story. As the ice melts, people will have to travel farther and father north to have a true Alaskan experience. We now know that hills and mountains that were full of snow five years ago are now barren. This once in a lifetime experience will not be attainable to future generations if we do not control the melting ice.

For years, Alaskan park rangers have been letting southerners know that their part of the world is very fragile. We saw the ice floating in the waters that were in one piece just a few short years ago. For this reason and many more, those who are interested should not walk but run to arrange a trip to Alaska.

Shari Krieser, RSW, lives in Toronto, and is a mother to 4 children–ranging in ages 9-20!

She is a Member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers and a Member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

Today she is Chair of the Parent Council at Heydon Park Secondary School, and enjoys her involvement

in the Inclusion Initiative with the United Jewish Appeal.

For fun Shari loves running 10k and half marathons, yoga, and travelling everywhere she can .  Her  passion-we wonder how she finds the time, is reading memoirs and biographies. 

(see Shari above holding the Husky puppy!)

To live anywhere in the world today and be against equality because of race or color is like living in Alaska and being against snow.

- William Faulkner