Jill In Brazil: Missing Alaska

Jill In Brazil: Missing Alaska: "Its 5am and I am up. Just got my parents off to the airport and now I realize that I finally have the time to sit, think & write.&..."

Missing Alaska

Its 5am and I am up.  Just got my parents off to the airport and now I realize that I finally have the time to sit, think & write.  When I get my blog done early, I always feel better.  Because I just spent 10 days with my parents, I am thinking about home and what I really miss.   I miss Phoenix because I could be holding my nephew right now and having fun with my sister, then I miss Colorado because of my friends and the great times we used to have.  But right now if I could be anywhere having Coffee, I would be in Anchorage at Snow City Cafe with K10.  I also miss cross country skiing in Alaska down the coastal trail with a thermos of wine.  It has been going on 6 years since I was in Alaska.  I haven’t back.

 Alaska is the home of my heart.  I don’t think I would ever live there again but Alaska was the place where I was the most in tune with my soul.   It was the only place where I belonged for almost a decade after growing up in North Platte.   One of my favorite places to dance, the music was the best.  Every place had a band playing and there were festivals all summer long.  It was the place where I learned about beer, good beer.  Mmmm how I miss a nice Alaskan Porter, Sierra Nevada IPA or a Polar Pale Ale.  In Brasil almost all beer is domestic or are pilsner types.  The Alaska State Fair is the best fair in the world, the Pizza and salads at the Moose’s tooth are to die for, the best halibut chunks, Homer!!!, the heated toilet seats in the middle of winter and the smell of the wood fire stoves at the Brew house, I can smell it now, the cross country skiing, the hiking in the misty mornings, the feeling of being fully present as you are watching for the signs of large animals while hiking.  Then there is the most Amazing site in the world.  When I would go back this was the sight that would bring me to tears every time.  Turnagain Arm.  It's the road from Anchorage to Girdwood and beyond.  It is amazing, the ocean surrounded by mountains.   

Turnagain Arm

This is the coastal Trail in Anchorage.  I would cross country ski, rollerblade and walk this trail all year long.

Turnigan Arm

Alaska is the place where I learned about sisterhood and had the most amazing adventures.   I camped, I played and I lived…. Really… truly… lived.  I could recommend many places you should visit but I will say from my point of view, Alaska is the Best.