Last weekend I had the pleasure of hosting a couple of new construction homes in "The Ranch". The temperatures were around -30F both days, but the skies were clear and the sun was out. It was a mini "Parade of Homes" and it was a very successful event by all counts.
Part of the appeal of living in Alaska is the opportunity to meet some terrific people. Many of the attendees are current military personal and you will gain a sense of sincere appreciation for them and their efforts.
It is always a joy to listen to their stories about where they came from, and how much they enjoy it here. Many have decided that even if they are ordered to go elsewhere, the overwhelming majority have decided that once they retire, that Alaska will be their permanent home.
One of the licensees in the office has some clients that she has gotten to know have now retired from the military, but before they decided that Alaska was where they wanted to spend the rest of their days, they took a 4 month tour of the lower 48 to see if there was somewhere that they would rather be. Up and down the west coast, to Arizona and all the way to Pennsylvania spending a few days in each area to get a "feel" for the area and to see if they would enjoy it there better. The result? They are on their way back to make Alaska their home...and this time for good.
When they spent time in the different areas there was always something that they didn't like. Bear in mind they are retired and have military pensions, so finding a job wasn't important. But what they found was that even though they could buy a home for far less than they could here, being in a dying city didn't feel right to them regardless as to what they could buy a home for.
We have been very fortunate to meet some extraordinary people and are surprised at their generosity. For example, on Saturday I met a military couple that have moved here from Oklahoma. He is an avid hunter and it was fascinating listening to his hunting stories of his trips here. He was recently out to Adak on a successful caribou hunt. Did you know that a bull caribou on Adak can reach 700 pounds? About an hour after they left the home that I was holding open, he returned and asked if I would be interested in trying some of the caribou that he had processed. Of course I was very interested so we went out to the truck and he gave me a sample of caribou burger and package of hot polish sausage. It has been kind of busy since the weekend, and we haven't had a chance to try it yet, but hope to later this week.
Another couple that came (also military) are close to retiring and they had a great story as well. She recently was hired by Knight's Taxidermy (of The History Channel's hit show "Mounted in Alaska") to be a "rugger". http://www.knightstaxidermy.com/ If you have a hide that you want to have a rug made out of, there is a good chance that she will be the one to do it. And has at least year's worth of work ahead of her!
Although there are far more people here, it never ceases to amaze how close knit the community is. And how many things there are to do here. It is going to be an interesting 2012!
Throw another log on the fire and keep an eye out for the Aurora!
Until next time...
Greg
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