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A remarkable compilation of practical information for living in one of the most impractical and inhospitable landscapes in the United States. More than forty pioneer types ranging from their mid-nineties to mid- twenties describe their reasons for choosing to live their lives in Alaska and offer useful instructions and advice that made that life more livable. Whether it be how to live among bears, build an outhouse, cross a river, or make birch syrup, each story gives readers a window to a life most will never know but many still dream about. Fifty photographs and 150 line drawings illustrate the real-life experiences of Alaska settlers such as 1930s New Deal colonists, de-mobilized military who stayed after World War II, dream-seekers from the 60s and 70s, and myriad others who staked their claim in Alaska.
List of contents
CONTENTS INCLUDE:
How to skin a caribou, How to bake bread (with recipe), How to build an outhouse, How to smoke fish (with recipe), How to build a cold-frame, How to walk in snowshoes, How to make the most of your water, How to build a campfire, How to keep moose out of the garden, How to store winter vegetables, How to repair a fishing net, How to notch a log, How to harness a dog team, How to catch a king salmon (with recipe), How to adjust the woodstove flue, How to keep your sourdough alive (with recipe), How to pan for gold, How to brew tundra tea, How to make zucchini bread (with recipe), How to grow a 60-pound cabbage, How to sharpen an ax, How to patch a leaky boat, How to build an outdoor shower, How to press wildflowers, How to paddle a canoe, How to load a packhorse, How to winterize your car
About the author
Tricia Brown is a writer, editor, freelancer, program and book developer, journalist, quilter, mother, grandmother and wife. Her work has been nationally honored for compassionate, insightful depictions of Alaska natives and for children's literature. She began her award-winning literary career in journalism, and in 1984 was the founding editor of Heartland, the Sunday magazine of the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. Later she wrote for the Anchorage Daily News, then shifted into editing the popular monthly magazine Alaska, with a readership of more than a quarter million. She lives in Alaska.Nancy Gates has gathered information and compiled the updates for the Alaska Almanac for the past nine years from her home office in the state.
Summary
A remarkable compilation of practical information for living in one of the most impractical and inhospitable landscapes in the United States. More than forty pioneer types ranging from their mid-nineties to mid- twenties describe their reasons for choosing to live their lives in Alaska and offer useful instructions and advice that made that life more livable. Whether it be how to live among bears, build an outhouse, cross a river, or make birch syrup, each story gives readers a window to a life most will never know but many still dream about. Fifty photographs and 150 line drawings illustrate the real-life experiences of Alaska settlers such as 1930s New Deal colonists, de-mobilized military who stayed after World War II, dream-seekers from the 60s and 70s, and myriad others who staked their claim in Alaska.
Additional text
“As someone who loves esoteric knowledge and timeless homesteading and survival skills, this book fascinated me. In addition to being an interesting read, the book could also serve as a preparedness manual.” –Leon Patenburg, The Sportsman Pages blog
