An Ode to Alaska

Written on September 9, 2024 at Lake Kluane in the Yukon Territory a few hours after leaving Alaska...It's likely that "Silver Lining" by Mt. Joy was on the speaker.

Farewell, Alaska...For now.

I spent just over two weeks perusing your land, and I was more than ready to head back after day one...So I thought. The energy we brought into you combined with your weather & vastness would've had anyone ready to turn the Hell around. It took Prid all of three days until he said "enough is enough." That's the kind of beast you are, Alaska. You don't give people what they want. You give them what they need. You remind them how small they are & teach them that the only freedom you really have is the freedom to choose how you respond to the events in your life. You have road signs with bullet holes & highways tucked between massive mountains..."Real mountains" as the locals would say. Your forests are tropical, alive, and healthier than any forest I've ever stepped foot in. You don't give a shit if you rain fifty days in a row...And your air has a crisp bite to it the moment the leaves on the trees begin to change color. Your people are proud, and I don't blame em cause I'd be proud too if I could survive a year with you. Most come to get away. Most stay cause they can't imagine another way. You got two cities, a bunch of towns, and several "what the fuck was that's." Your roads will keep even Gen-Z kids off their phones in fear they might blow a tire or two if they aren't on their P's & Q's. Your aura screams "Don't fuck with me", yet each person we met mentioned there's not a chance in the world you'd be on the side of the road & not one person would stop to help. Your cannabis is mild, but perfect fitting for a hot temper like you. Your skies are big, but oh, so grey I swear when I come back they better open the Hell up.

Alaska, I'm gonna miss you & all your crazy shit to do. I'm gonna miss your espresso huts & freshly caught halibut from Heaven. I'll even miss your rainy days because it was your rainy days that taught me it's ok to come out & play in the rain...Hell, dance if you're really feeling risky. You reminded me that life isn't gonna give you want but what you need. And it is your job to see that. It is your job to make the most of this experience we call life. To let go of your expectations & find the silver linings...Because there will be times where it's been nonstop raining-storming-in your life...And I'm gonna think back to you, Alaska. And how you made me dance in the rain...Raising me to a high not even your cannabis could get me to. 

I'm gonna miss you Alaska...And your straight-to-the-point, no nonsense, fuck around & you'll find out mentality. You're as real as it gets. You're the Last Fuckin' Frontier...

I'm gonna miss you Alaska, so I guess that just means I'll see you soon.