Seeing the site, I understood the attraction. Covered in towering spruce, the tall cut bank would be a beautiful place to build a cabin. No cell service. No television. No internet. For some, a nightmare scenario. But for a few, it's pure heaven.
It was less than two hours drive from Fairbanks, but standing ankle deep in the cold, clear water of the Chatanika River we could have been hundreds of miles from home. The only noise present was the sound of the water rushing over the rocks at my feet. "Wonder what's around that next bend?" he asked as he made his way to the opposite bank. "Let's find out" I answered... again and again.
The breeze blowing through the valley did precious little to offset the 85 degree weather. I hitched the backpack up a little and silently cursed for bringing 20 pounds of camera gear. Did I really need all this? Maybe yes. Maybe no. Regardless, two miles from the truck wasn't the time to be having that conversation with myself. When a new trickle of sweat made its way from the top of my head to the jumping off point at the end of my nose, I decided crossing to the opposite bank wasn't all that important. The middle of the river was perfectly acceptable place to be.
We spent the better part of the afternoon walking the river. Each bend offering the same treasure. Beautiful unspoiled vistas, fresh air to fill our lungs & the camaraderie of an old friend. Ultimately I don't think the parcel will fit his future plans, but I can hardly think of a better way to spend an afternoon.
My memories of AK were miles of unspoiled valleys, vistas and all sorts of eye candy. Tis an area were wildlife still has free reign...
Jesse...
Now were you working, or not? It sounds like a stroll through heaven to me. Except for the 85 degree part. But I'll bet the riverbed was cool and clear!
Sounds wonderful Jesse and how lucky to be able to work with a friend in such a gorgeous area.
Jesse,
You are going to raise a lot of envy with this one. Made me wish I had been there. Beautiful writing and photo!
Oh my goodness, Jesse! Talk about unspoiled nature at it's finest! The picture is simply breathtaking and the water DOES look cold!
Just beautiful! Thanks for sharing the photo, and a wonderful afternoon!
I would love a little vacation cabin there...I will take it! Nice picture and good exercise!
Jesse,,,No cell, NoTV..No internet? What is the down fall. You could put me there in a heartbeat!!
I am so jealous of what you have so close to you!!!!
Jesse, your photographs are spectacular!!!! Really does look like heaven....but how could I ever get my facebook fix? : )
All I can picture there is a geeked out little Airstream... ;-)
Hi Jesse! What a wonderful trip and just to get away from technology MUST have been a DREAM! Glad you enjoyed your little piece of heaven!
I'm always amazed at how close you are to the wilderness and how you capture it on camera.
Hello my friends,
"No cell service. No television. No internet.." sounds/seems to me like we all need that every now and then.
Not long ago I was on a trip (with fellow Realtors) and it took about a day or 2 to down compress...well then maybe it was the wine after day-2.
Hi-tech is great, yet 2-much...maybe not.
Hi Jesse: It's so nice to see that you are blogging again. I have missed you!! And I love this photo. So much that I downloaded it and tweaked it a little bit for you - just to remove some of the shadows. What do you think?
Would be heaven for me.
What a beautiful place, so tranquil and peaceful.
Wish I was there.
Looks cool while we swelter in the heat here.
Jesse, I can just fel the quietness there on the lake...beautiful photo. Went back to see some other posts and love the one on the bear, esp. the photo where the bear is sticking her tongue out....
How beautiful and quiet! I can't imagine it but I think I would miss my internet and TV after a little while:)
Jesse, what a great picture, I loved your original, no hard feeling Elizabeth:) Not to have Cell and Internet for a few hours is like being on a real vacation nowdays:)
How do you do it, Jesse? You make every square inch of your state sound so desirable. What an ambassador you are for Alaska!