We have some amazing people and places up in these parts. Our military as well as other military's practice military stuff up here. Without getting into to much detail, you can practice using equipment because of how remote it is. No one will see you learn how to use the equipment.
These are basically eye candy at the front of the base. The bases have a lot of excellent facilities to make up for the frosty conditions. They have sun lamps, so you don't get depressed with the no sun thing.
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| Ice Flowers |
All of the bases were tough to imagine staying there, but we heard a ton of great stories. The guys (and gals) put together fishing trips, hiking, skiing, and all sorts of fun things.
Moose are possible as if not more dangerous as bears. I looked up bear attacks while we traveled, and here is what I learned about bear attacks! I still stick to my guns with animal attacks. I would instead be attacked by a bear or big animal than killed by a small animal.
Small animals will take forever to eat you.. they get full then have to come back after they digest- it may take 4 days for them to finally eat you where a big animal would just devour you in 15 min.
This information can help someone hiking in Alaska as much as someone who finds themselves in a gay bar on the lower east side NYC or P-Town in a beer bar.
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| Mama Bear / Photo: Aaron Villescas |
Black bears are typically less aggressive than Grizzly bears unless cubs are present- then all bets are off.
Mother bears will tear you up in front of a cub if there is any threat present, no matter what type of beer (or you talk to their twink).
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| Mama Bear / Photo: Aaron Villescas |
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| Alaskan Gizmos.. anyone feels like Caddyshack? |
Don't make eye contact! Speak soft and seem harmless when you see these guys, as adorable as they are, they can get aggressive fast! And no one wants to turn down a drink!
When you are walking around, Make noise! (disco dance or wave glow sticks) The bears will avoid seeing you (most bears like a hard rock)... They don't want to attack you almost as much as you don't want them to attack you!
Now IF. I mean, IF it starts to approach you to grab for stick and seem threatening!
Those live bears are not shot by me, but yes, I did get in close for the stuffed animal shots.
Most bear charges do not lead to a physical attack. The bear will often run towards its target and then make a last-minute turn; it’s more of a scare tactic. But… If it attacks –keep your backpack on, take a more pop, protect your head, chest and stomach, and roll with the punches. Hopefully, he will finish quickly.
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The Knotty Shop is owned and operated by 6th generation Alaskans, whose great-great-great-grandparents were early-day Yukon and Alaska pioneers, dating their northern adventures back to 1897. Two of these couples, the Beistlines, and the Herings, are even represented on the "Wall of Pioneers" in Fairbanks. It is a type of art that is really funny to look at when you have a juvenile sense of humor like myself!
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fireworks show before the show
They had a Halloween party with their family's then had us do a show for the adult soldiers |
| We had a great turn out! |
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| There is no better feeling than entertaining our strongest and bravest. |
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| The best crowds on the planet are the ones from where the guys serve our country. |
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| I cannot wait to come back. Alaska was amazing |
