Alaskan's Journal

[HomesteaderWife]

@Alaskan - I definitely have questions for a Southerner who moved up there if you're willing to chat. We've been eyeing Alaska with goals in mind for future years (particularly Lake Clark area). How long were you saving before getting property up there?

 

[Alaskan]

I decided to move... and moved.

Very little planning.

Ask questions! I would love to help/give input.

 

[Latestarter]

Gonna be quite the culture (and environmental) shock going from AL to AK...

 

[Alaskan]

So much better in Alaska


Except for the cold.

 

[HomesteaderWife]

@Alaskan - That's actually one big question I had was, how hard is it adjusting temperature wise? How much snow do you get on average? Last year we had a big "snowstorm" hit here and it was 9 inches to a foot. They closed the roads down for three days- power was out for four days. Wrecks everywhere! It was "Snowpocalypse" all over again for this area. Even the THREAT of snow usually shuts down all schools and road travel. We weren't bothered by it- used the snow to go out and see how many deer were traveling through, but definitely happy to have the percolator for hot coffee!

Our goal is to be sort of secluded and self-sustaining. Hunting/skinning/tanning/trapping/fishing/crafting needed things is in mind and we have experience with. Any recommendations on favorite clothing/tools?

I'd love to see more photos of the landscape- those you shared waiting on the kids to get out of school were just stunning.

 

[Alaskan]

how hard is it adjusting temperature wise?

Dress properly, and you will be fine. Lots of layers. Remember cotton kills. You want silk, wool, or whatever synthetic.

High quality long johns made of some fancy synthetic that says it adjusts to your activity level is awesome. Sierra trading post has great deals. Excellent place to gear up. A nice thin long john top, then a fleece with long zipper at the neck to adjust the temp.

A couple of GOOD hats. A thin stocking knit hat, and then a thick one. If you are living in the interior a real fur ruff on the outer hat helps a bunch... but if you are going to be trapping... just make your own.

How much snow do you get on average

No such thing as average. One foot to 13 feet?

They closed the roads down for three days- power was out for four days. Wrecks everywhere!

Tires, you need excellent tires.

Any recommendations on favorite clothing/tools?

I own maybe 10 or more coats... mostly bought used. Nice to be able to layer... or change how thick of a coat I want to wear.

You only need 2 sets of longjohns.

Get excellent boots.

It costs MUCH more to get stuff moved up here than any sane person wants to spend... so come up with a good all wheel drive car... get everything else you need from garage sales and second hand stores. When people leave state they sell everything... can't ship it back out.

Things you want to buy new.... yeah, bring them with you, everything up here costs more.

 

[Alaskan]

The beach- photo from awhile back

My ducks on my pond, this past week

Right in front of my pond.

And driving back from Anchorage... Sunday

 

[RollingAcres]

Sure is beautiful there!

 

[Alaskan]

Thanks!

Fireweed is holding on in a few spots... but summer is about over.

The photo below is from my driveway

 

[Alaskan]

Beginning of August I took a trip with 1 kid to Kodiak. Alaska's emerald isle.

Here are some photos. Totally different down there... you can get remote very fast.

First: the water by Homer.