Appreciating the little things...

Living in McCarthy provides a sharp reminder of how easy it is to take things for granted. Life operates at a different pace here, which always takes a bit of adjustment. For instance, washing dishes suddenly becomes a monumental task when precious water has to be hauled from a creek, heated for optimal washing power, and then discarded with care so that those crazy wild animals (and town dogs) don’t get accustomed to the dirty dishwater smells. And since there are no garbage trucks picking up curbside deposits, all those pieces of trash mindlessly thrown away back at home suddenly require a lot more attention. Trash either gets burned or is hauled out to Anchorage 8 hours away.

Showers have become something to savor once we return home. For now, we bathe in a large plastic container, strategically placed in our living room, and we heat up collected rainwater to rinse with. Yes, I’m channeling my inner Laura Ingalls on this one.

Here’s a great story about my laundry adventure I had the other day. Since we are lucky enough to have access to a washing machine powered by a generator, we are able to get our clothes pretty decently washed. This involves me packing up our dirty laundry (there’s plenty with a 6 month old) and taking it down to the Powerhouse where Matt and I work. Because I have Riley and also a big ol’ bag of dirty laundry, I usually carry her and pack the laundry in the stroller. McCarthy has dirt roads so the stroller takes a beating going back and forth through town – so much so that the front wheel sometimes pops off. Ah yes, you can see where this is going…

Yes, please. 

So I’m walking through town with my dirty laundry in the front of the stroller and a bag of trash on the bottom while also holding Riley. And then, wouldn’t you know it, that dang wheel just rolled right off. My dirty laundry heaved forward and spilled out onto the road and suddenly I was the picturesque bag lady right in the middle of town. After gathering my garments and my dignity, I continued my trek to the washing machine, where I powered up the generator and loaded in my clothes. After a quick wash cycle, I hung my clothes out to dry with the elusive sun shining. All went well until Murphy’s Law showed up in the form of a rainstorm. If you don’t like the weather in Alaska, just give it 10 minutes.

There are plenty of times when I wonder what the heck I’m doing here. How simple life is back at home with the little luxuries so easily taken for granted! So simple, even, that it takes living here to appreciate them. But then I take a look around and relish in the beauty of this place. I look out my kitchen window and see snow-capped mountains and an abundance of wild nature. The community beckons me and its people inspire me. There is rawness here; a true pioneer feeling that is both humbling and motivating. It soothes the soul in ways that are only truly appreciated once you leave.

And just when I get the hang of things here, I am pulled back to a life filled with hot, running water and electricity; of highways and traffic and Starbucks; of fast-paced living and distraction. I so look forward to that glorious shower that awaits me when I return home, but until then, I’ll just enjoy the slow buzz of nature and watching that stroller wheel make its way through town. 

Another summer in McCarthy begins!

Matt and I arrived safely in McCarthy and have been spending the last couple of days getting ourselves organized for the busy summer ahead. As many people know (since we haven’t been able to keep our mouths shut about it), we have our own cabin this year. No more living communally with 25 other guides! YAY!! What a difference it’s made already! The cabin is furnished, and I think there’s more counter space than my home in Tahoe. We even have a propane refrigerator, which is AWESOME. Still no running water or electricity - we wouldn’t want things to be too easy around here.  

All in all, I’d say we’ve moved up in the world, or at least in McCarthy. As you might guess, I’ve been working hard at getting our stuff unpacked – where did all this stuff come from anyway? Slowly but surely, it’s turning into a cozy little home for us. For those of you who have been considering coming up to Alaska, this may be the best year to do it!  We’ve got some loft space for company, a great porch for bbq’ing, and a clean cabin to relax in after our daily adventures. J Just saying.

Riley was quite the little trooper during our drive up here. It was a long drive – 64 hours – but we saw some incredible sights and Riley even got to meet her Great Gramma Audrey who lives in Montana. The Icefields Parkway is a spectacular drive, but you really can’t go wrong anywhere in western Canada. Well, except for the Yukon. Matt was driver extraordinaire and I attempted to master baby feedings and diaper changes in a moving vehicle. Aside from the remnants of sweet potatoes, applesauce, and carrots left on the seats, I’d say I was fairly successful. We saw plenty of wildlife, even a grizzly on the side of the road, and found scenic camping spots along the way. 

There’s plenty to look forward to this summer, but I’m especially looking forward to enjoying a slower pace of life here now that I have Riley. It definitely takes a lot of work to have a kiddo here, but there are lots of laughs and memorable experiences to be had along the way. For instance, last night was Riley’s first sauna and boy did she love it! She kept splashing the water and giggling. She just might be the youngest who’s ever set foot in the company sauna. J 

Well, that’s about it for now. I’ll be sure to keep the stories and pictures coming. And don’t be a stranger! Our cell phones work up here and email is checked fairly often. For those who have asked, here is our mailing address:

Box #10 MXY, McCarthy

Glennallen, AK 99588

Oh, and our Tahoe house is available as a vacation rental this summer, so if anyone would like to enjoy a Tahoe getaway just let me know!

Hope all is well in your world and that there are plenty of adventures awaiting you! J