Alaska Is:
         Alaska is a mosaic of colors, textures, and shapes that have touched my heart, and instilled within me a deeper appreciation of this grand and wondrous world we’ve been given. Alaska is called the last frontier… will it always be so? It’s vast, it’s beautiful, and deserves our respect and protection.

Final Reflection:
        Over 25 years ago I was a driver for a scout troop from Ann Arbor, Michigan, traveling out west. I have never forgotten the impact of that experience on the lives of the kids (or me). So, I was very pleased and excited to learn about the AGLP—what a wonderful opportunity for Marshall students! I also knew that a trip of this nature requires a tremendous amount of planning and coordination. Each year I am impressed by the tireless efforts of Dale Rosene, a host of AGLP supporters, his trip’s junior leaders, and a community that stands behind a project that has touched the lives of so many young people from Marshall; as well as the people we meet along the journey.
      When I decided to participate in this year’s trip I vowed to see and do everything. Did I get more than I bargained for? Absolutely! And I am so glad! It was an unexpected bonus to have a beautiful mountain view all around me 24/7. It was a special privilege to travel with a group of awesome people with the same goal...to live and breathe Alaska. Every day was a new adventure. We had unique opportunities to learn about the cultures of native peoples, experiences of homesteaders, and Alaska history. I was surprised by how many people I spoke to who said, “I came once, and then I came back for good.” It didn’t take long to understand why, especially after eating fresh halibut for the first time! I’m sure I echo others when I say that Alaska is stunningly beautiful. The landscape is diverse, wild, and rough. It’s home to some wildlife found nowhere else on earth. Whether I was sitting on a spot of rock on top of Exit Glacier, walking among the many shades of green along a mountain stream, or relaxing in the grassy meadow at Seaside Farms, it was impressed upon me that everything in nature is connected—a gift to us and we are the caretakers. Tread softly.