- Mike

Alaska Is...  

                       Alaska is…the place I desire when I find myself elsewhere. 

Final Reflections

            Each year we are asked to write reflections about our trip for that year.  It has become harder and harder to come up with new things as the years go on.  This is the sixth trip for myself in the last seven years, and with that comes a monumental to write something that has been said already.  All the deep and interesting thoughts were probably covered somewhere between year one and three.
            However, because we have been asked once again, I must reflect on the personal aspect of this trip.  It is really hard to find free time with so many people going so many directions.  I have used this trip as a time to recharge for the coming year and to come down off of a busy spring sport season.  Without that time for yourself, it is nearly impossible to achieve those goals.  Anyhow, with a bit of creativity and help from a couple of friends, I managed to find those moments. 
            My AGLP 2009 trip was filled with exciting and never before experienced opportunities, such as hunting black bear and catching my first Alaskan King Salmon.  Although a lot of sleep was lost in order to squeeze these trips in, I absolutely needed to have that time.  These are the little things that help personalize ones trip, and I have been fortunate enough each year to do a couple of these activities. 
            It is easy to get lost in the group, but if you put a little effort into it, you are allowed an opportunity to experience Alaska on your own terms.  It is necessary to have that time to yourself and I am thankful for every second that I spent knee deep in freezing cold water or in a mosquito infested tree stand.