- Joel

Alaska Is...  

       Alaska is…alive. From the Alaskan wildflowers, to the high-level mountain ecosystems, down to the ocean floor, Alaska is alive. The pure beauty of Alaska’s landscape is enough to make us forget about our busy lives. Alaska has held all expectations an adventurer could ask for. From the salmon to the bear, the caribou and moose, Alaska is a place where the wild were set loose. They roam this land without a care while hikers and residents watch and stare. Alaska is alive with growth. The changing seasons paint the rugged land, just as it was intended by the Creator’s hand. If you listen you can hear it, and you can watch the changing spirit. The kids are changing and it’s easy to see. Their pasts blow by like a breeze in the trees. I have also changed my nature’s views while looking at Alaska’s blues. The eagles in the sky soar overhead, while the whales breech over the ocean bed. Alaska is alive from the mountaintops to the ocean deep. It is a trip my mind and heart will continue to keep.

Final Reflections

I came on this trip with little knowledge of the program and Alaska itself. I was thinking the “last frontier” would be full of nature and a getaway from the busy life in Michigan. I was looking forward to seeing the amazing landscape and getting to know the kids, leaders, drivers, and my wife more.
What I learned was that the AGLP is known in the areas we go. Fairbanks covered us several times in their press, we ran into a couple groups that remembered us, and our sea of red shirts could be seen all across Alaska. The AGLP has made a name for itself and Ishtar has given the program a very respectable attitude. This program has taken 21 years to become as successful as it is.
One disappointment was the “natural” part of Alaska. We did the Denali National Park, Mt. Healy, and Exit Glacier, but some areas between held glimpses of the busy life in Michigan. I understand that people live here and need goods, but Alaska is our “Last Frontier.” It should contain more nature than Best buys, Targets, and malls.
Another part of the trip that I wasn’t ready for was the noisy campsites. Every campground was next to a highway with a lot of traffic. I feel as though we could have submerged into nature more and get away from noise pollution.
The things I enjoyed truly outweigh the negatives. The landscape of Alaska is the greatest off all the places I have been. The mountains tower, the bright reflections of the oceans, and the blue crystal glaciers look so majestic in the mountain valleys. With the landscape come the soaring eagles, the playful bears, the hungry moose, and the innocence of untouched creatures. It is a place of pure natural land.
The final thing I enjoyed was the ne friendships I built and the old ones I re-strengthened. This trip puts 70 plus people in close proximity for 25 days. Everyone gets to know anyone they want and I chose to reach out. I also had the privilege of spending these weeks with my wife, in nature. We are both teachers and enjoy having the time away from school, but on this trip, we have found great ideas to bolster our lessons and build better classrooms.
As I look back, this Alaska trip is one of my most memorable. The feeling of 25 days far from home never felt so fast. Finally, I would like to thank Ishtar for all of his hard work that makes this possible and all the people who made this experience so valuable.