- Kelsey

A New Start

       Out of a job, and in need of money, Jane Hocking came in search of a new start. With no particular plans for the future, Jane tagged along with some friends who were heading off to Alaska. When asked, she explained to me that her favorite part of Alaska is “ just the space, and how beautiful everything is here.” She found here, a loving husband, and a ranch that they built together.  She first met her husband through an ad she put in a magazine, “back when you could still do that.” she said. She told me that he was everything she was looking for. Her husband really enjoyed sled dogs, so they started their lives together near Fairbanks, racing sled dogs. They retired from racing a few years later, when the trails began to get too crowded and they had to cross too many big roads. In need of more space, they found themselves in the town of Salcha, which is about an hour outside of Fairbanks. There, they built the Sundawg Ranch. They built it together from the ground up.  They started out with a small vegetable garden and a few chickens. Now, they own a 40-acre ranch complete with sheep, poultry, and a variety of vegetables. They’ve owned their ranch for 15 years, and began coming to the farmers market when they realized they were growing more than they could eat. They come to the farmers market once a week, which is where I met Jane. Jane came here for fun, and ended up creating a life that she loves.