You never realize the abilities that you might possess until you actually try something new. I've always been good with my hands and wood, but never have I had to build so much on my own. Back in the lower 48, I would more than likely have paid someone to do the task that I've … Continue reading Putting Sticks Together & Constant Change

This week we had the pleasure of going over to the next closest town to us, Skagway. One of our newest buddies was kind enough to offer to play tour guide and take us up there. He is another one of these "open arms, wants to do anything to help you Alaskan guy". He owns … Continue reading The Klondike Gold Rush 

Since moving to the mountains, I have been challenged to find good workout space. I have exercised since my youth, and I am accustomed to going to the gym everyday, and running several miles a couple of times a week. I enjoy working out because it makes me feel so great, and I like the challenge … Continue reading Running on Mars

Jennifer is an exercise  maniac. It's funny and amazing to see all the different ways she's finding out how to have a productive workout on the property. From running up and down the hill, to moving logs and stones. Her dedication is above me, with all the projects at hand the last thing I want … Continue reading Trail Blazing, Workouts & Gardening

I didn't know that Alaska had such beautiful flowers!  I guess the extended hours of sun and this fertile soil makes it a perfect place for everything that grows. I thought Texas had beautiful roadways blooming with Bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrush, but Alaska gives quite the summer display of color, not only along the roadways, … Continue reading All the pretty flowers

Between all the projects we have been able to have a little fun time in between work. We had our first guests over for dinner, and a friendly game of Wahoo (our favorite!) It was funny to look out at the boat dock. Typically in town you would have cars lined up in the driveway … Continue reading New Friends, including a feathery one!

We are learning quickly about adapting and overcoming small life inconveniences. There is nothing that with a little coonass engineering we can't figure out. Now at week 4, I told Jen we will no longer lug 5 gallon containers from the creek to the house. We are done! With that being said, I set out … Continue reading A Little Coonass Ingenuity

Nate mowed the entire front of our property...it took an entire day! We hauled in stones from the riverbed to make one of the walkways from our cabin to the guest cabin.   Nate tilling the ground next to the path for his garden. Inside, seeds are popping!

Nate and I cutting down a dead tree close to our cabin. It was my first time truly wielding a chain saw!  Nate is quite the lumberjack. This tree should keep us nice and warm this winter.

We are settling into life on Chilkat Lake. While we are still unpacking and organizing, we have already begun life's regular routines. While we have traded our careers for life in the outdoors, it's far from retirement living. We work harder, but with little stress. I don't miss traffic, although getting anywhere by boat brings … Continue reading Life on Chilkat Lake