Alaska: Part Two "A Lot of Bull (Moose)"

Moose and Caribou are an important part of Alaska. Most men hunt and/or fish, in Alaska. My dad liked to talk about all the money we saved, eating from the land. He didn't mention the cost of his airplane, 4-wheelers, guns, hunting licenses, etc. I think our Moose-Burgers must have cost dad about $250 each. But the taste made up for it. NOT!! If I never eat another Caribou "Steak" or Bear "Stew" or Dall Sheep "Meatloaf" I will die happy. So far, so good.


Moose weigh between 850-1200 lbs. and a collision with one can kill everyone in the car. Please be careful people, if you drive in Alaska! Moose are very dangerous animals! Dad, were any of those burgers made from ROAD-KILL?

If you've been to my home, you may wonder where the inspiration for my landscaping comes from. We have many gorgeous rocks and hardy weeds, just like these Alaskan specimens. This landscaping design photo was taken near Lake Eklutna, my old Girl's Camp stomping grounds. We had to pull handcarts for 8 miles, back in 1986, with all our gear, over this terrain. Let's take a closer look at the lovely green plants:

It's "Moose Grass", according to my friend Emily. I am still trying to find the scientific name. When she and I hiked around, remembering our good times at girl's camp, I saw this plant and squealed, "I remember this!" Probably because I pulled that handcart, while looking at the ground for 8 miles.

Moving onto Parade Time in Alaska at the Talkeetna Moose Dropping Festival. Look at all the beautiful, creative Moose (not Meese) that will be auctioned off for charity. Do you recognize Mickey Moose?

And this Moose is a Can-Can Fishnet Stocking Wearing, "When I am Old, I Will Wear Purple," Red Hat Society Woman. Only in Alaska will you find such a tastefully painted sculpture. We Alaskans are an artistic breed.

Artistic in more ways than one! Look at this lovely use of old snowshoes. And the Caribou Antlers serve as a functional piece of beauty. My goodness, if you run out of nails to hang baskets on every available inch of wall, you can use antlers! Alaskans are true creative geniuses!