Alaskan Lives - Exploration, Visions and Hardships Katie Archer Olson

Long-time Alaska local outdoor naturalist and best friend from Georgia/West Palm Beach unite after 25 years of raising families for an unforgettable backpacking adventure sauntering in Alaska’s Chugach National Forest- Resurrection Pass Trail. 40 miles in the backcountry. Equipped with a Satellite phone and GPS Garmin Inreach from Kenai satellite phone rentals www.kenaisatphone.com 907-283-1603, maps, jet boil, snowshoes, wool synthetic clothing, and gear. After months of researching asking locals for insights and advice, and calling the ranger station for updated reports on trail conditions and weather …the first 17 miles were perfectly Alaskan then things turn dangerous after 3 miles of undistinguishable slushy, snowy, watery terrain breaking through to our hips. Trail markers were buried DEEP beneath a blanket of snow/ice/slush/water to further inhibit navigation. Averaging 1/3 mile per hour in Treacherous conditions, the Air Force Pararescue were dispatched. Hunkered down on a 2x3 makeshift shelter in the willows for 7-8 hours we finally escape with hypothermia, dehydration, and frostnip. Thankful for God’s protection, my husband for coordinating the rescue, Sat phones from Kenai Sat Phones, the Angels of the Air Force Para Rescue, and the State Troopers Helicopter pilot. DO NOT GO BACKCOUNTRY WITHOUT A SAT PHONE (907)283-1603 and proper gear. Be wise and humble enough to know if conditions are too dangerous to navigate….I WILL complete this trail but NEVER in May…. Maybe August. Look for tips for Alaska Women Wilderness Adventures coming soon.  🌲Saunter Safely 🌲

Air Force Article about our Rescue: http://www.176wg.ang.af.mil/.../arctic-guardians-rescue.../


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It's April 18th and there is still 3 ft of snow in the yard, but my girls and I are dreaming of the summer. During break-up (spring= when everything starts to melt) Alaskans start planning their days in the midnight sun. My daughters Lia and Carmen reflect on past summers and chart new adventures as young explorers in the wildlife refuge and state/national parks for our summer. Join Us!


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Togiak, Alaska is a rural and remote village in Northwest Alaska nestled around Bristol Bay, listen as we interview a local as she shares about her life as an Alaskan Native growing up in the tundra.


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Are you thinking about traveling to Alaska? You better brush up on some local lingo so you fit in and don't sound like a Cheechako. Let me be your teacher. Grab a pen and flashcards so you can start preparing.


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An old tale about moving to Alaska for women is "The Odds are Good but the Goods are Odd". This alludes to an overrepresentation of men to women. Is that true? How do you find that special one in the Great White North? Listen and learn my story.


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When your family is more than 5000 miles away, you learn how to adapt and adopt new ways of living to adjust to your new environment. Learning how to get your kids ready for -20 below, hockey and what to do when you spot a bear on the trail are some of the many things Alaska parents need to know how to do while raising their kids in the great white north. 


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