Alaskan Lives - Exploration, Visions and Hardships

Katie Archer Olson
  • 5.0 (2)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL

Have you ever wondered what it was like to live in Alaska? Listen to real-life stories from people on the Kenai Peninsula. No fancy celebrities or fake reality shows. Real people living in the Great White North. Join us #alaska #explore #soldotna #adventure #travel #ak

Episodes

  1. 05/28/2022

    Our Resurrection Journey

    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.../

    55 min

  2. 04/19/2021

    OMG It's Almost Summer

    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!

    17 min

  3. 10/16/2020

    Life in Togiak, Alaska, A Special Interview with Tessa Coopchiak

    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.

    16 min

  4. 10/14/2020

    Sound Like a Local Alaskan: Unique Vocabulary

    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.

    18 min

  5. 10/14/2020

    Alaskan Relationships: The Odds are Good but the Goods are Odd

    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.

    10 min

  6. 09/24/2020

    Raising Kids in Alaska

    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.

    14 min

  7. 09/24/2020

    The Swanson River Canoe Trail Expedition

    There are many ways to camp in Alaska, but in order to experience the "true" wild, you have to get off the grid and go on an expedition with no cell service and put your survival skills in action. This episode walks you through our family's experience down the 24 mile Swanson River Canoe Trail.  Join us

    23 min

  8. 09/24/2020

    Top 5 Hiking Trails in Soldotna and The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

    As a young adult, I explored these trails almost every weekend. As a mom, I am grooming my children to find time to connect to God's country through some of our favorite local hikes. Join us as we share insights for your family to find ways to stay healthy while visiting the Kenai Peninsula.

    9 min

  9. 09/24/2020

    How to integrate into rural Alaskan communities professionally and personally?

    When you are considering moving thousands of miles away from home, it is important to know that you can find gainful employment. In this episode, we look at a local's tips on how to integrate into rural Alaskan communities professionally and personally. Join us

    7 min

  10. 09/23/2020

    How is Alaska Different Than The Panhandle?

    Join us as we share a few comparisons of how Alaska is different than the Pandhandle. From college football to gardening, grocery shopping, casually dressed locals (even at church on Sunday)....wildberry picking and animals to be aware of while you are out and about.

    12 min

  11. 09/23/2020

    How the Heck Did You Get to Alaska?-Casey Olson's Story

    When you are 12 years old and uprooted from everything you know, it can be hard. Listen to the story of a 30 year resident of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula as he journeyed from Montanta to Kenai, Alaska.

    9 min

  12. 09/23/2020

    Alaska Lives: Exploration, Visions and Hardships: How the Heck Did You Get to Alaska?

    Ever wondered what draws people to Alaska?  Individuals from over the country share their journeys, heartaches and adventures venturing to the last frontier. Come, listen to the lives rooted in the lower 48, but grounded in the Great White North.

    9 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Have you ever wondered what it was like to live in Alaska? Listen to real-life stories from people on the Kenai Peninsula. No fancy celebrities or fake reality shows. Real people living in the Great White North. Join us #alaska #explore #soldotna #adventure #travel #ak

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