Well hello there! This regular column comes out twice a month now. If you ever want to see all the questions people have asked me before, take a look at these archives! There have been A LOT of questions over the last year or so!

Are you an adventurous eater? What’s the most unusual food you’ve eaten in Alaska so far? Have you managed to find akutaq yet?

I am, sort of. I am not afraid to try new things within reason. I am not the kind of girl to try insects or creepy crawly things. But I do love to try new cuisines when I am traveling. My problem though is that I have a severe food allergy that prohibits me from eating whatever is on the menu. For me, I had never had halibut cheeks before. I had them a month ago and understand why they never leave the state – they are so damn good! I haven’t had akutaq yet, but I want to try it this summer.

Did you tap the birch tree for syrup yet? How’d that go?

I haven’t yet. I have a fellow blogger coming up this weekend and we are headed to Talkeetna where there are a lot of birch trees. Hoping to give it a try! If not, there is also a Alaska Birch Syrup in Talkeetna that has a gift shop and all the birch products my tummy could ever want.

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?

It needs to be dark out to see the Northern Lights. Plan your visit for the fall and winter months from October to April for the best time to see the Northern Lights. They are best viewed in Fairbanks, but you can see them from most places in Alaska.

Are you going to plant a garden this summer? If so, what types of plant are you going to grow?

I am gardening on my balcony and at my friend’s houses. I bought a couple little containers so I can grow spinach, lettuce, cilantro, and basil at home. Then I have a three friend’s homes that I am helping with their gardens and we are growing tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, lemon basil, thyme, cilantro, carrots, potatoes, rosemary, chives, rhubarb, and squash. As for flowers, I won’t be growing them this season but rather enjoying all the flowers that Alaska has all over the place.

If you are out walking and there is a Moose or better yet a huge bear… what do you do??

If I see a moose on the trail I stop to see if I am far enough away to scoot past him. If not, I wait a safe distance away and snap pics of the big guy. I’ve been known to talk to them too! I don’t ever want a moose to feel I am threatening their personal space and am always conscious that this is their home and they are allowing me to walk through it.

As for bears, I carry bear spray with me whenever I am out walking as the bears are awake. I have been 15 minute away from a brown bear and talked to him like he was the cutest thing ever. He was slightly amused as he was eating dandelions on the side of the road.

 

 

One thing you never do is run. If it is a black bear, I would get really big and tall (don’t even start with the short jokes!) and show him that I am not scared of him. Typically, black bears will run away.

Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Pepper Spray with Holster $37

If it is a brown bear, I would stand perfectly still and not make any sudden movements or make eye contact. They are known to bluff charge. I would slowly back away and use my bear spray too. If that didn’t work and I was attacked, I would get down into a ball and use my hands to protect my neck. Once the brown bear felt I was no longer a threat, he should leave.

Hopefully, I won’t ever encounter a bear that doesn’t just want a big ‘ol hug. 🙂