Hopefully the last big
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It’s sitting at my desk setting up my computer. The door was open because I figured the worst two things I could do as an 18-year old from Alaska trying to adjust to college life in Tucson, Arizona, was to close myself up in my room, or be that guy always on the phone with friends or a girlfriend thousands of miles away. Enticed by the sign on the door which read, “Jeff Lund, “Klawock, Alaska” a short guy walked in wearing a t-shirt and boxers though it was the middle of the day.
“You’re from Alaska?”
“Yeah.”
“That suuuuucks.”
He walked out.
Carlos and I ended up being friends, but transitions are like that. There are certain mistakes you can’t help but make. Like wearing socks with sandals, staying out in the desert sun too long, eating too much authentic Mexican food before your digestive system is prepared…or being from Alaska.
My latest move is just three hours east from Prince of Wales to re-start my teaching career - a pretty simple, low impact move. So I’m just calling things by their printed name, rather than their local name, choosing the wrong lane for a short length of two-lane road which puts me in a left turn only lane and staring blankly when people explain to me where things are.
There are a lot of really important things to discover about Ketchikan and the surrounding country. Things like where to hike, where the deer, trout and steelhead live and what’s this about hunting goats?
Though I’m familiar with the region, I’m not intimate with the details which make the place special. So I’ve mined locals for good hikes and general fishing spots. I say general because as friendly as people can be, they aren’t going to divulge their secret fishing spot just because I’m new and grew up one island away.
In addition to all things outside, I’m on the lookout for the real honest big ticket items. The things that make Ketchikan unique but aren’t advertised. Every town is great at something - tourism, arts, fishing, outdoor opportunities, carjackings - something. What you hope for in a new town is for it to be good at a couple things too. Versatility is why people end up staying. It’s what you can’t really see during trips as a high schooler, or passing through even if it is every summer. It’s something the casual observer doesn’t really get until time has passed. Until you eat it and breath it for a while.
Ketchikan seems large now because I only know a few people, most of whom are my new colleagues. But soon the town will shrink. Not to the size of Klawock, but to its own particular brand of small. That’s not a problem. I did a few summers in D.C.., lived in Tucson, have spent more than just a few days in L.A., Denver, San Diego and a bunch of other big cities and I know for sure that I’m not a big city dude.
Ketchikan is a lot closer to the rat-race of the world, but it’s still a safe distance and I’m sure I’ll enjoy it.
If nothing else, it will provide a new setting for future fumbles afield which should make decent copy.
Jeff Lund ©2014
Jeff Lund is a Teacher, Freelance Writer, & River fishing guide (Tranquil Charters) living in Klawock, Alaska
Contact Jeff at Email – aklund21@gmail.com
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