The long drive...

I wake up everyday and still wonder how I got here. It is hard to believe that 9 months ago we were packing and trying it again. I still catch myself thinking I am in Boise and driving to Cobby's for a sandwich. A long drive I might add for a sandwich. Today I got a dose of reality.
I leave work about 7 am everyday with a short drive of 15 miles into Anchorage. I see the same cars almost everyday and the same people on their cell phones.I watch for moose and look at the snow topped mountains without a care. Today was different. As I crossed over Eagle River and up a hill, I heard an empty thud that still sticks in my stomach.With a sudden jolt all the cars stopped and a cloud of dirt followed. I knew in my head what had happen and dreaded the sight. I was sure a moose had just got hit by a driver and I was not prepared for this. Boy was I wrong.As the traffic began to creep I saw a man get out of his truck with a large rifle and walk back towards me. I looked over and on the ground layed a HUGE bear.He was very still and I knew he had been hit. I also knew what was next. I turned up my radio as loud as it would go and plugged my ears and screamed as loud as I could.It did not help. The only comfort I had was that he was out of any pain.
As I drove to work, I cried.I hate to see any animal in pain let alone a beautiful wild animal just trying to survive in the forest we took over.I also realized I was not in Boise anymore.I live in this wild country of bear and moose.I have wolves,fox,caribou and eagles that fly by my house everyday.Dall sheep up on the mountains by my house that stand on the peaks. If I drive 30 minutes any direction I have whale,seals,otters and beaver. I have views that are amazing and make you feel small in comparison.I will admit it is hard to be away from family and friends, but I live in this amazing place and sadly it took me seeing this poor bear to really understand the wild I do live in.I hear allot of people say that this is still God's country and I will agree. He took his time with Alaska.
Love to you all
The Eskimo's