A few years ago, my husband and I traveled to Alaska. It was an adventure from start to finish. So many things went wrong in the beginning, but it was the best vacation ever. I never expected to fall in love with Alaska. I’ve always been a beach goer. I’m not particularly fond of hiking or outdoor adventure or bears! This trip pushed me to my limits with no sleep, cold temperatures without proper clothing, meals too many hours apart, and fear of bears! Yet, the wild ruggedness of the landscape compelled me to keep walking. To keep going when I wanted to stop. No Disney movie here. It had been a long hard winter, and spring was slow to come. Animals we saw had frost-bitten ears and legs. Why did I feel such a tug at my heart for this beautiful and harsh land? I still don’t know. But today, I find myself longing for Alaska. The people felt like my neighbors. The landscape felt like home. So weird to me even now. Someday I’ll go back and see this fantastic land again. 