Do You Know Where the Pribilofs Are?

If you don't, then you should! The Pribilof Islands are two small isles in the Bearing Sea. They are known as the Islands of the Seals because of the large population of seals which congregate there. Many parts of the Island are wildlife sanctuaries for seals. But a modern Western/Aleut community thrives (relatively speaking) in these Islands roughly halway between Alaska and Russia.

For years these islands were used as dumping areas for furtive captains who would abandon oil barrels- mostly empty- and other industrial container garbage when nobody was looking. Fortunately recent years have seen far more stringent monitoring of the environment and the beginnings of very effective clean-up efforts.

But while the Pribilofs have their masses of seals and has a grim history of this ugly pollution, it is entering the 21st century as a cleaner, more cherished area with a robust local community who pride themselves on their special islands and their clean-up efforts. And these islands are very special indeed...

In this unique Alaska Geographic release one can see many pictures and read about the beautiful coastal boroughs and abundant sea life of the Pribilofs. While most people get on a plane and fly off to some impossible to spell foreign region for adventure travel, the Aleutian Islands and the Pribilofs continue to exist mostly off the beaten path, and are some of the most exotic, diverse, and richly rewarding islands imaginable, right here in the USA. It's just a matter of perspective and where you look.

This book is usually available through Amazon, but may take a few weeks to ship. If you like seals or unusual coastal areas, take a look!

And for those of you who surf... here's another zone with some potential. If you look at the excellent maps of the islands you'll find in this book, you will see a great deal of potential for decent conditions on any swell, tide, and wind. If its onshore on one side of the island, a few minutes later you can find yourself in offshore conditions on the other side. Road access and lodging looks to be quite available! There is a picture or two of possible surf zones! But this is rugged territory dominated by the seals! Just look at the cover- did you think that man invented surfing... Ha! (*The cover pictures a number of seals frolicking about in a glassy green left-hander!)

This is one of the most incredible books about the spirit and life of russain explorers I ever read. It is passionate tribute to russian soul, true russian patriotism and great spirit of early explorers of Alaska. This book influenced the choice of my profession - geology and I am glad to recommend it to wide variety of readers. ...

In addition to being a wonderful neighbor, Jean Rogers is an incredible writer of children's books. This book transports the reader (of any age) to a world which, for most of us, is just a far-off land. It welcomes us to the beauty of Eskimo customs and celebrations, and warms the heart with the Christmas spirit. It is a definite must-buy for parents or friends of children who will grow up sensitive to the world around them

In July 1897, the steamer Excelsior docked in San Francisco with a cargo of gold and the news of a great new bonanza in the Yukon Territory. In this thin treasure of photographs and memories of the Klondike discovery finally finished and published in 1967, Ethel Becker, a sourdough child herself, for the ages, gives us the last mother lode. She coupled her story with the priceless photographs of E.A. Hegg's Gold Rush Album. As Ethel was gathering old plates and starting to assemble the story of the Klondike, she asked Mr. Hegg to review her material. The best review of this treasure was given by Mr. Hegg himself who wrote to Ethel in April 1941 . . . "I could ask for no better supplement to those (his) pictures which I has more fun taking some forty-five years ago." Now as we celebrate the Klondike Centennial those days spring to a new life that we Chechakos can only dream about. They drive you to re-read the poems of Robert W. Service. You are there at Dyea, repeatedly climb the thousand steps from the Scales to Chilcoot Pass and finally reach Lake Lindeman and the Yukon for the last leg to Dawson. Or you are in Skagway as Soapy Smith organizes an army of Thieves, you see his death by Frank Reid, you traverse the stench of Dead Horse Gulch and over White Pass to Lake Bennett. Then off we go on a wild ride through Miles Canyon and down to Dawson City. You live the life of a miner scratching for the left over or over looked veins. You shiver with the winters on Bonanza Creek. Maybe you catch a poke. Perhaps you press on to the beachs of Nome still chasing El dorado. More than likely, you are heading home broke and dismayed - but proud that you were there. You were a true sourdough!

Berton, a well known writer of Canadian histories, has put together quite a collection of photographs in this glossy tome. If you are realy interested in the subject, I suggest Klondike Quest for the remarkable pictures, and "The Klondike Fever", also by Berton, for a written account. I can't praise the collection of photographs enough.

I was extremely moved by this book. It was told is a most remarkable way - one feels as if they are experiencing the same feelings and the events of his "real" life as they read this book. It is best read out-loud to a friend or family on a quiet evening. Every employee of Alaska Airlines should read this story and "Know the Happy Face" which is on the tail of all their aircraft! I salute you, Brenda Richty for honoring your Grandfather and the Eskimo heritage.

This book is an excellent glimpse into Arctic life. It details the true-life experiences of Waldo Bodfish, an Inupiaq, living and growing up on the North Slope of Alaska. What made this book even more special for me was my time spent living along the Arctic Coast of Alaska.

This book captures and preserves the robust atmosphere of a truly unique place - the Southeast Alaska logging camp - from an insider's point of view. And it is a rare view, indeed, as little has ever been recorded, or likely ever will be...a whole way of life has nearly vanished away in one generation. To a veteran of the camps, the book brings a warm reminiscence. To other readers, a warm invitation...

I came across this book by accident, and what a happy accident! I read it like a novel that I couldn't put down. If you are interested in the subject of native art, Alaska, or are just fascinated with cultural histories in general, you will enjoy this book. It is informative, educational, and feeds the passion for the simple beauty that exists in certain parts of the world like the Alaskan territories. In addition it has inspired and informed me to better plan my future trips to the area. Ray is real, and the book is beautiful with many pictures and descriptions of interesting facts and places. If you are planning a trip to Alaska, this is a book to have. Also described in her book is how to tell the difference between real and fraudulent art. If you plan to collect any pieces, this knowledge would be invaluable. This is one to keep.

"Lessons My Sled Dog Taught Me" features a quote on each page from mushers with all levels of experience. The mushers share their thoughts on the trail, the racing, the rewards and every other aspect of dogsledding. Some examples: "Never eat orange slices with the same gloves you wear to feed the dogs their fish snacks." --Linda Joy "Mushers like to think of themselves as more important than they are. Humans are but one factor in the training program. The dogs teach each other more than the humans do." --John Wood

This books is a real treat and would make an excellent gift for yourself or that musher or mushing fan in your life.