Alaska is a place of absolute extremes. From the midnight sun to the endless dark, the bitter cold to the blazing hot summer days, the pendulum is always swinging from one extreme to the other. Here are some of the crazy things that can happen to you in the north, and if you’ve lived here for at least a few years, you’ve probably experienced at least some of these things. Check out the extreme situations Alaskans find themselves in, whether you can relate or you are amazed people live in this wild and rugged state.
1. You have swallowed a mosquito.
Sometimes the bugs are so thick, especially in the Arctic, that they fly into the back of your throat while you are talking and you just have to swallow. It's an awful experience that rarely happens, but it has definitely happened to every Alaskan at least once.
2. A raven has eaten your trash.
Ravens that live in town are shameless when it comes to the quest for your garbage, whether in the back of a truck, on the ground, in the dumpster, or if you take your eyes off your lunch for a second during a picnic by the river. Don't blame the trickster, just put your trash at the dump and let the ravens have their trash party.
3. You actually can't get out of the hot springs.
Sometimes when you are relaxing in one of Alaska's mineral hot springs, enjoying the therapeutic waters, you can't get out. Either it's too cold or the mosquitoes are too terrible. Some people just have to live in the water forever because they are simply unable to muster the strength to leave the deliciously warm waters.
4. You've been stuck in a rural Alaskan airport when the weather is bad.
Alaskan weather is so rough that sometimes you get stuck for a loooooong time in a rural airport until you can escape. But don't worry, rural Alaska towns each have their own remote and beautiful views to enjoy once the weather clears.
5. You've been trapped on land when you wanted to be on the sea.
The weather can keep you trapped in other places, too! You may be stuck on shore with your boat when a big storm is raging.
7. You've gone berry picking and eaten all the berries.
Sometimes you go berry picking and you are supposed to come home with a gallon or two, but instead, you just eat all you pick and don't get anywhere.
6. You drove away with your car still plugged in.
In the winter in Alaska, we generally winterize our cars to make sure they will start in the cold temperatures. Engine block heaters and oil pan heaters must be plugged in with an extension cord from the car to the exterior plug. At some point, every Alaskan drives away and has the extension cord tail dangling from their car until someone else points out their embarrassing mistake.
8. You've woken up and not known if it was day or night.
When the midnight sun is fully in action, you may not be able to tell day from night. Keep an eye on your alarm clock with the crazy summer hours. The maddening 24-hour light can make you feel invincible, and be confusing to your internal clock.
9. Your drive takes twice as long with road construction.
In Alaska, as soon as it thaws the crews hit the ground running with road construction season. When you just want to hit the highway and cruise, pilot cars can keep you waiting for hours. You finally get free and get on your way when you run into the next one.
10. You've driven 14 hours for a weekend event — and didn't complain!
Alaska is HUGE and sometimes the party you want to attend is very far away. The epic summer road trip for a show, concert, play or other happening sounds absolutely crazy, but many drive all the way across the state to enjoy a single nights entertainment — and still return for work on Monday.
11. You've accidentally stayed up all night.
Sometimes you are talking to your friends in a gorgeous outdoor locale, enjoying the fabulous outdoor Alaskan lifestyle, and you just don't realize that the hours have ticked away. Sometimes its easy to stay up all night and not even realize that you've done so.
How many have happened to you? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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