Blogs from Kotzebue, Alaska, United States, North America

It seems strange that June is almost over. Where has the time gone? I guess we all ask ourselves from time to time. I have been wondering it since mid-semester though...especially since I have not written to certain people in some time (*sorry Aunt Mimi and Bob*). Last week, I journeyed above the Arctic Circle for my best friend's wedding. It started off rough with a bad night's sleep and no time to pack (resulting in a mad packing dash about 45 minutes before I was supposed to leave) followed by the girl at the counter telling me I couldn't check my luggage because they weren't accepting any more bags. I just about took out my bridesmaid dress and shoes and said screw the rest, but...instead I somehow got a lucky break and they sent the ... read more

When the Wien Alaska Airlines Fairchild F-27 touched down at Kotzebue airport, we were officially north of the Arctic Circle. The 1962 Alaska trip included a four day visit to Nome, Kotzebue and Barrow. I must say that I do not recall much about Nome. But Kotzebiue was by far the most interesting stop. Valene had been doing field work for her doctorate in Anthropology among the Inupiaq (Inuit) of Kotzebue. She knew many of the townsfolk personally. The indigenous people of Kotzebue are related to and speak a language similar to that spoken by the Inuit of Canada and Greenland. The houses of Kotzebue were rustic in 1962. Buildings were constructed of timber, plywood sheets, corrugated metal, tar paper and sometimes finished lumber. Whatever material could be sourced. (Construction in Barrow was similar, often employing ... read more