You might be an Alaskan if...

Several years ago we posted a short, “You might be an Alaskan if…” list in one of our prayer letters. That little post generated a LOT of comments and as a result our family started adding to it. We’d be doing something together and a family member would comment, “I bet they don’t do this in the Lower 48!” and it would get added to the list. Continue reading for our family’s list of, “You might be an Alaskan if…” 

  • You get worried if the pilot doesn’t ask you for your weight before a flight
  • You have a primary and a secondary chain saw
  • You pack a 44 pistol with bear loads when you go on a walk with your family
  • Kids at camp are warned, “Stay close to your counselor on this hike, he has a gun.” 
  • You always have several rolls of duct tape on hand, and also at least one roll of “Gorilla Tape” just in case!
  • One child says, “It’s 24 degrees outside.” and another child asks, “Above or below?” 
  • You know that a mosquito net is the key to a good night’s sleep in the summer
  • You’ve gone for a walk at -30F and watched the Northern Lights
  • Your kids have flown in a bush plane, but have never ridden in a school bus
  • When your house gets cold you walk to the woodstove instead of a thermostat
  • You know why that bucket of ashes is in the outhouse
  • Your church potluck has more moose and salmon dishes than beef
  • Your school’s animal of the day is a whale, and the students list as a fact, “They are good to eat!” 
  • Taking out the trash involves a burn barrel and a blow torch
  • You see a beaver swimming by and can’t help but think, “He would make a really nice hat!” 
  • You didn’t watch the Super Bowl, but you kept up with all 9 days of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race
  • Dressing up means wearing your clean jeans
  • Your family is eager to try the roadkill moose being served as tonight’s main course
  • Spam sandwiches are offered at event concession stands and they often sell out
  • It is less expensive to fly to Hawaii than it is to fly to your friend’s house in the same state
  • Fresh fruit is considered a very rare and special luxury
  • Your 10 year old can ride a snowmobile better than most men
  • Your 4 year old knows how to grunt like a bull moose in rut
  • You have a well used shooting range in your backyard 
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