I always find the old stories of long-ago life in Alaska interesting. It is a part of the Alaskan history and I am thankful it has been been preserved. As I read the story of No Man’s Land by Sidney Huntington, as told to Jim Rearden, it reminded me of stories of the American Indians across the lower 48 states. No matter where you live, people have fought over areas of land and the natural resources there. Many times there has been tales and legends that come from them because they didn’t know how else to explain what happened to people. The vastness and wildness of Alaska adds to that, plus the long, dark winters in the Far North.. Yet, I liked the perspective of Huntington as he shared about the aurora lights and the moon as it was able to show the sparkling scenery of snow. That is something hard for someone to really grasp a picture of unless they have experienced it.
The experiences of Stuck give a realistic view of the challenges many have faced in traveling in Alaska and how dangerous in can be. Mistakes can be costly, as he found out. I appreciate those that have went before us and put their experiences down on paper to be passed on the future generations. Even with the advancements we have made in travel and technology, many areas in Alaska are still traveled in the same way they were years ago.
Something that stood out to me in Of Land, Sea, and Air by Brower, is the differences between white man and natives. The prejudices and difference in how others are treated. I grew up in the midwest and saw how black people were treated compared to whites. Even though we have come a long way, prejudices are still present today in many places and many circles.