Friday, January 11, 2008

Seven Random Facts

So, Jen tagged me for this one. I'm not going to pass it on to seven people because I don't read 7 blogs regularly, I read maybe 5, most of whom are tagged by Jen already . . . . we're lucky that way . . . .

1. My last three cars I owned in the six years before moving to the island cost $800 - combined. I gave two of them away (still running) and I sold one of them for $300 just before moving so my automotive costs for those 6 years was $83.33/year - fairly typical for my adult life. I did buy one new car once (loved that Subaru until I hit a moose at 60 MPH) but generally drive beaters, the crappier the better. I have only paid someone to work on a vehicle twice in my life - once they screwed me over without fixing anything, and once I simply didn't want to do the job (replacing an in-tank fuel pump). DISCLOSURE #1 - Goldfish likes beaters too but has not had me around until recently to fix her cars, hence the Honda Element. DISCLOSURE #2 - Motorcycles don't count, I have probably spent more on them over the years than cars :o)

2. I have four big goals for the next 15 years - to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine; to ride a bicycle via the Northern Tier Route across America from Annacortes, WA to Bar Harbor, ME; to ride a motorcycle from the top of Alaska to the tip of South America; and to drive a boat from Dutch Harbor to Maine via the Panama Canal.

3. I have a tatoo of a sea turtle. I have always loved the ocean and the water.

4. I have been in all of the United States except for Louisiana. Don't ask me why I have missed that state, it's a mystery to me as well - but I think it's kind of cool I haven't seen them all yet. I've been to Mexico and all across Canada and have always felt a guy could spend a lifetime exploring North America. DISCLOSURE - Goldfish does not necessarily share that view so I'm heading to the DMV soon to get a passport. . . . . .

5. I've been approached by bears, charged by moose, and almost bitten by a shark but the outdoors has never hurt me and it is where I always go to recharge my batteries. The more extreme the situation, the more I generally enjoy it.

6. I was a deckhand on a commercial salmon fishing vessel for four years in the 90's and continue to love boats and the fishing industry. In commercial fishing I had a strong sense of being connected to the process of feeding people and found it tremendously satisfying on a very deep level. I fished during some of the years affected by the Exxon Valdez spill which still has not been settled and am excited to be out here living on the Bering Sea where the pollock fishery is the last great sustainable fishery left in the world.

7. Jen, I know the answer to the quiz . . . . . .

The picture is indeed me, taken by my Dad in 1966 at the World's Fair. I look pretty happy, right?

9 comments:

Bren said...

Is that kid the cutest guy you ever saw?

Kym said...

Your Mom's right. You are pretty cute (in a surly guy way, of course). Good luck with the passport travel. We just came back from Europe and Germany was especially wonderful (the food, mmmm)

If you ever get to the Appalachian Trail, I want to hear about it. That's been a dream of mine that I suspect will never get fulfilled.

Anonymous said...

I love your race car Dad. I bet that thing still runs too. Oh and your sweet hat. Wow a World's Fair. They don't have those anymore do they?
Those are some pretty good goals. Quite the list. So you plan on buying a boat to drive to Maine then? Now that is cool. I wonder how long that would take?
Oh and the car thing. Ya that's just not fair. I spent more on my Metro than those three cars combined. Oh the motorcycle! I'll be quiet now.

Love you
Zack

Jennifer McKenzie said...

Awwww that is a cute pic.
I think North America has enough to offer me to keep me busy. I have been to Europe (a three week choir tour back in High School) but have always wanted to travel the U.S. and Canada more.
Thanks for playing.
What IS the answer?

Anonymous said...

Oh, you want to do the AT? My WH almost left me for four months to thru-hike it. He didn't want someone else to come along while he was gone, so he didn't go, even though I promised to wait for him. It's incredible, though, the sections we've hiked. Good choice.

Lothian said...

Interesting stuff, Steve! Love love love the picture.

Alaska Steve said...

I think Goldfish will be there when I get back from hiking the AT - if she doesn't do it with me. I've had that for a goal for a long time - it may have to wait for an early retirement to accomplish but I WILL get it done - and of course will blog all about it . . .

Nina Pierce said...

I found you through Jen Leeland's blog. Glad she tagged you. I live in Maine. Grew up in southern Maine and now live in the northern section. Middle of nowhere! Lots of friends have hiked the AT. I've never done it myself, but hear it's beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Im diggin the pic there dad! I see quite a bit of a young Zack in that one. I agree with what you said about there being so many great places to explore in North America. Hopefully i'll be able to knock off some more of the states i haven't visited some time soon. I have a big list of countries i'd like to visit too but those are a little tougher to get to sometimes.