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WE do have a bunch of people who move up and into rural Alaska to hide out from law, their past, and even themselves. You realize this pretty quick when you attempt to take a group pict; half the people jump out like life or death. Most people keep to themselves. Bush Alaska is not a neighborly place if you are use to neighbors stopping in and going into your refrig to see whats good before sitting down. I took a hot apple pie down to one neighbors house once and he quickly told me I better call before ever stopping by again. Funny place.

Natives are like Indians everywhere with their own positive and negative cultural differences. Indians don't require all the toys we white people do. They are happy to hunt and fish. Alot of probs in rural alaska because of lack of economy and jobs. Half the white people are on govt programs. If you are not a teacher, nurse, or hAVe an independent income, its pretty tough to live off the land; hungry country.

We have been out here for 3 years now and considered moving back to urban alaska (matsu where we have another place), but something about living 200 miles down a goat path that gives me comfort and peace of mind. Everytime I make that 600 mile trip to anchorage for supplies I can't wait to get back here where there are no paved roads for 200 miles.

So anyone ever reading this that has had Alaskan dreams since childhood remember its not a shang gri la; always live in urban alaska for a few years acclimating before moving into rural area. Different world than lower 48