I am about to enter the next phase of my life. I went back to school at 40 years of age to get my doctorate in pharmacy, recently graduated, and now have to move away from where I have lived for the past 15 years to find a job. It kind of sucks to move away from Bozeman, Montana, because it has to be one of the prettiest places there is, and it is a damn nice place for adventure motorcycling, but I am ready to see somewhere new. I am ready for a new adventure.

I just got a job offer from Bethel, Alaska that pays very good money, but this is a tough decision. I have lived in Anchorage for a couple of years, so I have some Alaska experience, but Bethel is a whole nother world (for those of you who aren't familiar with it, it is fly-in only with no road access, and certainly no adventure biking, and is VERY remote). So... I thought I would ask to see if anyone in Stromtrooper land has had any experience with living in the remote regions of Alaska such as Bethel, and what it might be like. If I was 20 years old, I would do it for a year or two, just for the adventure, but I do not know if I am up to it any more.

Any of you fellers have any experience or opinions?

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When you think of the long and gloomy history of man, you will find more hideous crimes have been committed in the name of obedience than have ever been committed in the name of rebellion.
- C. P. Snow

Good luck man. I visited Alaska for the first time this summer and could care less to ever see that place again.

How attached to motorcycling are you? If I had to ditch my moto thats a non starter for me.

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K7 Wee ( Stormy ) Matt

Per Wiki, it has 3 major events all year & climbs above 60 F in July. Big Sky country with endless access to a dogsled race and a fair in August?

Money can't buy happiness but only you know if your personality type could handle the remote nature of the place and 6000 residents down from Bozemans's 37000...? Major changes.

Whatever your choice, it'll be the right one for you.

I don't have experience with any place like that but my general philosophy is that if there ain't no bikes or chicks then what good is money? Life is for the living.

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Joe S.
'12 Concours
'11 DL650
'10 Tiger1050
'01 HD FXD
'09 HD XR1200
'79 BMW R100

I also lived in Anchorage for a couple of years. I felt a little cut off from the rest of the world there. Bethel? I couldn't do it man. Surely there are good jobs in other places. Best of luck to you.


Sent from my Motorcycle iPhone app

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Eastern Gathering 2013

The lawyer whose practice I took over 8 years ago so that he and his family could move to a remote, fly-in community in Nunavut for a two year job placement is still there. They are thriving and loving it.

There are lots of things I'd hate to give up, motorcycle included, but if the move is right for you, go enjoy the adventure.

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'04 650, and goshdarnit it's fun - matte silver (#9 in the Silver 'Strom Club)
farewell to an '81 KZ550, '83 GPz750, '83 V45 Sabre, R-Reg GT380, '84 GPz550, early '70s DT175, and a '72 Peugeot 102

I've lived in Alaska for 50 years, all over the state. That was before we moved to Idaho in '02, and we just moved back this February. I spent part of a summer in Bethel in 1974, and I can say that at best, it would be an adventure. It's not a pretty place and it is remote and cut off. There is a serious alcohol and drug problem there and the police and state troopers are kept busy all the time. Prices for everything are exhorbitant, so don't expect to find any bargains at the grocery store. I would recommend purchasing all your personal needs items and clothes somewhere else.

People who live there tend to fly to Anchorage often for an R&R. A lot of them go to Costco or Sam's Club and buy a bunch of groceries and fly them back out with them when they return.

The weather there is somewhat iffy, but it could be worse. You just have to make the best of the situation.

On the positive side, if you are at all into hunting, fishing, etc., there are a lot of opportunities there.

There seems to be a lot of unhappiness there, among the native peoples there. I think alcohol and the lack of employment opportunities have a lot to do with it.

I think it might be an interesting thing to do for a couple years, though. Depends on how adventurous you are. Just plan on storing your bike for the time you are there. And do spend time looking for other pharmacy opportunities in your spare time.

Sakebato--Sounds like you had a bad experience this summer. I expect it was probably weather-related. We did not have the best summer up here, weather-wise, unfortunately. But don't let that dampen your spirits. It can be a very beautiful place when the weather cooperates. Just remember, while we were getting wet up here, a whole lot of the lower 48 states, Oregon included, were getting scorched and burned up. Idaho, where I lived for 10 years, has spent a good portion of the summer bathed in heavy smoke from forest fires, several of which were in Washington and Oregon. No place is perfect, though.

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'09 DL650

Money may not be able to buy happiness, but it can buy bacon and really...isn`t that same thing?

The pig is an amazing animal isn't it? I mean think about it..you feed a pig an apple and he turns it into BACON...did you hear that? It turns an apple (essentially GARBAGE) into BACON.

OK...back to business.

I think alaska would be a fun place to live, but not such a remote place as that. I know a family that lived in anchorage for a long time, and visit there every 2 years or so. I'd love to live there for a few years, just to say i did it.

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2006 Vstrom 650

1999 Triumph Trophy 1200

2012 Vstrom 650 (current)

All I can add is that if you are single, your dating options will be slim pickins.

I happen to be headed to both Anchorage and Fairbanks next week. First time in nearly three years. I always enjoy visiting there.

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07 DL1000, all farkled up