pjgroat's review
adventurous
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism and Racial slurs
Written in 1960s, has a definitely “white superiority” tone, while not meaning Ill-will to the First Nations peoples described.carolann331's review
4.0
Fantastic book. Mardy Murie had such an adventurous spirit! Recounting her life in Alaska from childhood to expeditions with her biologist husband, Olaus, she paints a vivid picture of the land, the people, and the creatures she grows to love so much. A trousseau of boots, parka, wool and flannel clothing, a charmed wedding in a tiny Anvik church, dog sleds, pole boats, mosquitos, sourdoughs, Eskimos, Indians, unnamed lakes, specimens, and even bringing their toddler along - it's never a dull moment!
I loved that wherever they went, they loved the people and were always welcomed with open arms. I was so touched by the little Indian girl who presented them with moccasins for their toddler, then cried as their boat pulled away. This is not to say there were many people, there were actually very few and far between, and the company was valued. Mardy had a delightful perspective -- Upon meeting "the first question is "How's the trail?", and then "How many dogs have you got?".. and that's the key which unlocks the floodgates. Everyone begins to talk dog." : )
It was exciting to go along with the Muries on these expeditions in their early life and again later when Mardy returns to the Koyukuk after 50 years. Such a contrast she experienced of having traveled weeks on treacherous rivers to reach their destination to now going it by air travel that cut the trip to less than 2 hours! And once at Bettles, "The two-story Bettles Lodge, run by a very friendly couple, the Beards, was like a true old Alaskan roadhouse, the difference being that the men talking, reading, playing solitaire were not dog mushers and prospectors, but smoke jumpers and helicopter and airplane pilots."
Mardy and Olaus raised their family near the Grand Tetons in Moose, Wyoming, which is especially touching to me given that it's only 90 minutes from where I live and I consider it to be part of my world. In the prologue, I also learned about some fun activities that I have added to my own - acrostics puzzles and the Russian Bank card game!
Overall, I am left with great admiration and respect for Mardy's attitude and wisdom.
"...this attitude of consideration, and reverence, is an integral part of an attitude toward life, toward the unspoiled, still evocative places on our planet. If man does not destroy himself through his idolatry of the machine, he may learn one day to step gently on his earth."
I loved that wherever they went, they loved the people and were always welcomed with open arms. I was so touched by the little Indian girl who presented them with moccasins for their toddler, then cried as their boat pulled away. This is not to say there were many people, there were actually very few and far between, and the company was valued. Mardy had a delightful perspective -- Upon meeting "the first question is "How's the trail?", and then "How many dogs have you got?".. and that's the key which unlocks the floodgates. Everyone begins to talk dog." : )
It was exciting to go along with the Muries on these expeditions in their early life and again later when Mardy returns to the Koyukuk after 50 years. Such a contrast she experienced of having traveled weeks on treacherous rivers to reach their destination to now going it by air travel that cut the trip to less than 2 hours! And once at Bettles, "The two-story Bettles Lodge, run by a very friendly couple, the Beards, was like a true old Alaskan roadhouse, the difference being that the men talking, reading, playing solitaire were not dog mushers and prospectors, but smoke jumpers and helicopter and airplane pilots."
Mardy and Olaus raised their family near the Grand Tetons in Moose, Wyoming, which is especially touching to me given that it's only 90 minutes from where I live and I consider it to be part of my world. In the prologue, I also learned about some fun activities that I have added to my own - acrostics puzzles and the Russian Bank card game!
Overall, I am left with great admiration and respect for Mardy's attitude and wisdom.
"...this attitude of consideration, and reverence, is an integral part of an attitude toward life, toward the unspoiled, still evocative places on our planet. If man does not destroy himself through his idolatry of the machine, he may learn one day to step gently on his earth."
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