Alaska is an interesting place really. Only in Alaska will you be greeted at the airport with gigantic stuffed murdered bears. Ironically they keep these huge beasts safe from the general public by storing them behind safety glass but allow very suspicious looking people to pick up their impressively large guns from the "oversized" baggage claim with no questions asked. These people roam free and get behind me in the line at Starbucks. I do not take any extra time ordering my beverage and consider buying theirs in case I need to get on their good side while I wait for my next flight.

Now, speaking of bears, have I mentioned that I have three irrational fears- I am afraid of spiders, sharks and yes, you guessed it- bears. Now, living in Salem, Oregon means that there is a relatively small chance that I will run into this particular fear. Spiders, well that will be another post one day. But here in Alaska, I am always on the lookout.

While I walked two blocks to Payless Rent-a-Car at 10:30pm in the frigid 37 degree weather kicking myself for checking my coat which was probably spinning round and round on the conveyer belt while I make the trek to pick up my car, I considered the possibility that I might run into a bear. I thought more about it as I approached the office and discovered it was, in fact, closed and I was now going to have to walk back to the airport. I was vulnerable once again to the beast that surely was walking around hoping to eat me or at least take a large chunk out my body which with it's shark like teeth. But in true Alaskan style there was a sign on the door with a phone number and I was feeling gutsy so I called it. Turns out in Alaska 10:30pm and 10:30am are interchangeable but he said he'd be right over before I could admit I was freezing and afraid a bear would eat me if he didn't hurry. Setting pride aside I decided to wait in-between two parked vehicles, partially for the wind breaking effect they offered and partly because I wanted a large piece of machinery between me and the suspicious looking trees to the north of me. Luckily I didn't have to wait long because about three minutes later I heard a trailer door open (you read that right) from behind the office and a fairly innocent looking middle-aged man emerge.

The Payless Rental Office was an interesting collection of Alaskan posters and magazines aimed at people who fish and people who shoot things. I was not surprised to spot a fishing pole behind the desk or the white board filled with names like "Outlaw Auto Parts" and "Hank's." I was, however, surprised to see flat screens computers. Very forward thinking, this office. Finally, keys in hand, I was sent off with one last question, "now... have you ever driven a Ford?" Assuring him that yes, I am an American and I have driven a Ford, I was off to make the short drive to Soldotna.

Exhausted and ready to shower off the airplane smells, I was ready to park my American car at my hotel. This particular location is one of my favorites because it belongs to the parent's of a friend of mine who always welcome me with a hug and huge smiles. This year there was an additional welcome- BEAR SPRAY. Apparently there has been a bear around and no one can seem to chase it off. Where are those gun bearing airport men now?! So I take my bear spray and my hug and I lug myself up the stairs. I'm thankful that I backed my car into the parking spot (let's be honest I'm not sure I am actually IN the parking spot, but this is Alaska so it's ok...) so I am a few feet closer to the door when I sprint the 10 feet to avoid getting mauled by a bear tomorrow morning. On that note... time for bed.