Lived there for five years (1989-1994)while working my way through college. I have several near-worn-out cassette tapes recorded off of the Public Radio program, "Acousticity" which was broadcast from Anchorage & featured a fair amount of local music. My favourite "Alaska" song is actually called "Yukon Women." (Can't make out the group name on my old tape, but maybe someone knows...) It's a pretty accurate description of several folks I met during my time up there: a strange blend of capability, cleverness, pioneer spirit and substance abuse. Every time I hear the song, I'm moved to laughter by its unvarnished honesty and boisterousness.

Here's how the song starts, if I recollect correctly:

"Well, I ain't seen any green since last September,
I ain't tooken off my boots since last July,
I ain't been messin' up my mind -- more than half the time --
Ah, but Honey, don't you bet that I didn't try.

...

CHORUS:
'Cause I'm one of them rough, loose, raw & rugged
Yukon women are we;
We wear plaid jackets & we build our own cabins & we all drink rose-hip tea --
independently!



The remaining verses expand on the hazards and joys of North-country life, such as itchy woolen clothing, bears, saunas, etc.

Dreadful place-- I miss it. Especially in February. Even though I now live in Maine, which has the same sort of climate & social problems! I miss the wonderful coffeehouses and all the fine music-making Alaskan folks... and fresh fish without so much mercury!

Sigh.

--Cuilionn