Alaska Answers

Q. Who is your governor? -Charles

A. Our present governor is Republican Frank Hughes Murkowski, who was born March 28, 1933. He is the father of U. S. Senator Lisa Murkowski. Mr. Murkowski served in the U. S. Coast Guard.

Mr. Murkowski was elected to the U. S. Senate in 1980 and was re-elected in 1986, 1992, and 1998. The 1998 term was to end in January 2005, but he had to cut it short when he was elected our governor in 2002. For the most part, I think he has been a good governor, although some would disagree with me. But then, isn’t that always the way? If you need any other info just let me know. -Bonnie J.

Q. Where is Lunacy? -Judy

A. Hey, Judy, are you pullin’ my leg? I don’t know of any place up here named Lunacy! We do have a lot of funny names – such as Nunapitchuk, Kinnickinick, Kasigluk, and even a town called Chicken; which was supposed to be called Ptarmigan, after the state bird. The early founders couldn’t spell Ptarmigan though, and so settled on Chicken. Proof that Alaskans are quite enterprising. Some of us are even great spellers. I’d say I am, but sure as I did, someone would write in to point out a mistake! ha ha

So in answer to your question I’d have to say, I don’t know ‘where’ Lunacy is, but I sure know ‘what’ Lunacy is! It is: Having an interest in, but never coming to see our Great Land.
Come on up, Judy. -BJ

Q. Where is the Athabascan village of Nondalton? Thanks – Susan

A. Nondalton is a very small village of only 247 hardy souls. It is located 200 miles southwest of Anchorage, near the SW end of Lake Clark, which is sort of right above the Aleutian peninsula. It is about 15 miles North of Iliamna. To get there you have to fly to Iliamna and then hire a private plane to take you to the little airstrip, which is a mile from the village. Airfare within Alaska is terrible. It would cost you $367. RT to fly from Anchorage to Iliamna. That would be during 3 days of the week. The rest of the week would be something like $450. To put it into perspective, you could fly clear to Seattle for that! Ouch.

Besides the native population, you will find Bureau of Land Management employees and firefighters stationed there.

If you are serious about going, Alaska Airlines and Penn Air service the area. Also, you might want to call the City of Nondalton to inquire about place to stay, etc. That # is (907) 294-2235. I don’t believe there is a hotel there, but there are wilderness lodges in the area. Hope this helps. Bonnie J.

Q. I think I know the answer to this question, but want your opinion. I have been to many different states, have enjoyed them all, but never have wanted to return to any as much as I do to Alaska! Seems like even if you live there for a short time, the urge to return in overwhelming. Why do you think this is? -Steve D.

A. Oh, I know what you mean, Steve. It was explained to me when we first came that if we liked it we might as well settle down and stay because if you leave there is a big invisible rubber band attached to you and sooner or later, the tension will build and you will spring back. Barring physical disability or bankruptcy, those who leave usually come back.
Now and then there is someone who just doesn’t like it. We had friends who wanted to move here back about 10 years ago. He loved it, but she hated it…..and when mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy! She bawled for 3 months and then they left. She was an exception though. So, Steve, since you loved it so much, I know we’ll see you up here again. Thanks for writing.

Just to let you know, I’m working through a backlog of more than 50 questions about Alaska. I’ll be posting the answers here soon! Thanks for being patient!