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ALASKA

Wild Word Friday!

Linguists agree that the name ALASKA comes to us from a Native word. There’s some disagreement about which word and even which language. Generally, the consensus is that ALASKA means The Great Land, derived from the Aleut word alyeska, which also means “that which the sea breaks against.” I’m not here to take sides, and there are more than these two ideas about the derivation of the name. Many of my Aleut friends  believe that the most viable translation of the word ALASKA is not The Great Land, but simply the mainland.

No matter the derivation, I do believe that those people who have been fortunate enough to visit – or live in – ALASKA know it to be one of the most beautiful places on earth, with a wide variety of landscapes that spans everything from barren volcanic islands to vast virgin forests and huge mountains to windswept “deserts” of ice and snow. Alaska is one of my favorite places on earth, and I’m partial to the far islands – gems that dot the North Pacific and the Bering Sea.  The photos below are of other gorgeous places in the state of Alaska.

File:Denali Mt McKinley.jpg

File:Susitnabridge.JPG

(Photo by Beeblebrox, licensed under Creative Commons)

File:Seward Highway.jpg

(Photo by Steve Lyon, licensed under Creative Commons)

Have you been to ALASKA? If so, do you have a favorite place there?

Blessings,

Sue

(Some information in this post from Wikipedia.)

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6 Comments

  1. Hi Sue, How are you?

    No.. I have not been to Alaska, but I would love to go, I love books about Alaska, films, documentaries, television series etc.
    The photo’s above are stunning.
    Jackie

  2. Jim and I had the opportunity to spend a week working in Juneau Alaska. Even though it was November and the rainy/snowy season, we took full advantage of exploring the island and hiking to a glacier. Loved all the eagles we saw and definitely would like to see other parts of Alaska.

  3. Juneau & the surrounding area is so beautiful, Jane. I’m glad you and Jim were able to have that great experience!

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