Copper River Record November 2015
By Robin Mayo
​Recently, I read several articles about northern European Countries and how they survive winter.  The Danish tradition of “Hygge” and Norwegian “Koselig” point to vastly different attitudes about winter.  Scandinavians look forward to the unique activities and beauty of winter, and also the opportunities to get cosy and enjoy family and friends.  Alaskans should be masters of mastering winter, but sadly it seems we are not.  As we struggle with seasonal affective disorder, higher rates of suicide and domestic violence, and a general bad attitude about cold, snow, and darkness, it seems we could learn a lot from our northern neighbors across the pond.
What is the secret?  For the Scandinavians, winter is not a dreaded season to be endured, but an anticipated treat, with cozy traditions.  They look forward to the chance to ski and skate, observe the beauty of winter light on frozen landscapes, and the pleasure of a slower pace to life.  There is an emphasis not only on outdoor activities, but also on indoor pleasures such as congenial company,  good food, and warming spirits.  As I researched, I also noticed that the articles all featured pictures of crackling fires, steaming mugs, and handknit socks.  There is much wisdom in this attitude, and I’m looking forward to indulging in plenty of hygge and koselig in the coming months.
How can we foster a more joyful attitude towards winter, especially in our children?  With shorter days and the demands of school, it becomes harder to make sure that kids are getting the outdoor exercise and play they need.  It is all too easy to become sluggish and inactive in mind and body.  Here are some practical ideas to help:

• Lead by example.  Ordering your kids out the door from your cozy nest on the couch is probably not going to be successful.  Bundling up along with them and leading outdoor activities is good for all of you.  And your enthusiasm will be contagious.
• Good gear for everyone.  It need not be expensive, but make sure every member of the family has warm clothing.  Both of our local thrift stores have quite a lot of outdoor gear.  Local online retailer Tuffkidsoutdoors has gear that is researched  by local supermom Becky Schwanke.  I also recommend Sierra Trading Post, which has a huge online selection of name brand outdoor gear at discount prices.  Stock up on inexpensive hats, mittens, and socks, which are often mislaid, soaked, or loaned out. 
• Plan positive experiences.  If outings become epic endurance tests, no one is going to want to go next time.  Plan age-appropriate outings, don’t let anyone suffer from cold, provide lots of snacks, and cut the adventure short if needed.  When my kids were little we would bring along a sled with a sleeping bag for even short walks, so they could cuddle up and catch a ride.
• Teach skills.  Model and teach the skills that are needed to be safe and have fun.  Layering clothing, keeping track of your mittens, watching each other’s faces for frostbite, and doing a warm-up dance when you feel chilly are a few of the skills that even the youngest child can learn and practice.
• Establish traditions.  Have a ten minute active romp outdoors on arrival home from school.  Go for a family adventure every Saturday afternoon.  Make new snow an occasion for a neighborhood snowball fight.  Kids love traditions, and will help remind you to make them happen on schedule.  My favorite tradition is the mug of cocoa when I get back inside!
• Explore your own backyard first.  Especially for small children, an ambitious outing involving a lot of driving is not necessary.  Short treks in your own local area can be just as rewarding, safer, and less stressful all around.  Kids learn to appreciate the wonders of nature that are available for them to explore at any time.
• Bring the adventure indoors.  When the weather won’t allow an extended outing, plan indoors activities such as campouts in the living room, making blanket forts, games which foster creativity and observation skills, and learning about nature through books and videos.  Read-alouds of adventurous books accompanied by dressing up, themed food, games, or art projects are great practice for the real thing.

In case you need more convincing, research shows that kids who spend time outdoors in nature, whatever the season, are happier, healthier, and smarter.  And if we are going to live in Alaska, we might as well learn to enjoy every moment instead of dreading and fighting winter.
And with that, I’m off to light a fire, put on the kettle, and get started knitting some fuzzy socks.

​Photo, Students at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park’s Camp Chosen Frozen head out on snowshoes.

By Janelle Eklund

​Autumn had descended upon the land. We wandered out of the Copper Basin to experience the joys of this season on the Kenai Peninsula at Cooper Landing. Our friends and their cozy new cabin at the base of a tall mountainous hill welcomed us. A walk in the brisk air along the Russian River piqued the senses. In the summer this river is teeming with salmon on their journey to reach their birth place. And the banks of the river are teeming shoulder to shoulder with fisherman doing their best to catch their limit of salmon.
 
On this day the fisherman were gone and hundreds of dead salmon lay on their death beds along the shore where fisherman once stood. These salmon reached their goal and completed their task of laying and fertilizing eggs for the next generation. They dodged around commercial fishing nets as they made their journey from ocean waters; they missed entrapments of those subsistence fishing; they snuck past the gauntlet of sport fisherman along the river; they alluded hungry bears, eagles and other wildlife. I applaud their stamina and determination.
 
The stench of their decomposing bodies wafted through the crisp autumn air. Eagles sat in trees still ready to feast on left-overs. Salmon are very interesting creatures. Even in death they continue to contribute to the cycle of life. Not only do they feed wildlife and humans in life, but in death their decaying bodies feed plants through their nourishment of the soil. Maggots and other insects join in the feast of the year.
 
Brown and gold leaves mimicked the salmon in their death beds, as they lay together to finish the job of making new enriched soil.
 
The open graves that lay at our feet blended into the entire scene of a river winding gracefully through a golden and green forest, back dropped by sun washed snow peaked mountains.
 
Splashes of red rose leaves against dark grey boulders. A pile of rich red high bush cranberries that went clean through a bears system. Turquoise water flowing below canyon walls.
 
Ponds wearing a golden necklace of leaves. Plump white swans with elegant long necks disappearing under pond water - tail feathered butts rising toward the sky. Necks emerge -intertwine in love shapes.
 
 Large wet snow flakes resting on brilliant colors, melting into giant water drops. A game of catching them on the tongue ensued. A chill in the air announced the inevitable entrance of winter. Swans lift for take-off - giant white wings flap up and down trailing water, necks in line - destination - south.
 
From my light to yours-