16 September 2010
15 September 2010
Farewell to Savage Cabin
Since May I have been working as a Living History Interpreter here in Alaska at Denali National Park and Preserve. This Summer I portrayed a 1941 United States National Park Service Mount McKinley National Park Ranger. I have kept a daily blog, along with photos and video on the Facebook Group Page: Zach's Living History Adventure in Alaska. Which is why there haven't been too many posts to this page. However, as this Adventure of mine is coming to a close I will be switching back here for my "regular life" posts ;)
Anyway, today I felt like I wanted to make sure I posted the video that I recorded this afternoon upon the completion of my season here in Denali. This summer in 324 performances I entertained and educated 549 Tour Buses with an estimated 23,058 tourists on board.
Here is my farewell to life at Savage Cabin, Mount McKinley National Park, 1941:
02 July 2010
Happy Birthday America...
"The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not."
~John Adams, July 3, 1776
18 June 2010
Above All...
(click on image for full size photo)
Old Glory flying above Mt. Eielson, from the Eielson Visitors Center, Denali National Park and Preserve. All in memory of Carl Ben Eielson.
I snapped this photo, for as I stood there yesterday afternoon seeing this image I couldn't help but think and my mother and sister who were in Arlington National Cemetery in honor of another group of Airmen.
Seeing this image in person or in picture, I can't think of a more fitting motto than that of the US Air Fore:
ABOVE ALL
01 June 2010
Memorial Day 2010
For some households everyday is Memorial Day.
This post is dedicated to the family of Staff Sergeant David P. Spears, US Army, 25th Infantry. "Chief of Smoke" 2/9 Field Artillery, 'B' Battery. KIA 24 July 1966, Ia Drang Valley, Central Highlands, Vietnam.
21 April 2010
Come Follow My Adventure...
Come on over and join my new Facebook Group: Zach's Living History Adventure In Alaska I created this group page so that there will be a central location for people to keep up-to-date with journey in Denali National Park this summer. I will use this group page to post pictures, videos, and stories for you all to see and follow along.
And, no I do not plan on abandoning my blog, I just wanted another venue that would enable me to share multimedia experiences of my Summer adventure.
14 April 2010
Big Changes...
I have to admit that while I am more excited than I have been in a long, long time...I am just as equally terrified! Today, my management team officially approved a leave of absence for me that will allow me to accept a short-term contract with the Doyon/Aramark Joint Venture, the National Park Service's authorized concessioner of Denali National Park.
I will be spending May through September of this year working as a Living History Interpreter as part of the Denali Natural History Tour.
I cannot express how excited I am to have the opportunity to continue and advance my career as a Living History Professional, as well as have the opportunity to live and work in Alaska at such a beautiful place as Denali. This experience will be a great departure for me on many levels, yet I know it will be an adventure full of lessons to be learned. It will be a wonderful break from the summertime of Virginia, however, I will be sad at spending that time away from Portia (a big thank you to my family for agreeing to watch her while I'm away). It will be a once in a lifetime experience I have no doubt.
And it won't be so bad reporting to work here everyday:
For those of you who are wondering, my assignment will be to portray a 1940's era Park Ranger. A great departure from the many characters I have portrayed over the years and it will be a whole new era for me to familiarize myself with, I really can't wait...despite how scary this whole thing is.
10 April 2010
A Full Company At 'Over-Strength'
As some of you may (or may not) know, my job involves me playing a variety of different people from the 18th Century. One such character is Captain Alexander Parker of Col. Thomas Posey's Virginia Regiment. Typically I will portray this American soldier/veteran on Wednesdays and Fridays as part of our End of Day program. The year is 1781, and the American and French forces are amassing for the siege of Yorktown. But before the march to the city of York, Capt. Parker has come to Williamsburg to find any and all brave, able-bodied men, over the age of 16 who would like to exact some revenge on the Redcoats that have wrecked havoc and devastation on their countryside...and with a cry for all those willing to fight to step forward or be left behind this is what happened yesterday, Friday, April 9th:
21 ranks of men, five across stepped forward and volunteered for service in the Continental Line. Considering how quiet this crowd had been all day I honestly did not expect more than three or four men to step forward. While we had few boys step forward they were removed from the ranks before the volunteers were issued their Oath of Enlistment:
At this point in history, a complete company is composed of 100 men. With 105 total men sworn in we exceeded the numbers of a full company by five men, making this the largest number of men I have ever seen recruited here...a full company at 'over-strength'...it was a lot of fun to be a part of and see the patriotism of this quiet crowd come to life in these 105 men.
(Click on images for larger view)
17 March 2010
Even Gen. Washington Celebrated St. Paddy's Day...
08 March 2010
A Journey To Share With You...
In the Summer of 1999 I had the privilege of serving as part of a team with Youth for Christ's Summerserve mission teams. We were a group of American teenagers/young adults assigned to serve in a church in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, a suburb of Belfast, at that time one of the world's deadliest cities. It was a wonderful experience, and despite the reputation I never once felt afraid or at danger, well save for being followed by a street performing clown for a couple blocks (but who wouldn't be afraid when being followed by a clown).
My team was lead by a wonderful man, Mark, a.k.a The Wayfarer. Following our teams mission, Mark actually went back to N. Ireland where for several years he and his wife continued to serve as missionaries. Around the same time I moved to Virginia, Mark and his wife were called back to the States and for the past year or so they have been living in Denver. Mark is an amazing man and in my opinion is a great role model and leader of men, especially young men.
Recently I was reading on Mark's blog about one of his friends, Jonathon. This young man has embarked on a journey. Just over a week ago, with his dog by his side, Jonathon embarked on a journey that will take him from the Atlantic Coastline of Delaware all the way to San Francisco, CA. Jonathon intends to raise awareness for Kiva.org an organization that connects people across the world in an effort to promote entrepreneurship and alleviate poverty.
Jonathon and his dog Kanoa plan on walking the American Discovery Trail nearly in its entirety to raise money and awareness for Kiva. Throughout their journey Jonathon will be keeping a blog with video and pictures of their adventures. This week it has been amazing to watch and listen to the details of this incredible walk. I encourage you all to head over to Jonathon's blog and follow along in this amazing young man's journey. I really wish his journey took him through Williamsburg, as I would love to take Portia out and join him and Kanoa on part of this journey.
Godspeed Jonathon and Kanoa, I look forward to following you as you progress on this amazing journey!
28 February 2010
One of the best SNL guests in the modern era...
Think what you want about the guy, but I must admit Justin Timberlake is one of the funniest entertainers of my generation:
23 February 2010
16 February 2010
14 February 2010
Happy February 14th...
On this day 151 years ago, Oregon officially became the 33rd State in The Union. So, let me just say Happy Statehood Day everyone! If you are going to be in or near Portland, Oregon today I highly recommend that you take some time to stop in at the Oregon Historical Society and join in on the celebration. Today is a free day at OHS and they will be having live music, tours, living history theatre, and yes, there will even be cake!! Happy Birthday Oregon, thanks for making February 14th, such a special and memorable day!!
12 February 2010
Olympics 2010...
Winter Olympics start tonight and I thought I'd just give a shout out to those residing in the little loft apartment over the really great party...or as some would say America's hat. Go Team USA, however, please know my neighbors of the Great White North I will be rooting for you in Hockey...so, GO CANADA HOCKEY, EH!
08 February 2010
Happy Birthday Portia!!
On February 8, 2007 somewhere in Central Oregon a Chocolate Lab gave birth to six puppies. The Lab had given birth to puppies before...Lab puppies...but this time was different, the puppies were most certainly not Labs, well not purebreds anyway. These puppies had white markings on their chests and toes and for whatever reason it was decided that these puppies would not do and they were subsequently "abandoned" (for the lack of a better word) at the Humane Society of Central Oregon, located in Bend, Oregon. The volunteers and employees worked diligently to wean all six puppies and find them loving homes. And as is usually the case with the puppies they were quickly adopted...all five of the six anyway...all but this one:
The called her "Sweetie" on account of her kind and gentle disposition. For some reason though the shelter was having a hard time finding her a home. Much loved by the handlers and volunteers that worked with her they would post notes on her kennel encouraging folks to take a look at her and hopefully adopt her: "I love to play and run, if you want more energy I will give some to you. I can not sit yet but I am learning!" or " I heart being taken out on walks. I do not know sit, come, or down, but get me treats and teach me! I am very energetic and I love people!" But even with references like those, "Sweetie" continued to live for nearly five months in her kennel at the shelter.
Then one day in June, while looking yet again through the shelter in search of that perfect dog...I met "Sweetie"...I immediately snapped a cellphone picture of her (the one above) and forwarded it to my roommate/landlord in hopes he would approve of my attempt to bust her out. I particularly liked this dog not only for her demeanor, but for the fact that she was almost a pint-sized version of my roommates dog Zeke, a Mastiff-Boxer mix:
After seeing the photo of "Sweetie" my roommate, Matt, agreed that she seemed like the right dog to rescue. So, on June 30, 2007 after close to five months in a cell at the local shelter the last of the six puppies was about to get a new home, but before that could happen she needed a new name, "Sweetie" is nice and all, but it's more like a nickname, than a proper name. I felt that I had the perfect proper name, inspired by the heroine of William Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice I settled on the name, Portia.
Portia, from Merchant of Venice, is beautiful, gracious, rich, intelligent, quick witted, and has high standards in men. She obeys her father's wishes, even while having the determination to land the suitor of her desire. Even at one point disguising herself as a man to save another's life. This character fit perfectly with this precious little puppy, full of energy and a willingness to please.
So, on June 30, 2007 "Sweetie" became Portia...rescued from the shelter to come home where she made fast friends with Zeke:
It's been a great three years, Portia and we have come along way from our beloved home in Central Oregon to our new home some 3000 miles away in Virginia...hope your day is special!
Portia and Poe
Poe takes Portia for a walk
Portia with her 1st Birthday present from Aunt Sarah
Portia, Rockway Beach 2007
Car rides are one of Portia's favorite things
Stopping to visit with Uncle Flash in Tennessee on her way to Virginia. We miss you Uncle Flash
Zeke and Portia, we miss you too Zeke
Aunt Shelby and Portia
Portia before leaving Oregon
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03 February 2010
For The Moments I Feel Faint...
Lately I have had this growing feeling of being out of my depth...a feeling like I keep swimming, keep swimming, only to sink further and further down. Then, today, the words of this Relient K song came on:
Am I at the point of no improvement?
What of the death I still dwell in?
I try to excel, but I feel no movement.
Can I be free of this unreleasable sin?
[Chorus:]
Never underestimate my Jesus.
You're telling me that there's no hope.
I'm telling you you're wrong.
Never underestimate my Jesus
When the world around you crumbles
He will be strong, He will be strong
I throw up my hands
"Oh, the impossibilities"
Frustrated and tired
Where do I go from here?
Now I'm searching for the confidence I've lost so willingly
Overcoming these obstacles is overcoming my fear
[Chorus]
I think I can't, I think I can't
But I think you can, I think you can
I think I can't, I think I can't
But I think you can, I think you can
Gather my insufficiencies and
place them in your hands, place them in your hands, place them in your hands
30 January 2010
Snow Day...
Upon reporting for duty at work today, we were the only place open!
Portia and I pretending we were back in Oregon for the day!
Portia enjoying the snow
25 January 2010
23 January 2010
Lyrics I Had To Share...
Heard this song tonight and I really felt like I needed to share the lyrics...they hit home for me pretty hard:
Sometimes we fall down and can't get back up
we're hiding behind skin that's too tough
how come we don't say I love you enough
till it's to late, it's not too late
Our hearts are hungry for a food that won't come
we could make a feast from these crumbs
and we're all staring down the barrel of a gun
so if your life flashed before you
what would you wish you would've done
Yeah... gotta start
lookin at the hand of the time we've been given here
this is all we got and we gotta start pickin it
every second counts on a clock that's tickin'
gotta live like we're dying
We only got
86 400 seconds in a day to
turn it all around or throw it all away
we gotta tell 'em that we love 'em
while we got the chance to say
gotta live like we're dying
And if your plane fell out of the skies
who would you call with your last goodbyes
should be so careful who we live for out our lives
so when we long for absolution
there'll no one on the line
Yeah... gotta start
lookin at the hand of the time we've been given here
this is all we got and we gotta start pickin it
every second counts on a clock that's tickin'
gotta live like we're dying
We only got
86 400 seconds in a day to
turn it all around or throw it all away
we gotta tell 'em that we love 'em
while we got the chance to say
gotta live like we're dying
We only got
86 400 seconds in a day to
turn it all around or throw it all away
we gotta tell 'em that we love 'em
while we got the chance to say
gotta live -- like we're dying
We never know a good thing till it's gone
you never see a crash until it's head on
all those people right when we're dead wrong
you never know a good thing till it's gone
Yeah... gotta start
lookin at the hand of the time we've been given here
this is all we got and we gotta start livin it
every second counts on a clock that's tickin'
gotta live like we're dying
We only got
86 400 seconds in a day to
turn it all around or throw it all away
we gotta tell 'em that we love 'em
while we got the chance to say
gotta live like we're dying
"Live Like We're Dying" ~ Kris Allen
11 January 2010
Donated My Hair...
I did it! Finally went in and got my ridiculously long hair all cut off!! And I figured that since I didn't want my hair anymore that it would be better used by someone who might need it, so I donated my ponytail to Locks of Love. Locks of Love requires that your ponytail must be at least 10 inches long and mine came in just under 11. Here's a few photos I took today to commemorate this occasion:
Here I am with my hair down for the final time.
Getting ready to go in and get my haircut.
Here I am posing with my trophy ponytail before sending it off to Locks of Love.
Went to dinner with a friend to celebrate and while we were eating dinner I noticed the restaurant had this poster from my hometown of Pendleton, Oregon. It is a Lee Moorehouse photo of the 1915 Bucking Contest Winners: Lee Campbell, Jackson Sundown, and Yakima Canutt.
08 January 2010
04 January 2010
A Decade Of Dominance...
In honor of today's (Jan. 4, 2010) Tostitos Fiesta Bowl match up of the Boise State Broncos and the TCU Horned Frogs I wanted to take a moment to shine the light on quite possibly the greatest football dynasty that never was fully appreciated and often overlooked in the last 10 years...The Boise State Broncos.
Okay, so I fully appreciate that this decade isn't complete until the end of 2010. And for that reason I have chosen to look at the record and body of work for the Boise State Broncos dating back to their 1999 season and then all the way through this season which will culminate in tonight's bowl game.
Some of you may not be aware that the Boise State Football program has the best record in all of Division I-A Football, or as they call it now in the FBS. Now I could possibly just ask you to take my word for it or I could tell you to just go look it up for yourself, but I thought I'd be nice and let the records do all the talking for us:
1999: 10-3 W, Humanitarian Bowl def. Louisville Big West Champion
2000: 10-2 W, Humanitarian Bowl def. UTEP Big West Champion
2001: 8-4 2nd Place WAC
2002: 12-1 W, Humanitarian Bowl def. Iowa State #12 WAC Champion
2003: 13-1 W, Fort Worth Bowl def. TCU #15 WAC Champion
2004: 11-1 L, Liberty Bowl Louisville #13 WAC Champion
2005: 9-4 L, MPC Computers Bowl Boston College WAC Co-Champion
2006: 13-0 W, Tostitos Fiesta Bowl def. Oklahoma #5 WAC Champion
2007: 10-3 L, Hawai'i Bowl East Carolina 2nd Place WAC
2008: 12-1 L, Poinsettia Bowl TCU #11 WAC Champion
2009: 13-0 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl TCU #6 WAC Champion
----- --------------------------- ------------------------
121-20 5-4 with one to play 2 Big West Championships
7 WAC Championships
And while I'll let the numbers above do all the talking, tonight I will be rooting on the Boise State Broncos as they take on the TCU Horned Frogs for the 3rd time in the last 10 years in hopes that the Boys in Blue will be able to add win number 122 to their list of accomplishments during their often overlooked "Decade of Dominance." For the ninth time in the last 10 years the Broncos record now stands at 10 wins or more. For the second time that record is an unblemished record of 13-0, and with a win tonight it will be 14-0. Yet again, the Broncos will be only outsiders to the BCS National Championship. The last time they were in this situation (2006) they were told that as a member of the WAC that they hadn't really played against a perennial college powerhouse and proven they can win...so what did the Boys from the Smurf Turf of Idaho do?? They went to the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and defeated Oklahoma, a perennial college powerhouse.
I certainly hope that in this year's Fiesta Bowl the Broncos will find similar success. And I certainly hope that the powers that be, who seem so reluctant to have a true college football playoff, will perhaps consider BSU's entire body of work and realize that this school is every bit deserving of its record, and perhaps in the decades to come may be even able to share or win a National Championship of its own.
But enough of my wishful thinking...Good Luck Broncos, and before I depart here's a look at a few of the Broncos I have enjoyed following over the years:
Jared Zabransky
QB 2004-2006
Hometown: Hermiston, OR
Tony Hilde
QB 1993-1996
Hometown: Pendleton, OR
Ryan Dinwiddie
QB 2001-2003
Hometown: Elk Grove, CA
Legedu Naanee
QB 2003-2004
WR 2005-2006
Hometown: Portland, OR
Korey Hall
LB 2003-2006
Hometown: Glenns Ferry, ID
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