There's no place like Nome

I’m in Anchorage now, after nearly a week in Nome:? a place of contradictions and delights and warmth, and yes, cold.? On the day I arrived, the beautiful Bering Sea was full of huge ice floes.? By the time I left, the ice was gone.

A researcher rolls into town with expectations and fears.? With the help of Carrie McLain Museum Director Laura Samuelson and Kegoyaha librarian Marguerite La Riviere, I found my way through the extraordinary archives of this most unusual, most American city.? I had breakfast every morning at the Polar Cafe, lunch with Laura, and dinner with the most hospitable people on earth, Sue Greenly and Pat Hahn.? As someone from the Outside, as they call anyone from beyond Nome, I was a novelty, but I never felt I was singing for my supper.? Instead, I felt like I was being welcomed as someone new with whom to share their love of their place.

I thought often of Saltaire, Fire Island.? Another unusual place, happens to be my favorite place on earth.? I used to think it was remote.? Hah!? Nome, now THAT’s remote — a place where you can only arrive by boat or plane.? You have to go there with intention.? Or good luck.

Some images of Nome: