Alaska=12 Col. Foster=17 Split's Alaskan Adventure Part 1

My good friend Colonel Split Foster recently arrived in a dirigible to experience first hand the challenges that Alaska has to offer. Though he suffered some bruises and setbacks, I am glad to report that he came out on top in the end. There were many adventures had and many tales to tell, so I will only report a few here. Firstly, we made it our goal to circumnavigate the grand expanse of the Eklutna lake. We did so in kayaks in 38 degree water with healthy winds and rain. In waters this cold, submersion means death. There is a 50% chance that you can swim 50 feet in water 12 degrees warmer. There would be no swimming if we were to fall into this glacial pool. In fact, upon our arrival we passed a man on the shore who had just been rescued out of the chilled lake after his vessel had been capsized by high waves. Upon hitting the water his muscles had seized and he was unable to move. Luckily, there were trained rescuers nearby. While the trip was recreational at heart, it readied Col. Foster and steeled him against some of the challenges he would face while in the Great Land. After an exquisite day of boating, we moved back to dry land at the request of the lubberly Foster. We decided our next goal was to hike the bear-infested lands of the Falls Creek Canyon in search of mussella lasiocarpa, or the Golden Lotus Banana, which had been rumored to have been spotted in the region and which happened to be one of Split's all-time favorite fruit bearing shrubs. While hiking in the area we made sure to make constant noise so as to not sneak up behind any large ursidae family members and spook them into an attack. We must have done an adequate job as we did not spot any large land mammals that day, though we did see a few ovis dalli dalli on the mountain top. At this point I will have to end this letter, as there are more pressing things at hand, such as winterizing all of our expeditionary equipment. I will write to you next week and conclude Col. Foster's tale. Until next week, I must bid you adieu.

Your faithful friend,

Michodius Von Overstratten IV