#12 July 25, 2018 The Games People Play

Dear Friends

One of the blessings of being here for four months has been experiencing some annual Alaska traditions. On the Fourth of July, we watched the Mt. Marathon Race. It's a rugged 5k, up and down a steep mountain named Mt. Marathon, broadcast live on television. Drones were used for dramatic close-ups.

Last weekend in Fairbanks was the annual World Eskimo-Indian Olympics, which dominated the local television news sport reports. We had seen demonstrations of some of the events during our visit to the Native American Cultural Center a couple of weeks ago, here in Anchorage. (see pictures attached above)

One event is the Four Man Carry. Sido Evans shattered the world record this year, walking 308 feet and 10 inches with four people hanging on him---one was on his back, one was in the front, and two clung to either side. Together, they totaled about 600 pounds.
(This event mimics a hunter packing out meat after a successful hunt).

Some of the other events (for men and women) included Indian Stick Pull, Alaskan Stick Pull, Head Pull, Ear Pull, Greased Pole Walk, Fish Cutting, Seal Skinning, Two Foot High Kick and One Hand Reach. And don't forget Muktuk Eating, a traditional Inuit meal of frozen whale skin and blubber. (I guess that would be a healthier alternative to the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating contest, held each 4th of July on Coney Island!)

Here at the Thomas Center, we settle for jigsaw puzzles, Chinese and regular checkers, chess and Rummikub. (We also harvest, wash, and bag lettuce from the garden.)

This Saturday in Alaska is the annual "Ted Stevens Get Out and Play Day". (Ted Stevens is a former Alaska Senator). 

Whatever games we play, indoors or out, in competitions or for pure fun, may we find delight in the doing.

John

P.S. We missed the annual "Running of the Reindeer" held on the first Saturday of March. Not sure of that is a much healthier alternative to the Running of the Bulls!