Life in Rural Alaska
Hi, I'm Crystal. I live in Nelchina, in an unorganized borough with no property taxes, on 8 acres I share with my mother and two rescue cats. High property taxes priced my family out of Kodiak years ago. Nelchina gave us the freedom to build the life we wanted.
"Nelchina is an unorganized borough: no property tax, no extra government. That's the freedom I'm fighting to protect."
I live in a tiny house I am slowly expanding into a bigger cabin myself I built the second-story A-frame over the past few years, and I just finished leveling the structure so I can start adding a covered porch, entry, and living room.
We do not depend on city resources out here. Instead we haul water, chop wood, burn paper trash, take the rest to the transfer station, and make sure we are stocked up on anything and everything we might need for winter.
I share 8 acres with my mother, who lives down the road; I help take care of her, and having her close by is one of the best parts of living out here. When I am not building something at my place or traveling, you'll find me at her place, cooking meals, building things, or low-key begging for cat love.
Mai Tai and Mojito are our rescue cats who rule the eight acres we live on. They were feral brothers when we got them six years ago, but now they've warmed up to my mother and me. They spend their days hunting and lying in the sun like they've got nothing but time.
Summer means getting outside as much as I can: hiking, camping, fishing, paddleboarding on the lake, growing vegetables and herbs, and foraging berries and wild plants. I also have amazing friends all over the state that I like to visit.
"Whether it's hauling water or hauling in a catch, this life teaches you to work for what you need."
The South Interior of Alaska is easy to fall in love with: the mountains, glaciers, spruce trees, wildflowers, lakes, northern lights, abundance of wildlife and peace & quiet.
Winter is dark most of the day and can reach -40 Fahrenheit. I like to snowshoe, watch for the northern lights, and make sure wood is stocked up and water isn't running low. I read a lot this time of year; mostly sci-fi and fantasy.
I'm running because the people who live this rural life deserve a representative who actually gets it; someone who understands what freedom and self-reliance mean out here and will fight to protect it.
"Alaskans are struggling right now. I believe our future can still be bright. Let's build it together."
