OUR STORY
In the summer of 1993, we built our home in McCarthy, Alaska. Since then, we have worked and played in McCarthy, our favorite place on Earth. It was not until 1996 that a footbridge was erected across the Kennicott River. Until then, we used a hand-pulled tram hanging from a cable. In 2008, cellphone towers were built and for the first time, we could easily contact each other and the outside world by phone and have access to the internet. Prior to that, “passing the word” on a network of CB radios worked locally and radio telephones were used to reach the outside world. Our first house had no indoor plumbing nor electricity; today we have all the normal infrastructure through the magic of solar panels, batteries, and other off-the-grid technology.
Despite all these conveniences, McCarthy is still off-the-grid. There is a sense of independence in the people and a feeling within the community that we are not part of the “normal” world. (The scenery around here supports that sensation.) There is still no radio, television, gas stations, fast food, paved roads, or other “luxuries” that would detract from the natural setting. The pace here is still different and it remains our magical oasis.
We are blessed to call this place home and to have raised our two children in such a beautiful area. The family enjoys the long summer days hiking and exploring our backyard. In the winter months, we travel the world visiting friends and family.
Andy
Andy’s background is in mountain climbing, survival training, satellite based internet installations and construction. Andy has retired from the National Park Service recently after working for 16 seasons on the historical building restoration project at Kennecott.
Cynthia
Cynthia was a teacher for the the Valdez City Schools District located in Valdez, Alaska where she happily taught kindergarteners. Before that, she taught for the Bering Straits and Chugach school districts. She gets out on the glacier and hikes frequently in the area so ask her what her favorite hikes are when you are visiting!
Yzolde
Our daughter Yzolde graduated with a major in math from University of Alaska Fairbanks. She loves to hike Fireweed mountain so ask her about the best hiking routes!
She enjoys aerial silks, reading and knitting in her free time. If it’s a rainy day, she’ll be playing board games!
Matthew and Torey
Our son Matthew and his better half, Torey, met in Germany during their studies. Matthew is studying at the Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg, working on a degree for mechanical engineering. Torey graduated from the University of Hamburg with a degree in education.
Matthew loves long hikes and very long bicycle tours. Torey loves visiting her family in Idaho and teaching English in classrooms around the world.
Both are well versed in McCarthy history so don’t hesitate to ask about the area!
Thinking of a Family Trip?
We are a great place for families!
If you visit in July or August, we’ll share some freshly picked garden vegetables with you! You are also welcome to borrow books from our office if you wish to learn more about the human and natural history of the local area.