To lighten the mood.... here are a few Alaska aviation videos I've made through the years...
http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=SkywestChris
Enjoy!
Two of the best years of my life were spent in Alaska. I was primarily an A&P, but did some 135 "VFR" flying (320 hours in two years). Agreed, it's some of the most dangerous flying up there. I scared myself and pushed beyond personal limits more times than I'd like to admit. I married into the bush, so we get up there yearly- even get to do some bush flying, 207 here, Stinson there. . . I love it, but wouldn't want my wife and kids to depend on it!