Combine an opinionated politician, an agricultural activist, and a caring community character and you’ll end up with David West. He came to Alaska in 1984 because of the ‘adventure.’ “I used to do a lot of hunting, fishing,[and] trapping in Washington. I lived down there...Alaska just seemed like the ultimate place to go to do all that,” he said.
After a serious brain injury, Mr. West turned to farming for recovery. His healthy, home- grown diet and commitment to his animals keeps him going every day. “And after I got disabled and I had lots of time on my hands, so, I decided that I would give it a try and, uh, it’s been working out good for us,” West says.
Mr. West’s opinions on politics compare to those of our third president, Thomas Jefferson. He describes our government as corrupt and believes it doesn’t involve the people as much as it should. He says, “I think there’s a lot of greed and corruption in the politics that are out there today and I think that it’d be simpler if they had less government and worked a little harder on ,uh, communitarian efforts to help people out. “
He sells vegetables and raises animals for a steady income. Wandering around his yard you’ll find pigs, rabbits, cats, chickens, ducks, and the occasional goose. He and his wife also grow tomatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, turnips, radishes, lettuce, and many other vegetables. Mr. West has several barns and greenhouses that houses his livelihood during the winters. “We grow probably eighty percent if the food[s] that we eat... Just about any vegetable you can grow outside,” he said.
Though living in Slana, Alaska is an adventure all on its own, Mr. West has managed to work the grainy soil, and provide for his family. His caring heart has led the community for years and he loves where he lives and even winter will never sway his loyalty. “The part I don’t like is nine months of winter. The older I get, the less I like that,” he said.
In truth, we should thank Mr. West for being so dedicated. It’s people like him that make Alaska the warmest state there is, if you catch my meaning.“One time I was out hunting with a friend of mine and [we were] walking down this moose trail and I tripped and fell on my face and he goes, ‘Oh, you looking for tracks?” West said.
Thought of the day: How can learning about other people bring about major changes in your life? What can you take away from it?
After a serious brain injury, Mr. West turned to farming for recovery. His healthy, home- grown diet and commitment to his animals keeps him going every day. “And after I got disabled and I had lots of time on my hands, so, I decided that I would give it a try and, uh, it’s been working out good for us,” West says.
Mr. West’s opinions on politics compare to those of our third president, Thomas Jefferson. He describes our government as corrupt and believes it doesn’t involve the people as much as it should. He says, “I think there’s a lot of greed and corruption in the politics that are out there today and I think that it’d be simpler if they had less government and worked a little harder on ,uh, communitarian efforts to help people out. “
He sells vegetables and raises animals for a steady income. Wandering around his yard you’ll find pigs, rabbits, cats, chickens, ducks, and the occasional goose. He and his wife also grow tomatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, turnips, radishes, lettuce, and many other vegetables. Mr. West has several barns and greenhouses that houses his livelihood during the winters. “We grow probably eighty percent if the food[s] that we eat... Just about any vegetable you can grow outside,” he said.
Though living in Slana, Alaska is an adventure all on its own, Mr. West has managed to work the grainy soil, and provide for his family. His caring heart has led the community for years and he loves where he lives and even winter will never sway his loyalty. “The part I don’t like is nine months of winter. The older I get, the less I like that,” he said.
In truth, we should thank Mr. West for being so dedicated. It’s people like him that make Alaska the warmest state there is, if you catch my meaning.“One time I was out hunting with a friend of mine and [we were] walking down this moose trail and I tripped and fell on my face and he goes, ‘Oh, you looking for tracks?” West said.
Thought of the day: How can learning about other people bring about major changes in your life? What can you take away from it?
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