"If all the ice in Alaska would melt, then Texas would be bigger than Alaska." Strange as it may seem, I believed that for the first 30 years of my life. Needless to say, I got laughed at when I made the mistake of saying that during my first visit to Alaska in 1985.

Little did I know at that time that only a few months later, I would marry a Sourdough and move to Alaska. Not since the days of the Gold Rush has there been such a Cheechako as I was. I hadn't been aware that anybody in the United States still had an outhouse for daily use. I learned differently; for over two years, I made several trips daily to our "room in a path."

Let me introduce myself, I'm Virginia Lane Bolzern, Cheechako, married to Mark Bolzern, Sourdough. As Alaskans jokingly say, "A `sourdough' is someone who is soured on Alaska and doesn't have enough dough to leave." In reality, however, it means someone who has been an Alaska resident for over 25 years.

The term sourdough originated during the gold rush (1880-1906. During the gold rush when it was not yet possible to purchase yeast, to make bread, Alaskans would culture sour dough. However, since the cabins were wood, heated in the winter and the men often left for long periods to go hunting, trapping, or to town, the sourdough cultures would not survive the cold. So the men would keep little bits of these cultures that they could use to start their dough when the made bread, in the inside breast pockets of the parkas that they wore. As a result, they became known as they smelled--as sourdough.

Mark's family first came to Alaska in 1962 via California after immigrating from Switzerland the previous year. Since more than 25 years have passes, Mark is a Sourdough. Besides, he loves Alaska--attitude alone will make him one if anything will.

On the other hand, I was a die-hard Texan. My father's family came to Texas after the Civil War, coming from both the North and the South. My mother also had ancestors in that war but one of her grandfather's came from Sweden about the time Daddy's family arrived in Texas. Since I'm was sort of a "city girl" and had never before been to Alaska, I was certainly qualified to be a Cheechako.

This story started in October 1985. My parents and I traveled to Anchorage, Alaska to attend a church conference. I met Mark upon our arrival. His self-appointed duty was to help new arrivals with their luggage. He offered to help my parents. While we were waiting for them to register, I introduced myself. As it turned out, I had known both his younger brother and another close friend at college a few years before. A new friendship was born! In his entire career as a "bellhop", Mark only took one tip--me!

Mark was my introduction to Alaska. The next evening after an afternoon meeting, Mark asked me for a date. I immediately reminded him I was with my parents. He said "Bring them along." That really impressed me that he would be willing the take "chaperons" along on a date. My parents opted for a quiet meal at the Hotel and an early bedtime.

So Mark and I set off to see the sights. Anchorage was founded about the turn of the century, incorporated in 1915. He took me to Gwennie's, an old-time Alaska restaurant. It is decorated as an old fashioned roadhouse. Mark boasted of the portions provided by the kitchen. We started off with two Ski Lifts, a drink made with hot chocolate laced with Peppermint Schnapps. Starting a tradition we have continued, Mark and I split the other items. We had a barbecue sandwich, french fries, and a salad. This was plenty so we forewent a dessert.

After dinner, Mark drove me around Anchorage, pointing out things to see. Exciting things like the corner where Mark had a motorcycle accident, the brick fence the people built because they got tired of people landing in their yard after missing the curve, the city sewer station (yes, they do have one!), Flat Top mountain, and the city lights.

That was the start to our relationship. We spent most of the next week together. Mark still claims he was hoping the match me up with his roommate. Mark would arrange a time when he could get Jerry and me together; then Jerry would fall ill. So Mark spent the time with me to keep the other fellows away. This may be, but before the week was out, Mark and I knew we had something going. However, let's not get ahead of the story.

The following morning after our date, shortly before our meeting was to start, I located my seat which was beside a family named Kreuger. They were a very pleasant-looking older couple. I introduced myself to them. Later that day, Mr. Kreuger and I happened to be talking when Mark came by. Mr. Kreuger grabbed Mark by the arm and said he had somebody he wanted Mark to meet, and proceeded to introduce us. We said we knew each other. Then he made a remark about my being single so we could date each other. Thereupon we admitted we had already been out.

The following day we ran into each other at a singles' breakfast. Mark said "Good morning, Gorgeous!" I though that was pretty presumptuous but pretended not to notice. Later we ended up sitting together when the group went to the Alaska Experience Theatre. Enthusiasts claim it to be an excellent show and a great way to learn about Alaska. The audience sits on bleacher type seats facing a screen that is the size of the whole wall. It was once said that only those with strong hearts should watch the film. The film is enthralling with scenes of Alaska and her peoples. However,the scenes are constantly moving. I held my stomach with my eyes closed most of the time. I get dizzy when watching films with lots of motion on the screen. Even the music was so graphic as to make me sick. If you are the type (like I am) that feels queasy while watching ski films, I do not recommend this Alaska experience. This film was shot out of an airplane and consists of a tour around Alaska. Mark punched me to open my eyes just as a cliff dropped away from the plane. I would have beaned him except I was too busy trying not to heave my lunch into his lap. Mark didn't realize how un-nice it is to do something like that. I was really suffering. Even the music was so graphic as to make me sick; it was so full of motion that I could picture what I wasn't seeing.

Somehow I managed to survive that part of the afternoon without having to throw up or leave the room. After the film, Mark treated me to a fruit cup at The Pantry, the 24 hour restaurant at the Captain Cook. Among other things we talked about, we talked about the other people we sort of liked. We decided that as long as were weren't there with anyone and no definite commitments to our friends at home, we could enjoy each other's company with no strings attached. It was nice to be able to relax with someone with whom we had things in common. Then we parted company and met again later at another singles' activity. I visited with a number of the young men, by Mark insisted on walking me back to my room when I was ready to leave. At that time he recruited me to participate in a hike he was organizing for the following afternoon.

An afternoon stroll up a mountain isn't exactly my cup of tea. I attempted it solely for the chance to be with my new friend. Besides, I had been promised a nice view of Anchorage. Mark normally would have been among the leaders up the mountain. This time he hung back with me, his roommate, and another girl who was a friend of my sister. We were going so slowly that we never made it to the top before out time was up. We were having too good a time joking and telling stories to go very fast. However, we were slightly chagrined when Graydon Drown, who had arrived late, went cruising by and made it to the top and reached the bottom again about the same time we did.

Embarrassment waited for me on Thursday morning. Once again I was sitting next to Mr. and Mrs. kreuger. When Mark and I parted at my row, Mr. Kreuger stood up and hollered at Mark who had made it to the front row by this time. He plainly told Mark there was an empty seat next to mine. Mark waved at him and continued to his seat. So he yelled even louder that the seat next to me was empty and Mark was supposed to sit in it. Mark decided to be obedient; sitting next to me was a fate much better than death. Besides, it didn't look like peace would reign up until Mark did come sit by me. Later Mr. Kreuger asked us to hold our hands out in front of us. We were surprised that our hands are very similarly shaped. That cinched it for Mr. K. He knew then that we were destined to be married and made no bones about it. He now takes credit for getting us together.

I've always had this theory that couples should look alike--at least look as if they belonged together. Years ago I had a crush on a young man. One day we were at a restaurant and saw our reflections in a mirror. It just didn't compute! Despite both having brown hair, we didn't look like we went together at all. Thereafter, any time I was out with a fellow, I tried to maneuver us in front of a mirror, window, or something reflective.

It wasn't very hard to get Mark in front of a mirror. The drain stopper on the bathtub in my hotel room didn't close up right. Mark said he would take a look at it. Bathrooms have big mirrors. I was quite impressed that he looked real well with me. I still think that!

ALASKA: THE WILD, WILD WEST

My first experience with the real Alaska was when Mark invited me to a dinner at his neighbor's igloo (igloo means home). Noel Matteson is a unique man who embodies the spirit of Alaska. He's one of the most hospitable people I've ever met.

Noel lives in Birchwood, about 30 miles north of Anchorage. This part of Birchwood still rather undeveloped. It's a place where people can still build their own home on some real acreage without having to fight city hall.

Mark tried to give me some idea of what to expect. However, I had to see it to believe it! The roads into the housing area were gravel. We turned off the pavement by a "small plane airport" after crossing railroad tracks. The road curved like a snake several times. Then we turned at the landmark I'd been told to look for--a big billy goat and his opponent, a tire on a rope. The lane into which we turned (at the goat) widened into what had to be the parking area as the road ended at this point. I looked around for the house but none was in sight.

Then Mark informed me we had some walking to do. We climbed an embankment and over the railroad tracks. As we proceeded down a footpath through the trees for about a city block, I still wondered where the house was. Parked alongside the path was a large, green truck. Mark modestly admitted this monstrosity to be his. I couldn't imagine what use he would have for a vehicle like that. Only too soon would I find out!

Just beyond the truck was Noel's house. It didn't look like any house I'd ever seen.

By the gate into Noel's property was a rural mailbox with the flag up. I wondered if the postman actually came to deliver mail. Mark responded "That flag has been up for several years, so I don't think so." Beyond the mailbox was the house.

Mark pointed out the outhouse on the way to the house. Along with an anecdote about the time someone attached a bell to a rope alongside a sign saying "Pull to flush." Unsuspecting city people were usually gullible enough to do just that. Fortunately, nobody had any tricks up their sleeves the evening I was there.

As we entered the door, to the left was a large room 24x24 ft. with a fairly low ceiling. The room had a number of tables with crystal place settings. As it turned out, he was expecting about 20-30 people for dinner. In front of me was the kitchen. In it was the heating stove made out of a 55 gallon drum. To the right was another room about 18x18 ft. with couches, chairs, etc.

Noel lives on 2 1/2 acres with two nieces and a nephew. The house is a masterpiece. Homemade, it is constructed of logs, boards, sheet metal, glass, etc. Outside, it looks like a Salvation Army reject. But inside, it is as cozy as any new bride could hope for.

As the evening progressed, someone asked Mark about his house. As he had promised to take me to see it, we decided to take a "field trip" to Bolzern Manor. What an adventure! As mentioned before, his big green crew cab 1 ton truck was sitting in the unused driveway across from Noel's. Our group piled into the truck. The short drive down the path to Mark's is one I'll never forget. To my untrained eyes, the path seemed hardly wide enough to allow passage. We jounced and bounced down the path. In front of us a tree loomed, seeming to form a dead end. Just as I thought we were sure to crash, Mark jerked the wheel and drove around the tree. Sure enough, the path continued until ending in front of a two story house.

My first impression of Mark's house is a little vague. It was so dark and I was only there for a few minutes. If I had known that I would be coming there to live, I would have looked a little more carefully. I do remember thinking there weren't very many windows. Mark wished to leave the truck at his house so we walked back to Noel's house.

While waiting for dinner, I had another surprise. Noel invited me to see the rest of the house. First we went outside and around the house, up some steps into a porch-like room. We climbed a ladder onto the roof. Then we went inside a room which Noel said was to be his bedroom when it was finished. After leaving there, we climbed a very steep and narrow staircase. At the top we walked upon 2x4s that were sticking out of the roof. I kept walking while looking for a destination. Finally I asked Noel where we were going. He replied, "This is where our deck will be--I thought you'd like to see the view." If I hadn't been so scared, I might have enjoyed it a little more.

By that time, dinner was ready. I was glad to be back on the ground. Noel served 24 people that night using crystal dishes. it was a delicious turkey dinner. I also believe spaghetti was an entree alternative.

Upon our departure Noel presented the ladies with a piece of crystal. Mine, a candy dish, has a place of honor on our mantle. That night was a wonderful example of Alaskan hospitality. Nowhere else have I ever been made feel as welcome.

The next few days were slightly blah in comparison to the exciting evening at Noel's. The time was drawing near that my parents and I would head back to Texas. By this time Mark and I began to acknowledge that something was happening between us.

The end of our week of budding romance was an evening out at Vittles. This restaurant has since closed. The down-home atmosphere was a perfect ending to the week. We had plenty of food. This time my parents and two of Mark's friends accompanied us. We were treated royally. Graydon acted as chauffeur in his new car and Jerry insisted on paying. Then we duplicated our sightseeing tour of Anchorage for the benefit of my parents. A dusting of snow coming down was exciting to me. I didn't see much snow in the part of Texas where I lived.

All good times eventually come to an end. Mark and I had to decide whether or not our relationship was headed for anything more permanent. It certainly had been a fun week! But was that enough to base a relationship on? Especially since we lived miles and miles apart?

We made the decision that we would communicate with each other. Mark mentioned that he would talk to his minister about the situation. And with that, we kind of left it hanging.

My parents and I left Anchorage on a morning flight. Most flights leave Anchorage in the middle of the night. The reason for this is that most flights go toward the East. If one waits until daytime to leave, it is late in the day before arrival at the destination. Mark drove us to the airport to catch our 8 a.m. flight. We arrived at the DFW airport about 6 p.m. It was a tired trio by the time we'd driven the back to my home near Tyler.

When I'd left Alaska, I wasn't sure what turn my romance would take. I was determined not to be the first one to write. At age 30, I didn't want to look desperate. But a short week later, just as I'd given up and written a letter, I received a bouquet of roses. Mark didn't sign the card; the message was "Just because." I thought this pretty romantic.

Needless to say, my flowers were the sensation of the office. At that point I wasn't ready to reveal Mark's existence. I didn't want to look stupid in case nothing happened. Since he didn't sign the card, I could honestly say I had a secret admirer. Mark and I began a series of letters and telephone calls.