Greetings to you from Alaska!
Happy Thanksgiving !
Though we each have walked different paths through life, I remain profoundly grateful for all those whose journeys have crossed mine along the way. As I behold the trees of the forest and the birds of the air, my heart swells with gratitude—not only for their beauty and wonder, but for the sacred trust of stewardship I have been given over them. May we all honor the privilege and sanctity of life with humility, prudence, and a spirit of continual thanksgiving.
— Gary Bryan Jones
Greetings to Our Alaskan Visitors!
For the past three summers, I’ve had the privilege of hosting book signings for visitors either heading to or returning from the Denali Wilderness.
I get to meet an extraordinary mix of people—friendly, positive, and nearly all equipped with a cell phone and a great attitude!
Every encounter feels personal and meaningful. Visitors come from every corner of the United States and from countries far beyond. Some are retired professionals; others are still deeply engaged in their careers. Most are adults, but I always enjoy seeing children tagging along with their parents or grandparents. Newlyweds are easy to spot—their joy practically radiates. Each person brings a story worth hearing.
Some encounters stand out vividly in my memory. I once met Sean Swarner, who, despite having only one lung and surviving two terminal cancers, climbed Mount Everest. Another time, a determined young woman told me she had run marathons in forty-nine states and had come to Alaska to complete her goal of 50 marathons in all 50 states, and was here to run the Mayor’s Marathon in Anchorage.
There was also Bob Hopkins, the nationally recognized philanthropist and entrepreneur. After meeting him, I found myself inspired to embrace the idea that perhaps, in my own small way, I, too, am a philanthropist.
And then came Dr. Loren W. Acton, an astronaut from the Spacelab 2 mission—what an honor to shake his hand and visit with him and his wife Evelyn!
On another occasion, I met an actress from the popular series The Chosen. Add to that the many retired first responders, nurses, teachers, professors, doctors, fellow authors, and military veterans I’ve spoken with. Conversations with Vietnam veterans, in particular, left me deeply moved and appreciative of their service.
Each visitor brings a light, a positive energy that enriches the day. Many tell me this journey to Alaska is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, and I feel privileged to be a small part of that dream.
It feels as though every person I met left behind a gift, and I would like to think that I left them with something too.
Perhaps, just perhaps, our paths will cross again someday, and if not, the great memories will suffice.
Cheers!
G.B. Jones
September 9, 2025
Alaska Welcomes Astronaut Loren Acton!
