Living Alaska — Picking Blackberries in Washington

Blackberry, or Rubus ursinus

Photograph by Author — Handful of Blackberries

Alaska vs. Washington

There is a unique relationship between the State of Washington and Alaska. For almost a hundred years the main point of embarkation for the State of Alaska, was through Seattle, Washington. From 1867 until 1942 when WWII started most commerce went through Seattle to Alaska. During WWII, the Alaska Canada Military Highway was built which allowed supplies to travel from the Continental United States through Canada to Fairbanks.

Photograph by Author — Rubus Ursinus

Bellingham Washington

Alaska still has a unique relationship with the State of Washington. Flying from any Alaskan city to the lower forty-eight states travels through Seattle, Washington. The Alaska Marine Highway System starts in Bellingham, Washington just north of Seattle. Today I had a ten-hour layover in Bellingham, which I used for some rest and relaxation and shopping. I also spent time picking berries.

Photograph by Author — The Chuckanut Highway Bellingham, Washington