North to Alaska

I've always wondered what it would be like to drive a school bus in Alaska. In fact, several years ago I was offered a job up there, way beyond the Arctic Circle, but the wife put her foot down -- right on my toes -- and that was the end of that.

But still, it got me wondering what sort of things those Alaskan school bus drivers must be prepared for as they go out on each and every route.

I can imagine that they have to keep a set of blankets, one for each child, just in case the bus breaks down in the middle of nowhere, but do you think they might also carry a portable wood burning stove as well? Just go out, chop down some wood, and keep those kids nice and toasty until help comes? I don't know.

If they do, then that means they also have to carry an axe or a chainsaw. You can't chop down trees with just a pocket knife.

But if you're out in the wilderness, chopping down trees in the middle of nowhere, wouldn't there be a high risk of being attacked by a Grizzly Bear? I betcha the chances are pretty good. So does that mean the drivers also have to be packing weapons -- say a deer rifle or maybe a bazooka? I don't know.

And what would happen if a bus driver WAS attacked by a Grizzly and he/she killed it? They'd have to be prepared to field dress it, so that means extra knives and forks, because you wouldn't want that meat to go to waste -- especially since you have a bus load of cold, hungry children who hadn't had their supper.

Yep, I bet it would be one adventure after another up there. So, if you know of any Alaskan bus drivers who would like to swap routes for a week or two, just let me know. I'm raring to go!