I find myself exhausted. 16,716 steps and 7.57 miles will do that to you at 80+
Gratitude
Damn grateful to be able to do 7.57 miles. I did take 3 ibuprofen with dinner!
Since I am tired, I asked ChatGPT to retell one of my favorite Sitka stories.
Sitka, Alaska — Where Even the Volcano Has a Sense of Humor
Back in 1974, Sitka pulled off what might be the best April Fools’ prank in Alaska history—and possibly anywhere. Locals awoke to find black smoke pouring out of Mount Edgecumbe, the friendly dormant volcano that normally just sits there minding its own business across the water.
Naturally, people assumed it had decided to un-dormant itself.
Turns out, it wasn’t Mother Nature acting up—it was a guy named “Porky” Bickar, who chartered a helicopter, flew 70 old tires into the crater, and lit them on fire. He even spray-painted a giant “APRIL FOOL” in the snow, just in case anyone missed the punchline. The Coast Guard scrambled a chopper. The town held its breath. Porky? He just sat back and enjoyed the show.
No lava. No ash. Just a well-cooked joke with a side of rubber smoke. Welcome to Sitka, where the scenery is gorgeous and the pranks are legendary.
Oh yeah, I bought a pair of earrings. Gotta support the local economy.