(Note: The author writes works of fiction)

As I sit alone on an Alaskan river bank, the water is rushing by. Bald eagles are flying around. There is no sound but the rushing, clear river. The air is cool, and I can hear my heartbeat.

It’s been 10 years since I retired from the Air Force; my wife and I have explored so many paths and have taken so many twisting turns in life. My wife saw me through so many events and tours of duty; she said we were not to be. It was extremely hard on both of us. With no children, the decision was easier but with so many regrets.

I have chosen to be a bush pilot in the Alaskan back country, leading wilderness fishing and tours. I purchased a Beaver, Canadian DHC-2 with a range of 450 miles. This float plane with retractable wheels, which can be fitted with skis, we can land anywhere.

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