Observations from the Alaskan Guy

May 18, 2026

Knik, Alaska

Springtime in Alaska is my favorite time of year. It is a season when the forests and gardens begin to flourish, energized with brand-new life. Along with the returning warmth and sunshine, the cruise ships arrive. They bring thousands of eager visitors to our great land, all heading out to explore the myriad of exotic places our state has to offer.

Our guests come from all over the world. Once their cruise ships dock, they board awaiting buses and set off to explore the Last Frontier. One of the absolute "must-see" sights is the spectacular Denali Wilderness, with the towering, snow-capped Mt. Denali standing proudly at its heart.

For the fourth summer in a row, I have the distinct privilege of meeting a small fraction of these travelers at the nearby Settlers Bay Lodge in Knik, Alaska. It is here at the lodge that I share my latest book, sign copies, and chat with visitors who briefly stop over on their way to and from Denali.

During my fifty years in Alaska, I have visited numerous lodges across the state, and Settlers Bay Lodge is definitely one of the very best. It can effortlessly accommodate large groups, serving everyone with great efficiency and excellent cuisine. On top of that, all three levels of the lodge act as a museum filled with Alaskan wildlife and artifacts. Best of all, the balcony overlooks the stunning Cook Inlet and the Chugiak mountain range.

I actually share a commonality with the visitors: I, too, am a guest and not an employee of the lodge. I feel deeply honored that the management allows me to spend time with "the other guests."

Every time I visit, I cross paths with someone new—and it always feels as if the meeting was, in some strange way, pre-arranged. Just the other day, I chatted with a gentleman from Vietnam who spoke beautiful English. At the end of our conversation, I said something to the effect of, “I’m glad it's over, and that we are now friends.” He warmly repeated the same sentiment. Neither of us needed to elaborate; we both understood exactly what the other meant.

If there is one piece of advice I constantly share with the visitors I meet, it is simply this: “Savor the moment!”

— Gary B. Jones

Beyond The Sycamores

$20.00

Beyond the Sycamores

A gripping story of hardship and reward, life and death, and the ultimate journey to find oneself.

About the Book

Four childhood friends growing up in 1950s Appalachian America make a sacred pledge: if any of them should die, he must return to tell the others what life is like “on the other side.”

Beyond the Sycamores follows these boys as they drift apart into adulthood. Though separated by time and distance, their friendship remains unbreakable, and the oath made in their summer treehouse is never forgotten.

This novel is a powerful reflection on life, endurance, and the hardships that shape us. May your own journey be defined by wise choices, and when you reach the final page of your "book of life," may you look back and say, "Wow—what a great read."

Book Details

Length: 118 pages
Features: 11 custom illustrations
Author: Gary Bryan Jones
Copyright: 2026

How to Order

Get your copy delivered straight to your door. Select your preferred shipping method at checkout:

$20.00 – Includes standard Media Mail shipping
$25.00 – Includes expedited First Class shipping

Publication Information

Softcover ISBN: 979-8-9987576-1-7
Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN): 2026905158

The man from booger hollow

$20.00

Beyond the Sycamores The Man from Booger Hollow

A powerful new novel of endurance, destiny, and the human spirit.

About the Book

Born into poverty and crippled by self-doubt, young Jeremiah Chittleborough faces a childhood of severe hardship in his family’s backwoods cabin in the 1960s Arkansas Ozarks.

At age 17, determined to change his destiny, he sets off on a daring journey. Completely penniless, Jeremiah hitchhikes all the way to Alaska with nothing but his only friend—a live mule gifted to him.

Along the treacherous road to the Last Frontier, Jeremiah discovers something far more valuable than gold. In the process, he finally uncovers the true identity of a mysterious stranger from his past. The Man from Booger Hollow is an inspiring story about the hardships that shape who we become.

Released in 2025, this novel is the latest release from prolific Alaskan author Gary Bryan Jones, adding to his growing collection of acclaimed fiction and non-fiction works.