Sarah Palin's Alaska

This isn't a blog about Sarah Palin the politician.  I have opinions about her in that regard, but that's not the subject today.  I caught her new series "Sarah Palin's Alaska" the other night, and was captivated.  In the first place, I've never been to Alaska, but practically everyone I know has, and I'm jealous.  The photography in the first show was gorgeous.  It is truly a place of remarkable variety and beauty.  I highly recommend the show, if only to see close up and personal the incredible scenery.

It's also sort of a reality show, if the first episode is an indication.  There were little snippets of scenes on the home front with the kids and various friends and acquaintances.  There was also a brief scene of how Sarah does interviews from a private studio on the grounds of her home.  She has a really cool home.  I covet her really cool home. 

But what I really came away with was a great admiration for Sarah's energy, enthusiasm, and physical courage.  I've never been much of an athlete, and I'm afraid of heights and great speed and wild ferocious animals - you know, the normal things.  Sarah admitted to some concern about some of those same things.  Nevertheless, she went salmon fishing only a few yards from a mother bear and cubs; flew on a lake plane through stormy weather with her husband and daughter; and climbed Mt McKinley - and I mean serious rock climbing with ropes and finger and toe holds.  I realize there's an "attitude" one assumes when millions of people are going to be watching you on television.  Nevertheless, I found her sense of humor and intrepid spirit very engaging.  As someone who shudders at having to take out the garbage in cold weather, I applaud women of courage and daring who are willing to take chances just for the experience.  So hooray for you, Sarah!  You go, girl!