ISBN:  9780979753305, Copyright 2007. 216 pages, softcover, 21 B&W photos.  Dimensions 5.25" x 7.75" x .50"

The Alaskan outdoors is the playground of the rich in many ways.  Hunting and fishing is really no exception as much of it is only accessible by airplanes and expensive boats.  Alaska Happens is a series of outdoors stories done on the budget of the working stiff.  Not an adventure you read cost more than $300 out of pocket proving that, for the common guy, Alaska can still happen.  Oh it helps to have friends with planes and boats or travel remote for work but it can still happen.  But as with almost all entertaining stories from the outdoors, two things you can make them memorable, the unexpected events and the people you're with.  You have a great plan.  It all goes really well right up to the point when stuff/Alaska happens, and it so often does.

Bears, moose, rivers, oceans, sharks, and weather are only a few of the obstacles to come your way.  Alaska has an arsenal to throw at you and if you're not careful or at least lucky, it can go south real fast. 

If you haven't had your life hanging in the balance in the outdoors in Alaska, then you really haven't seen Alaska because it doesn't take much.  Just one stupid decision or one stupid friend along with you and sh...Alaska Happens!

And I still thank God every time it does!

(Usually a few days after though.)

"Rick weaves his tales so masterfully, almost like he was there.  I have heard these stories for years and I am glad he wrote them down.  You'll enjoy the read, especially the stories about me!"  - -John Carpenter, KTUU Channel 2 Sports

 "I have known Rick Rydell for many years.  Even ventured out in the wilderness with him.  Therefore I can attest to the fact that he is dumb enough to do the things in this book." - -Bob Bell, Veteran, Two term Anchorage Assemblyman, Engineer, Author of "Oh No!  We're Gonna Die!"

Table of Contents  

1. Chumming For Bears
2. The Hunt
3. Trust Your Scope
4. River Halibut
5. Grouse Netting
6. Shark
7. Black Bear
8. Forget Your Gun
9. Chinook
10. Grizzly Bear
11. December Deer
12. "Save Him!" They Say
13. The Sound of Completion and Advil!
14. More, Bigger, Better Than You
15. While You Still Can
16. Check That Scope Before You Shoot
17. A Land of World Records