Alaskan Lingo

breakup -- The end of an Alaskan winter, when the ice that has frozen the major rivers thaws.

bush -- The parts of Alaska accessible only by boat or aircraft.

bush pilots -- Pilots of the small planes who provide transportation to bush communities and isolated destinations.

cheechako -- A newcomer to Alaska.

Eskimo ice cream -- Traditionally made of whipped berries, seal oil, and snow.

ice fog -- A thick winter fog made of suspended ice particles that leaves the trees coated with ice crystals.

mukluks -- Eskimo moccasins.

outside -- Anywhere but Alaska.

permafrost -- Soil which is permanently frozen.

quiviut -- The warm underwool of the muskox used for knitting.

sourdough -- An Alaskan old timer.