In 1975, construction began on the Trans-Alaskan Oil Pipeline, creating the largest world-wide migration of workers in modern history. Men and women, young and old, from virtually every nation in the world, and every walk of life. The lure of fame, fortune and personal challenge in the brutal conditions of Interior Alaska proved to be irresistable to this brand of daring adventurer. The criminal element was also drawn like flies to honey, attracted by the multi-billion dolar project's atmosphere for drugs, prostitution and lawlessness.
This is the story of one of those adventurers, a seventeen-year-old ex-gymnastics champion, who is also a passionate lover of cooking and eating gourmet food. He leaves a broken and abusive home, hitchhiking to Alaska to find his fortune and personal identity. Immediately he is detoured by his lack of money and experience. Preyed upon by the dishonest, broken-hearted because of his innocence with women and lack of personal esteem, he nearly gives up on himself and his quest. He takes several menial jobs trying to pay his way, but is stranded during his first winter, freezing, alone, lonely and completely penniless.
He is taken under the wing of a reclusive Vietnam Veteran, the legendary Captain of one of the most productive Halibut Commercial Fishing boats in all of the Pacific Fleet. He learns about Honor, Discipline and Hard Work, and the nightmare of being caught one hundred miles offshore in one of the most brutal storms ever to ravage the Alaskan waters.
This is a story of overcoming hardship, finding the innermost strength to continue on when there is no hope. About casting aside the dogma of a childhood religion and finding the Spiritual Path that enables one to fight through impossible odds, using every skill at his disposal, his untiring strength, and an indomitable sense of humor.
