Paul Johnson-Alaska's Favorite Son

 Paul Johnson is one of those guys who fits the cliche, "comfortable in his own skin". From the minute we met Paul we felt like we'd already known him for quite some time. Paul's like a character out of a book: the kind of guy you only get to meet every now and then because there's only a few of them scattered around in places like Gull Cove, Alaska.

Whether Paul's driving his big boat, searching for bears or just relaxing after one of Tammy's fine home cooked meals, he's usually telling a story. As good as he is at story telling he's an equally good listener. Paul seems ever curious about the world down in the lower 48. He's actually very well read and up on what's going on outside of his Alaskan world probably better than most, but he always seems interested in what's going on in the lives of his out of town guest.

An Alaskan native and a life long resident of his home state, Paul is an expert on the country he lives in and the world in which he makes a living. He's a fountain of knowledge about all things Alaska and the guy you want to have around in the event of a boat problem or bear attack. I don't know if Paul Johnson has a nick name but if he does it should definitely be Griz, Buck or Hoss. Along with his wife Tammy they sure made our 2 trips there a complete joy. I can't believe we haven't been back but the boys grew up and got busy with life, while Greg, Eddie and I just continue becoming more and more grizzled. I suppose grizzled goes with Alaska, so maybe we're not doing too bad.

I wonder what Paul and Tammy are doing right now? Probably trying to keep up with their kids, Big Ricky "Riccardo" and Alice "in the palace". Those two rascals are another story and I plan on telling it sometime. Maybe I started their story in an earlier post but if I have I've forgotten. Trust me though, they're good enough for at least 2 or more stories. And now that I think about it, I don't know why The Discovery Channel isn't doing a story on the Johnson's instead of the Kilchers. Maybe I'll recommend that to the Discovery folks. Perhaps we'll find out if they're as good a listener as Paul Johnson. I wonder if Paul's related to Jeremiah...I'll have to ask him next time I visit with him.