The Alaska Triangle, sometimes called Alaska’s Bermuda Triangle, is a place in the untouched wilderness of the Frontier State where mystery lingers and people go missing at a very high rate.  The Alaska Triangle connects the state’s largest city of Anchorage in the south, to Juneau in the southeast panhandle, to Barrow, a small town on the state’s north coast. Here, is some of North America’s most unforgiving wilderness.

The area began attracting public attention in October 1972, when a small, private plane carrying U.S. House Majority Leader Hale Boggs, Alaska Congressman Nick Begich, an aide, Russell Brown, and their bush pilot Don Jonz seemingly vanished into thin air while flying from Anchorage to Juneau. For more than a month, 50 civilian planes and 40 military aircraft plus dozens of boats, covered a search area of 32,000 square miles, but no trace of the plane, the men, wreckage or debris were ever found.

Afterward, more planes went down, hikers went missing, and Alaskan residents and tourists seemed to vanish into thin air. In fact, since 1988, more than 16,000 people have disappeared in the Alaska Triangle, with a missing person rate at more than twice the national average.

Alaska is bound by 33,000 miles of coastline, contains more than three million lakes, untamed wildlife, and winters that blanket vast reaches of the state in snow and ice.  In any given year, 500-2,000 people go missing in Alaska, never to be seen again. Authorities conduct hundreds of rescue missions, most often return without finding the missing person or any evidence at all.  There are several theories about the disappearances—everything from severe weather to aliens—to swirling energy vortexes to evil shape-shifting demons.

The Environmental Theory

The most likely explanation of these many missing people is the wilderness itself. Despite the warnings from authorities regarding weather, wildlife, and environmental conditions, hundreds of tourists visit Alaska to see the unspoiled land, many of whom are unprepared for the natural elements. Some of these people probably became lost in the middle of nowhere, resulting in the numerous search and rescue operations performed each year.

Within this area are dense forests, craggy mountain peaks, massive glaciers, hidden caves, and deep crevasses where downed aircraft or lost hikers might easily be hidden and then covered by snowfall, hiding any trace of human activity. This harsh landscape is also filled with wild animals and is subject to unforgiving weather, including avalanches. That, however, does not explain why there are more disappearances in the Alaska Triangle than elsewhere in the state.

The Vortex Theory

Some believe that the Alaska Triangle is home to its own electromagnetic variations, also known as ‘vortexes,’ that affect the physical world. Energy vortexes are thought to be swirling centers of energy concentrated in specific places where the energy crackles most intensely. The energy radiates in a spiraling cone shape clockwise or counterclockwise, creating positive and negative effects. They are thought to affect humans in various physical, mental, and emotional ways.

One example of this vile vortex is the Bermuda Triangle, but a more common example would be the North and South Poles. These types of magnetic energy centers are believed to have varying affects on humans, including anything from confusion to emotional changes.

Positive vortexes spiral upward in a clockwise motion creating an enhancing flow of energy. This type is said to be conducive to healing, meditation, creativity, and self-exploration. People actively search these places out to feel inspired, recharged or uplifted. Some of the places where positive vortexes are said to exist are the Egyptian pyramids, Stonehenge, the Sedona desert, and sacred temples and cathedrals throughout the world.

Alternatively, negative vortexes spiral downward in a counterclockwise motion, creating a draining or depleting energy and depleting the positive energies in its vicinity. In humans, they are believed to cause health problems including depression, nightmares, disorientation, confusion, and both visual and audio hallucinations. They are also said to cause electrical instruments to malfunction. Some places that are said to be filled with negative vortexes are the Bermuda Triangle, Japan’s Devil’s Sea, and Easter Island.

Electronic readings in Alaska have found large concentrations of magnetic anomalies, some of which have disrupted compasses to the point that they are as much as 30 degrees off. In addition, some search and rescue workers have reported having audio hallucinations, disorientation, and lightheadedness.

It is unclear whether vortexes really exist and the theory has been open to a good amount of skepticism, but is it possible?  Whether the mysterious disappearances of the Alaska Triangle are the result of natural perils, strange energy vortexes, or ancient evil spirits, they are certainly alarming.

The Alien Theory

Another theory about the Alaska Triangle is…aliens.  Since 1998 there have been over 560 reported UFOs (Per the National UFO Reporting Center) in Alaska with a majority of sightings in the Alaska Triangle.  The most notable example of this, however, happened in 1986, when a Japanese plane flying from Iceland to Anchorage witnessed something that still has no explanation to this day. The plane stumbled upon what appeared to be three separate aircraft, all of which followed the plane’s flight pattern for roughly 400 miles before they disappeared after about 30 minutes. The entire time, the pilots reported the unusual aircraft darting in and out of their line of sight and performing strange aerial maneuvers that are unlike what anyone had seen with the average plane.

The Kushtaka Theory

Still there are many theories that persist about a shape-shifting demon that is associated with the native Tlingit people who live in the area. These people are said to have origins dating back to 11,000 years ago. Their name, Tlingit, means “People of the Tides.” These people believe that there is a shape-shifting demon named Kushtaka who is a cross between a man and an otter. It is said to lure people to their impending doom by attracting lost people to the water by portraying children or women who are screaming for help.  It is also said that when the Kushtaka (also known as the “Otterman”) captures these lost people, it then steals their souls. It is folklore that has never been proven, but it’s still a frightening thought, to say the least.

The Big Foot Theory

And still legends persist about Big Foot—Sasquatch.  With huge amounts of forests and uncharted wilderness, Alaska is certainly a perfect location for Bigfoot to hide out.  There are numerous reports of Bigfoot sightings throughout the entire state. Some reports include evidence of nesting sites, a possible Bigfoot skeleton, and unidentified hair samples. Some witnesses have even reported seeing a swimming Sasquatch during their encounters.

Some villages have even relocated as a result of terrifying encounters with Bigfoot, which is surprising because the common understanding is that the creature prefers isolated areas and is in general quite peaceful.

The Nome Serial Killer

Our discussion of theories would not be complete without a serial killer and the FBI. Around 2005, people began to notice that a large percentage of residents or tourists who went missing in Alaska happened to disappear from the city of Nome. In fact, the numbers became so worrying, that rumors of a serial killer began to run rampant throughout local topics of conversation, totally freaking out the population. This loud panic eventually caught the ear of the FBI, who came rushing in to investigate, eager to catch a murderer and show him off to their friends. But they didn’t find one.

Instead, they concluded that it was Nome’s fault all along. You see, Alaska is known to have one of the highest concentrations of alcohol-free municipalities in America, but Nome? Nome loves to party, which is the very reason why so many people flocked to the city in the first place.

So now you had a bunch of drunk visitors wandering off alone, into the woods to take a pee maybe, and then suddenly they get eaten by a bear, or stolen by aliens, or seduced by the Otter-Man, or they pass out and freeze to death, snowed under, gone, added to the list, forgotten already. Morale of the story? Don’t get baked in Alaska…

According to the Alamanac, historically flowers have always had a hidden language. Following the protocol of Victorian-era etiquette, flowers were primarily used to deliver messages that couldn’t be spoken aloud. In a sort of silent dialogue, flowers could be used to answer “yes” or “no” questions. A “yes” answer came in the form of flowers handed over with the right hand; if the left hand was used, the answer was “no.”

Plants could also express aversive feelings, such as the “conceit” of pomegranate or the “bitterness” of aloe. Similarly, if given a rose declaring “devotion” or an apple blossom showing “preference,” one might return to the suitor a yellow carnation to express “disdain.”

How flowers were presented and in what condition were important. If the flowers were given upside down, then the idea being conveyed was the opposite of what was traditionally meant. How the ribbon was tied said something, too: Tied to the left, the flowers’ symbolism applied to the giver, whereas tied to the right, the sentiment was in reference to the recipient. And, of course, a wilted bouquet delivered an obvious message!

But it’s not just the TYPE of flower that has meaning–color is also important. Take, for instance, all of the different meanings attributed to variously colored carnations: Pink meant “I’ll never forget you”; red said “my heart aches for you”; purple conveyed capriciousness; white was for the “the sweet and lovely”; and yellow expressed romantic rejection.

Likewise, a white violet meant “innocence,” while a purple violet said that the bouquet giver’s “thoughts were occupied with love.” A red rose was used to openly express feelings of love, while a red tulip was a confession of love. The calla lily was interpreted to mean “magnificent beauty,” and a clover said “think of me.”

Unsurprisingly, the color of the rose plays a huge role. Red roses symbolize love and desire, but roses come in a variety of colors and each has their own meaning.

• White rose: purity, innocence, reverence, a new beginning, a fresh start.
• Red rose: love, I love you
• Deep, dark crimson rose: mourning
• Pink rose: grace, happiness, gentleness
• Yellow rose: jealousy, infidelity
• Orange rose: desire and enthusiasm
• Lavender rose: love at first sight
• Coral rose: friendship, modesty, sympathy

You can see a more in depth listing of flowers, herbs and other plants at the following wesbite:

https://www.almanac.com/flower-meanings-language-flowers

Here are some of the ones that interested me:

There are many safe uses for mint-family herbs besides beautifying your gardens. Here is just a sampling:

Food: The peppermints are especially good culinary mints, ideal for chopping into salads, sprinkling over fruits or combining with basil or cilantro to make mint pesto. Add a couple of tablespoons of fresh chopped mint to peas, green beans, carrots, cauliflower, or zucchini to create minted vegetables!

Drinks: Freeze a few trays of strong mint tea, then use the ice cubes for cooling summer drinks! Add mint leaves or cubes to mojitos, iced tea, or fresh lemonade.

Tea: Why buy mint tea when it’s so easy to make? Peppermint, spearmint, apple mint, etc. are traditional tea herbs. Just steep fresh mint leaves in boiling water for about five minutes and serve. It’s a great digestive aid after dinner. 

Hair rinse: Add one part strong mint (especially rosemary) tea to one part cider vinegar for a conditioning rinse you can either leave in or rinse out. The vinegary smell dissipates after drying.

Facial astringent: Add a few finely minced leaves of fresh peppermint or other mint to a cup of witch hazel. Store in a glass jar for a week or more, shaking occasionally. Strain the herbs from the mixture after a week.

Mouthwash: Chop a quarter cup of fresh mint, bee-balm, lemon balm, basil, thyme, or oregano leaves and infuse in a quart of boiling water. When cool, strain the herbs and store in the refrigerator.  

Mint bath. Steep a handful of mint leaves in a pint of hot water for about ten minutes, then strain. Add to bath water for an invigorating, stress-free soak. 

Ease sunburn pain: Make a strong peppermint tea and refrigerating the mixture for several hours. To use, gently apply to the burned area with cotton pads. 

Breath freshener: Just chew on a few mint leaves! Sage teas and extracts have been used for centuries as a mouthwash for oral infections. Don’t use chew mint-family herbs if you’re breastfeeding, as even small amounts or sage and peppermint may reduce milk supply.

Scent up a space: Keep your home smelling fresh by adding a few drops of mint essential oil to your favorite unscented cleaner or just take a cotton ball and dap onto a light bulb. 

Moth repellent/scented sachet: Tie a few branches of strongly scented mint (peppermint, sage, lavender, rosemary, bee-balm) together, or pull off a handful of leaves, and stuff them into the leg of an old nylon stocking. Suspend by a string inside a garment bag, tuck into bags of stored woolen clothing, or just place in your drawers to let your clothes soak up the scent. Refresh periodically to keep the scent fresh.

Bug repellent: When ants come into the kitchen during the summer, place a few stems of mint, gently crushed, near suspected entry points really does deter ants. You need to replace the mint with fresh material every few days. Also, keep pets flea-free by stuffing a small pillow with fresh spearmint and thyme and placing near your pet’s bed.

Mint in Your Garden

You may have heard that mint takes over the garden. It’s mainly spearmint that gives a lot of mints a bad name. Peppermint pretty much stays put and peppermint rarely produces viable seeds, so you won’t find it popping up in different garden beds.

Wild spearmint is the real bully, developing an enormous network of tough, quarter-inch-thick rhizomes under flower beds, spilling out into a large section of lawn, sending up a new plant every inch or two from the underground nodes. So if you want to grow this mint, just give this attractive ground cover plenty of room to spread. Or, plant mint in a container such as a terracotta pot near the kitchen window. In the ground, it’s ideal to grow spearmint in its own bed. But if you want to grow mint in a bed with other herbs or plants, consider sinking a deep bucket or tub without holes into the soil and plant into that. Otherwise, spearmint will choke out other plants in the bed. 

NOTE: If herbal medicine interests you, please approach the mints, especially their essential oils, tinctures, and concentrated extracts, with care. Although many have been used by traditional healers around the world for centuries, most herbs haven’t undergone rigorous testing for safety and efficacy, especially in pregnant/nursing women, children, elders, and people with chronic illnesses.

The earliest dinosaur fossils date back 240 million years. But can you believe that dragonfly fossils have been found to be even older than that? Paleontologists place the earliest known dragonflies more than 300 million years ago, long before dinosaurs ruled the Earth. The dragonflies of the prehistoric era weren’t only old — they were enormous! Some dragonfly fossils have a 30-inch wingspan, which is about as big as a modern crow.

Today, the largest dragonflies (Petalura ingentissima) have a 6.3-inch wingspan and are found in Australia. Dragonflies don’t really look like dragons, so how did they get their name? The answer comes from Romanian folklore and the story of St. George. In the myth, the Devil turned St. George’s horse into a huge insect. That earned dragonflies the Romanian name for “Devil’s Horse.” Since the Romanian word drac means both “Devil” and “dragon,” the insect soon became “dragonfly.”

Despite their place in the order Odonata, which means “toothed,” dragonflies don’t have teeth. Like other insects, they have sharp mandibles on their jaw used for tearing and eating prey. Their bite isn’t dangerous for humans, but it can definitely pinch! Dragonflies have two giant eyes that contain nearly 30,000 lenses called ommatidia. Their eyes are so big that they cover the dragonfly’s entire head, allowing it to see 360 degrees around — perfect for a creature that tends to be both predator and prey. Dragonflies are the fastest flying insect in the world. Some large species of dragonflies can reach speeds of 35 miles per hour, which is even faster than the average hummingbird!

While dragonflies are the fastest fliers, they don’t get that way by beating their wings more quickly than other insects. Dragonflies beat their wings around 30 times per second. That sounds very fast until you compare that rate to bees (200 times per second) or mosquitoes (800 times per second). Because dragonflies have a unique two-wing design, they are incredibly aerodynamic. Dragonflies can fly in any direction that a helicopter can fly, including 360 degree turns, hovering in one place and even backward.

Dragonflies aren’t born to fly. In fact, they’re born to swim! Dragonflies lay their eggs in still water. The eggs hatch shortly after, and dragonfly larvae (known as nymphs) emerge as aquatic creatures. These nymphs may spend up to four years in the water before the next stage of their life cycle. As nymphs, dragonflies learn to be prolific hunters. Nymphs eat any aquatic creatures they can handle, which include mosquito larvae, worms and tadpoles. As they get bigger, small fish can even become part of their diet.

During the course of their nymph stage, dragonflies molt up to 12 times as they grow. Their final molt takes place out of the water. Unlike butterflies and moths, who use this time to transition to the pupal stage, dragonflies progress straight from larva to fully grown adults. The nymph’s skin splits open and the adult dragonfly body emerges. After a short rest, it’s ready to fly!

Dragonflies typically hunt and eat in midair. They can catch any insect (they’re not picky about the type) by creating a snare with their legs or by simply plucking it out of the air with their jaws. They eat their prey quickly and move on to the next hunt. Larger dragonflies can even eat their own body weight in a day. If you’re seeing fewer mosquitoes around than you normally do, thank a dragonfly! Dragonflies can eat up to 100 mosquitoes a day, which helps freshwater ecosystems flourish. It also keeps mosquitoes from spreading dangerous diseases to humans.