Page 1 of Maddox: Wild Alaska (Hawke’s Ridge #1)

As I await a group of tourists arriving for a five-day stay in Hawke's Ridge, I welcome the summer breeze drifting over the airport at Anchorage. Hawke’s Ridge is not only the name of the town where I live with my dad and seven brothers, but also the name of the Lodge we built and opened five years ago.

Yes, you heard that right. I'm one of eight brothers, and we all play a role in running the Lodge.

My youngest brother, Colton, has only been a permanent fixture for the past three months.

He was too young to leave before that and wanted to stay and be there for Mom, who lives in Sugar Briar, Tennessee.

We take turns visiting her so she's never alone for too long.

I guess we all get our independent streak from our father.

Mom is one tough cookie, though, hence why she is still in Sugar Briar and dad is here in Alaska.

Looking at her, you'd never guess that she gave birth to all eight of us.

It's not something I dwell on too much because that's just too much information, you know?

Hawke's Ridge is a popular tourist spot, and I'm proud of that.

It's a beautiful place with a lot to offer.

It's an all-season Lodge. During the winter, only a Beaver or Cessna planes with skis can reach us.

That's why I take advantage of picking up tourists with the bus whenever I can.

I don't miss the city much when I'm home on the Ridge, but I do enjoy visiting occasionally, for a change of scenery.

We get hunters and fishermen at certain times of the year, as well as families looking for a break from city life. We're prepared for anything at this point. Our guests always leave happy and satisfied with their stay, especially those who get eaten out by my brothers.