Monica Zappa : Mossy Oak Properties of Alaska

I was born in Cumberland, Wisconsin, a small town in the Northwestern part of the state. I grew up in an off-grid cabin and learned to live off the land by way of my parents’ hunting, fishing, farming and gardening practices. I came from an honest and hardworking family and those values have stuck with me throughout my adult life. I earned my B.S. in Meteorology and Mass Communications from St. Cloud State, MN. I went on to complete my M.S. in geography at Northern Illinois University. I also worked at the National Weather Center in Norman, Oklahoma while studying for a Ph.D. for a little while. I also spent what extra time and money I had traveling as much as possible. Then, by a course of events that I attest to nostalgia for the lifestyle of my youth and a change of pace, I headed for Alaska. Soon, I was hooked up with Tim Osmar, a local dog musher and fisherman and we began our adventure together. Since moving to Alaska in 2010, I have had the opportunity (through generous donations by friends and sponsors) to participate in five Iditarod Races and numerous other mid-distance races in Alaska. In the summer I partake in the commercial salmon fishery in the Cook Inlet. These experiences have allowed me to see the natural beauty of Alaska in many remote places as well explore many of the populated ones.