Monday, October 18, 2010

The Bering Strait separates Alaska from Russia. It is 53 miles wide, and was first crossed in 1648 by the Cossack Semyon Dezhnev, though it is named after Vitus Bering, a Dane, who crossed it 80 years later. Had Dezhnev a better publicist, it might have been called the Dezhnev Strait.

According to Wikipedia, Lillian Alling was “last heard bartering with the Eskimos for boat passage across the Strait to Asia.” Given the short distance, and the “Eskimos” willingness to negotiate, I assume she crossed the Bering Strait and returned to her native Estonia.

I find it hard to believe that there is no evidence of Alling on the other side of the Strait. Has anyone tried to find out? I realize it might make a more compelling story not knowing, but that is not the story. Does one have to be looking for something (a child, a fiancé ) because they are dissatisfied with their visit to North America?

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