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Dalen Gardner

@dalen.gardner

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✘ This is My Reality, Not a Trend
✘ 💍 @alie_gardner96
✘ Builder in Anchorage, AK

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In a relatively short period of time, we completely changed our life…

About 2 months ago, we were living a great life in Bend. We had great occupations, lived in Oregon’s outdoor playground, would go camping in the middle of nowhere Willamette Forest, and go to the coast for a special weekend, or simply go without reason because that’s what you did.

I had the most exciting 15 years in Oregon. I had a successful cross country and track career in high school which resulted in my highlight, to run on U of O’s magical track at State Meet my Senior year. Instead of choosing further education, I chose to learn hands-on, trade work which gave me the honor of knowing some of the best people I’ve ever met. I built many things, I learned how to build award winning houses, I built world class aircraft. I got my Pilots License!

I fell in love. I met my forever. She is the sweetest, most loving, most supportive woman I’ve encountered. She nurtures and cares for life and love and won’t settle for “good enough”. She challenges me, in the best ways possible, to build and provide for tomorrow.

Nothing about our lives ached for change, until our most recent visit back to my home, Alaska.

I’m originally from Alaska. A native from a remote village where it’s only accessible by bush plane… or boat, if you’re brave enough. A place where you still hunt a gather for sustenance. It’s the culture.

There’s times in life when change is inevitable. You can try to ignore it or minimize it by making interior design changes in your home. Trying new places to “feel” like theres something different. But it doesn’t quiet that calling of needing something far more grand.

So… In a relatively short period of time, we completely changed our life. Late November, 2025, we made the wild decision to pack up all our belongings and MOVE to Alaska. Mid June, 2026 and we’re here! We made the memorable journey and have begun a new life. This couldn’t be possible without our supportive and loving family, Thank you to everyone who supported our decision and made this new chapter possible.

Until next time, stay chasing your wonders! taken in Alaska by @dalen.gardner

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3 months ago

Wishing you the most beautiful birthday my love! I am beyond blessed and honored to call you my wife, partner and bestest friend❤️
I am grateful to watch you grow, learn and blossom in this next year of life and I am so excited to celebrate another year by your side🤗❤️
I love you beyond words can describe🥰 by @dalen.gardner

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Whenever possible, get out and live. Last thing I know I want to ask myself at the end of life is “Why didn’t I do that?” Leave nothing on the table! taken in Mckenzie River by @dalen.gardner

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3 years ago

An amazing weekend spent with my beautiful wife, @sonnythehusky_ and Oregon showing off her splendor🌲 taken in Oregon by @dalen.gardner

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3 years ago

To my beautiful wife,
You are living life. With each day comes new opportunities for expression, for feeling, for being you. And with each new year of life comes blessings, celebration and endless adventures to be had. I celebrate another year of life with you and am honored and grateful to be with you both in the tough times and the times we enjoy. I love you so much and wish you a Happy birthday!🙌🏽🎉🤗 by @dalen.gardner

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4 years ago

The best way to live is minimally.
Simplicity, modern ways of travel and accommodation really took how we spend our time in nature to another level.
Drive up, park, unpack and set up the tent within 5 minutes?!🤯 that’s worth every dollar spent so we can do what we love most, which is get our feet dirty and our souls reconnected to our earth. Our home. by @dalen.gardner

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4 years ago

It’s a happy Valentine’s Day for my beautiful wife❤️ my one and only queen🌹🌹 by @dalen.gardner

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5 years ago

We are goof, we are laugh. And sometimes we are adventure!
@alie_gardner96 by @dalen.gardner

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5 years ago

Alie,
You are my rock, my anchor and my sail. I’m realizing that although we have our highs and our lows, the only thing that will ever matter to me is your confidence, strength, passion, honesty, beauty and love. You won’t stop to care for me, love me and know that you are always with me. I’m here, knowing full well that you know me and it might be scary but you are here to grow, learn and experience life with me. I’m so grateful, proud and overjoyed to call you my wife, my partner, my love! We are a unit, a family that cannot be shaken. I love you Alie🌹 by @dalen.gardner

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I read somewhere,
“Relationships can be like driving to work. If you take the same route over and over, it becomes boring, uneventful and bland. But, if you found a new route every day or chose to be aware of your surroundings, there would be endless opportunities and adventures the route would lead you on”.
We learn each other each and everyday and it’s a choice to commit even more to your spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend. I couldn’t be more happy to wake up everyday and see my greatest adventure is right beside me. I love you bunny❤️ @alie_gardner96 taken in Crater Lake by @dalen.gardner

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My greatest break through is learning to FEEL. My emotions and “being”, are who I am and hiding them, hurts not only myself, but those around me too. No one can learn or understand WHO I am. No can relate and I can’t relate with them unless I I am genuine, authentic and vulnerable to my real self. Yes, I get sad, I get mad, I get happy and get anxious, I get scared! I’m here to say that I’m truly human and I’m no longer afraid of myself🙏🏽
I am extremely grateful for those are are and have been in my life to show me authenticity, emotion, life. Especially this one. My wife! You are who I love the most and am happy I can be myself with you❤️ taken in Umpqua Hot Springs by @dalen.gardner

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Never above you, never below you, always beside you🔥 taken in Bend, Oregon by @dalen.gardner

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