Well, we have now been home 2 1/2 months, and Charlie and I have settled back into our lives back here in Virginia. Over the past few weeks, I have been thinking about how to close out this blog in a way that felt right. When I noticed that today is the 64th anniversary of Alaska becoming a State, I decided today was the appropriate date to post the closing entry for our amazing trip.
There is no way I can do justice to all the beautiful scenery that lives in our brains now - or the vast expanse of country that we covered - or the staggering amounts of raw nature and wildlife that we were blessed to see and experience in a very hands on way. So I will recap the highlights that come to mind, and see where it leads us.
I originally wanted to see Alaska because my parents had first traveled there 27 years ago and I clearly remembered the pictures they brought back - and was astounded by the beauty that was in every simple shot. I wanted to see nature unspoiled and in the raw before it was ruined. I wanted to see an abundance of wildlife - living in a natural environment, not in a zoo, or the part of a state that happened to be undeveloped enough to allow them to survive there.
When Charlie and I discovered that we had both wanted to go to Alaska one day, we knew we needed to make this trip together - and so we started our planning. We read, and researched, and plotted paths, and made lists - and picked a date. And then we were off....
Charlie was an excellent traveling companion - he enjoyed the journey and what each day brought us. The time on the road never seemed extensive - there was always something new to see or do, and the time passed easily. Visiting with friends along the way made the beginning of the trip extra special and helped us transition into life in a rolling home.
Canada was beautiful, I remember driving for hours with nothing around us but hundreds and hundreds of acres of trees as far as the eye could see. Emerald Lake - probably the prettiest body of water I have ever seen... and black bear everywhere. I doubt we ever see 16 bears before 9:30 in the morning again - but it was a sight to behold.
Were we prepared for the Alaskan highway - lol - no. But it did not deter us, we just trudged along, over gravel, ridiculous pot holes, washed out roads, and dust that covered everything.
Crossing into Alaska - finding those hot, homemade, delicious cinnamon buns - and finding the Tok Campground - that was a fantastic day.
Heading to the Kenai - some of my favorite scenery was along the Richardson highway. We drove over that road at least three times, and each time I found myself shooting some of the same areas with the camera - it was immense, stately, expansive and gorgeous!
Starting our fishing in the Klutina - and beginning our 101 on how to fish for Salmon - from the local man in shorts while we were in insulated waders - a lesson neither of us will forget.
The Russian river and Arkansas Steve; mother grizzly and her two cubs, "Cubby" the orphan cub who learned to survive; discovering the secrets to seeing and snagging salmon; - and seeing Charlie's face the first day he "got it" and caught his limit - priceless.
Kodiak Island was raw and rough and just as pretty in its own way as the mainland - and the Pinks were as fun to catch as the Reds....
Experiencing again how small the world is - meeting people who know friends of ours back here in Southwest Virginia - always good to be reminded of.
Hearing Charlie say he has fished enough - something I thought I would never hear and just speaks to the number of hours he fished on the river and the huge number of fish he caught. That man can fish. And he was generous in sharing his expertise and his excitement when I managed to catch my first fish ( while falling in the river) and when I caught the King Salmon. In fact, every time I caught a fish and pulled it in, he was tickled and proud of me - we truly enjoyed celebrating each others success.
The decision to leave Alaska was bittersweet - but it was good to be heading home - even if it was by way of the Oregon coast, the Redwood forests, the Grand canyon, the Petrified Forest and Los Vegas, Fort Smith and Wynne. And the return trip allowed us to meet new friends Kelly and George who were headed home - to Alaska.
Leaving the cool environment of Alaska where we wore sweatshirts everyday, and experiencing 111 degress in Los Vegas - was quite a shock and made us appreciate what the rest of you dealt with all summer. But we made it and it was nice to be back home and see family and friends again.
Bessie was a trooper as was Didi. Since our arrival home, Didi has joined another family. Charlie had her sold within 48 hours of coming home! We still see her occasionally running up and down the road and she is still going strong.
The pictures have been developed and somewhat organized.... Canned and
frozen salmon has been distributed to family and friends. Calendars
and cups were made for Christmas presents to share with others the
sights and memories we were able to experience. Cold weather has set
in
and every time I think it is cold here, I look at my phone and see that
Tok is averaging -47 for an entire week - and I don't feel so cold.
Bessie has been emptied and is settled in for the winter. It took us about a week, off and on, to get Bessie totally empty, and to winterize
her for storage. Much of what we took, we now know we did not
need,(i.e. camping equipment.. about half as many clothes) and should we make another such trip, Bessie will be much lighter. She is currently sleeping through the winter inside a dry storage room with very big doors. I think she has earned her rest, and although I do not know what the future holds for her, or our future travels - I do know she provided us with the ability to have one of the most amazing adventure I have been on.
Charlie and I watch The Alaskan Frontier, Gold Rush, Alaskan State
troopers, and documentaries on the 49th state - and marvel that we were
there, and that we recognize many of the places on the screen, and we count our blessings... and discuss
how, and when we may be lucky enough to return.
Thank you for sharing our journey with us. I hope each of you has a chance to experience Alaska - in whatever form you are able - a cruise, a two week road trip, or one like ours where you just set out in search of what the road brings you - however you can get there - go. You will never regret it.
Until our next adventure -
Cheri and Charlie
