Camp in Idaho.
This will be my last post of my Alaska trip. I will always remember the great time I had on my trip into Canada and Alaska, and to sum it all up in one post seems impossible. Every day there were new experiences and feelings and thoughts as I traveled 8000 miles from Arizona to the Arctic Circle and back. I crossed wide rivers, drove through majestic mountains, hiked and flew to glaciers, touched permafrost at the Arctic Circle, saw a glacier calve in Prince William Sound, watched grizzly bears catch salmon in Fish Creek, and met some very nice people along the way. Alaska is a vast and beautiful land. I’m very glad that I went.
Not all the trip was easy and some things were not enjoyable. I worried sometimes that I would break down and bankrupt my savings with a astronomical tow and fix. I didn’t like the mosquitos when I tried to camp, or the roads that were filled with frost-heaves. And I’m not sure I would like to live in a place that never gets dark in summer and never light in winter. But with all things taken into consideration, the trip ranks right up there as the second best thing I have done since I retired.
Looking at the sun with special glasses.
At the end of my trip, I met my sister Donna, my brother Daryl, and Daryl’s wife Gisele, in Idaho for the total eclipse. It was an awesome experience! Words cannot describe what it feels like to watch such a beautiful and alien sight. No picture I have seen captures the image of totality, with the ring of vivid corona blazing spectacular from the dark center. That it happens so quickly and then is over, makes it all the more special. You wish it would last longer but you know it cannot. It leaves you craving for more. We all came away with a sense that we will have to travel to the next US total eclipse in 2024.
Daryl, Gisele, and Donna. The Eclipse gang!
As I write this I got a text from my son, David. He and wife, Lisa announced a new baby daughter, born tonight at 9:12 pm. Her name is Olivia. She is my 9th grandchild. My Mom is smiling!
It sure was a great trip. You saw more in a couple months than I have in several trips up there, mainly by getting off the main roads, and making a point to take it all in. I’m really glad you splurged a little to add some big excursions to your adventure.
The eclipse was really spectacular. I’m so glad we all got to experience it together.
Congratulations on new baby Olivia!
Welcome back and Congrats on Baby Olivia!
Thank you! It’s good to be back.
So glad you finally got to do that trip. I’m hoping I’ll get to experience it someday too.
Wish we were with you all in Idaho but at least we’ll be together in a few months.
Thanks Don! We will all have to plan the next eclipse in 2024. Looking forward to seeing you in New York.
I’m really glad we all got to share the eclipse together, it was a lot more fun with family around.
And congratulations on the latest grandchild.
Hey, congratulations, Grandpa! Wow, nine grandkids?!? Aren’t you too young to have that many? I love the name Olivia. I hope she has a happy, successful life full of love and fun.
Congrats also on completing your Alaska trip in one piece, it was quite a trek! I’m glad you had such a good time, you’ll have memories from that trip popping into your mind for years to come.
I probably won’t see you sooner, but we’ll meet up in Quartzsite, I’m sure. Looking forward to that! 🙂
Thanks Barb. I’m looking forward to seeing you in Q, too!