Alaska - Part 1

Safe and sound arrival at the Fairbanks airport.

Denali Nat. Park

It was a very cloudy and rainy day in the park. The advantage to the ugly weather was that we got to see lots of wildlife....moose, grizzly bears, foxes, caribou, and Dall sheep.

Mama grizzly bear and two sub cubs (older cubs).

Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge.....very nice place!

On our way to Anchorage......a nine hour train ride...it rained the whole way!

Some of the beautiful mountains.....since we had so much rain and fog, we missed seeing a lot of the mountains and the scenery. That was sad, but I guess it means we have to go back!

The Atrium on our cruise ship...the Coral Princess......I was sick almost the whole time we were on the cruise.

View from one of the highest decks. This was one of the few sunny days we had during the whole trip. Most of it was rainy, foggy, and cold.

Disenchantment Bay...heading towards Hubbard Glacier.

Beautiful Hubbard Glacier.

Another view of the glacier.

Was I Really in Alaska?

Yes, I was.......I was really in Alaska. And of course, I have pictures to prove it. :) I will be posting some on here as soon as I can. We had a wonderful trip. Had lots of rain which caused us to miss some scenery, but I guess that means that I will have to go back. I didn't do well with the cruise...for some odd reason, that ship and I didn't mix. I was very sick till I got home and it took me many days to feel better again. But despite all that, we really had a nice time. Our group got along very well and we had many laughs to say the least. We saw lots of wildlife...got to see mostly everything on the "list" except a wolf. Got some great pictures of grizzly bears. Only got to see Mt. McKinley for a short period of time....so we made it into the 30% club, meaning that only 30% of visitors actually get to see the mountain. All in all, we had a great trip! And one of these days, I'd like to go back. :)

Looking Ahead....

The past few months.....where did they go? Don't worry, I'm not about to go looking for them. Summer is not my favorite time of the year by far. We've had a busy summer......going here, there, and everywhere. But now is the time to pack my bags. Yes, it's vacation time!!! My sister and I are eagerly preparing for Alaska. This will be my 49th state and her 46th. We are looking forward to this time away. I've been telling people that I just might find me an Eskimo and stay up there. The problem? I'd probably build a fire in the igloo and melt it, knowing my luck. :) It will be good to get away and rest, although by the looks of it, we won't be having much relaxation time. That's fine with me.....we've never been the type to sit still much on a vacation. The only way to see the country is to get up and get moving! So, I've started to pack and get my stuff together and the excitement is building.

On another note, we haven't really decided about getting another dog. We are enjoying the convenience of not having one. :) I'm sure that somewhere along the way, another furry creature will come bounding into our lives and we won't be able to resist those slobbery kisses.

A Sad Day

Yesterday became a day that no one wanted to face. A decision had to be made. The result was losing a brown furry friend. That furry friend bounded into our lives and hearts almost 11 1/2 years ago. Ginger brought us many laughs and some tears. She became one of the family even though she was "just a dog". That dog became my side kick, following me around, even loving those trips to the bank....she knew what was coming when the bank drawer opened....a bone! All these years she has been a faithful friend. Several months ago, we noticed changes in her and knew that the day was coming when we would have to say goodbye. Sadly, that day was yesterday. She had gotten very sick over the past couple of days and wouldn't eat and could hardly move. I did not want to see her suffer any more, so with many tears, the decision was made and she left our lives, but not our hearts. Now the house is quiet, no furry friend to beg for cheese or bread, or just to sit beside us while reading the paper, or to bark at the vacuum. We will miss her greatly and things won't be the same anymore, but we know that she had a good life, with lots of love bestowed on her and those are the memories we will always cherish.