2005 Alaska

August 22, 2005

Hello All,

I’m back in Alaska, here in Anchorage settling in and readying to join the work-a-day world once again.

Returning to Alaska proved to be more of a challenge than leaving. Phew! What a trip! Never a dull moment! 

My last day in Lancaster was bittersweet. My daughter crawled into bed with me and we spent the morning talking and laughing and bemoaning our separation. Around noon we finally mustered enough motivation to make our way down from the condo to the pool where we spent the afternoon swimming and talking and laughing and laying in the hot sun.

The first leg of my journey was a short jaunt from Lancaster to Bakersfield where my daughter and I spent a couple of wonderful days visiting with her grandparents. You know, family is so much more than the bond of blood. Family is a choice, an attitude of the heart. I am fortunate that I have people in my life who consider me family; who set their love upon me.

When I left Bakersfield, this is when the fun started. About 100 miles north of Bakersfield, my Subaru choked - in spite of the mechanic giving it the thumbs up before I ventured out of Lancaster. Inconsiderate car! With barely enough power, I putt, putted my way off of a freeway exit.

I got out of my car, lifted the hood and looked at the engine; as if this helped. I laughed at myself and got back into my car. I looked out the window; I was surrounded by vineyards. I said a prayer. As I readied to head off on a walk to find help, a flatbed truck pulled up. “I noticed your Alaska plates and that you’re having trouble. I figure I’d not be a good Samaritan if I didn’t stop to help.”

We talked about my fussy car. Tim called his mechanic, who was unable to give me a tow. So Tim offered, “If you’re feeling brave and you’re up for an adventure, I’ll give you a tow.” So, with a very short length of chain between us, we successfully covered the miles to his  mechanic’s. The mechanic threw an alternator under the hood and had my Subi back on the road in no time. Throughout my travels I’ve met some very nice people and I’m thankful they’ve crossed my path.

I wish I could say my troubles ended here. However, I met with a series of complications that ranged from major aggravations to minor irritations; such as losing my hub cap somewhere between Willows, CA and Roseburg, OR. There are seasons when character building opportunities seem endless. And at times I have down right envied my two year old granddaughter’s approach to problem solving. In my mind’s eye, I’ve a clear vision of Riss throwing herself on the floor and flailing and bawling because she felt her mother was complicating her life. At the time of Rissa’s temper-tantrum, I thought to myself, “Move over and make room for grandma. I relate with your pain, girl.” Though tempted to join Riss in self-expression, I maintained my composure; sophisticated woman that I am. “The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials” or so the Chinese proverb reminds.

While traveling north, I visited family in Roseburg and Portland. From there I drove to Bellingham, WA, boarded the Columbia and traveled the Marine Hwy up the Inside Passage back to Alaska. For three days, the Columbia poked along at 16 knots - approximately 19 mph. The water was calm, the sea-life abundant, the visuals spectacular, the social interactions interesting and the amenities comfortable; what a relaxing and pleasurable experience.  

I opted out renting a cabin. Instead I threw my sleeping bag on the deck at the stern of the boat and laid out underneath the stars. The gentle undulating rhythm of the water lulled me to sleep as the ocean breeze toyed with my hair. People camped out everywhere. What fun! I dined in the cafeteria, watched a couple movies in the theater and  spent time on the observation deck. When the Columbia docked in Skagway, my Subi and I disembarked and I continued my journey through Canada and back into Alaska.

I've so enjoyed traveling and visiting, playing, exploring and taking a reprieve from the routine of life; but I’m glad to be back home. I do so love Alaska.