The Amazing, Incredible Dempster Highway

At the end of August, I found myself with some time on my hands. Both of my seasonal, summer jobs ended midway through the month and school didn't start back up till September. So, I had the idea of going north to Inuvik. It had been four years since I had visited and my friends wedding reception (I attended the wedding in FL back in May) was going to be during that time. So I figured "why not?" 

The plan was to drive the Alaska, Taylor and Top of the World highways from Fairbanks to Dawson City, Canada. From there, I would fly on AirNorth to Inuvik. AirNorth used to have commercial flights from Fairbanks to Dawson, as I have flown the entire way before. However, that no longer is possible, so I figured it would be a nice drive (roadtrip + fall colors in the mountains = amazing) to Dawson. It's one of my favorite little towns, I could spend a little time there, spend the night and fly out the next morning for the North. 

Everything went well. The drive from Fairbanks to Dawson was beautiful. Stopped for lunch at Fast Eddies (a must if you're in Tok) and then drove through Chicken, Alaska. The Top of the World Highway is a great experience. The dirt road weaves through the mountains, so the road itself can be treacherous, but the view is incredible. Arrived in Dawson, ate dinner at Sourdough Joe's (another good choice), enjoyed some ice cream (for Twyla) and headed to my campsite. Yes, I camped in my tent. :) 

car camping. :) 

The next morning, I awoke to fog, but thought nothing of it. Headed out to the airport (several miles from town), where the fog was even more dense. As I was checking in, they informed me my flight was delayed. The plane was coming from Whitehorse, but they had major fog there, so the plane wasn't able to leave. I sat around for awhile, but then I got hungry. Apparently, it was going to be another 2 hours before the plane was expected, so I drove back into town for some breakfast. (no, there is no restaurant at the airport, ha!)

Headed back to the airport about 10am. When I got there, the ticket agent informed me my flight was canceled and he could rebook me for two days later. I honestly thought he was joking with me. But no, he was serious. The flights from Dawson City to Inuvik are six days a week, but of course the next day was the one day they didn't fly. So, there I was- stuck in Dawson City for two days. Or was I? 

The ticket agent asked if I wanted to rebook for two days later or to cancel my itinerary. I told him a needed a few minutes. Ran through some scenarios in my head, texted Twyla about the road conditions and my dad to see what he thought. Decided to drive the rest of the way! I'm always ready for another adventure! :) 

at the beginning of the drive

It was a sunny, autumn day, so I was ready for a good (but long) day. I had to go back into town to gas up and check with the NWT Visitors Center about the road condition, so didn't get on the road until about 1130am. 

Let me tell you, there are not words good enough to describe to you the beauty of that drive! The pictures below might help you have a small idea of the amazing Arctic autumn scenery! 

my wee little car

There were so many places that I wanted to get out of my car and climb a rock or mountain. The fall colors were ablaze! And set against the clear blue sky, it was even more impressive! It was a day just to praise God for his amazing creation, which just reminds me of his almighty power. At one point I pulled over to soak in the sights. I could see for miles- hills covered with reds, oranges, yellows, high up in the mountains, threatening rain clouds in the distance. It was breathtaking. It was a moment of sensing the nearness of God; I didn't know whether I wanted to laugh or cry, sit or dance. Ah-mazing. 

Finally pulled into my friends' driveway just after 1am. Safe and sound. Had no problems the entire way. Praise the Lord. 

Enjoyed a very relaxing week (more on that in a later post). 

Then it came time to leave. I was to head out Monday morning, which meant I would get home Tuesday afternoon. School started Thursday, so I would have an extra day to do errands and unwind from traveling. Or so I thought....

The second half of my time in the North, the weather turned ugly. It rained almost every day and was cooling off. The day before I was to head out, the winds picked up as well, with gusts up to 70kph. We heard reports that campers were blown over on the Dempster. We talked it over Sunday night and decided we would make a decision Monday morning when we got up. 

Monday was still bad, so we waited around a bit, trying to gauge what the weather was going to do and how bad the road was.... Winds were still strong and rain kept coming. Monday afternoon, we received word that the two ferries I needed to cross had been shut down. Well, that really stopped any thought of leaving. 

pic of ferry while it was closed

Monday we waited all day. Tuesday we waited some more. Then got work, one of the ferries was still closed and they expected it to be 2 or 3 days before it reopened. So, Wednesday was another waiting day. And Thursday. 

Thursday afternoon about 330pm, we heard both ferries were open again, the 2nd one just to light travel (no 18wheelers). So, by 4pm I was on the road. Mr. D followed me in his big pickup for while, because we didn't know how bad the roads were. The 2nd ferry (the one we waited for the longest) was interesting. The river there was the highest they had seen it in about 10 years. Getting on was okay, a little rough, but made it just fine. Coming off though, it was at least 6 inches of soft mud, with big tracks with the previous vehicles had driven. For half a second, I thought I would bottom out and get stuck. But the Lord pushed me through and I made it! 

Drove till after midnight, when we finally pulled over to sleep. I've slept in the back seat of my car before, but just for an hour long nap, not a full night. I may be short, but that was too short for even me. I had to wake up and stretch a couple times, cause my legs were cramping from being curled up. Stayed plenty warm though. Woke up to dense fog and cold air. 

That was a long day, as I still had half the Dempster to drive, and then the rest of the way home. I think it was about a 16 hour day that second day. Made it home Friday night about 9pm. So, missed the first two days of classes, but was out of my control. Thankfully, my teachers were understanding. 

The drive back home was still incredible, even though the weather wasn't as nice as before. I watched the sunset high up in the mountains. The sun was on my right hand side and across the way were snowcapped mountains that were shades of pink and orange as the sun lowered. Another incredible moment to witness! 

second ferry crossing

snow in the mountains

not so clean anymore

saw a couple grizzlys on the way home

ferry outside of Dawson City

Camping + Our Men

While in the states earlier this summer, I had the privilege to go camping with some of my most awesome friends. Took us forever to decide on where to go, but didn't really matter, since we just wanted to hang out together. Camping in the States is different than here in Alaska. Here you can pretty much go anywhere and set up a tent. Finally got to a campsite and alas, it wasn't as remote as we had hoped for. We were near a road, though actually it was the more private site in the area. We went behind the actual site to set up our tent. 

Our tent story is a good one also.... its all about who you know. ;) When we first began talking about this camping trip, I told my two friends, I wouldn't be able to bring any camping supplies, as I was flying to the States and didn't want to lug that stuff around. Both of them have plenty, so they would supply what we needed.... somehow there was miscommunication. When we finally got all together, we discovered each of them had thought the other was bringing the tent! Now, I don't mind sleeping under the stars (though I wouldn't do it here in AK cause I would die from mosquito exposure), but a tent surely would be nice. Down there they have lots more insects.... spiders, ticks, etc. 

Anyway, we were at church the day before our grand camping expedition and I was talking to a family, who knows people here in Alaska and I mentioned our lack of a tent. Well, they let us borrow a tent! And it was plenty big enough for all 3 of us, plus our bags. Problem solved! 

We only camped out two nights, but it was fun just to sit around the fire talking long into the night with some amazing, godly people. I cooked most of the meals and at times even surprised myself at how well they turned out. :) The second day out, we went for a hike through the hills and forests. Nothing like Alaska of course, but still pretty. I really like huge trees (something we lack here). And then we sat next to a small pond and soaked up some sun! 

Our wet wood campfire. :) 

After the camping trip, we went into town for the annual WV conference. This year's group was awesome; again got to see people I haven't seen in a while and meet others that I've only heard of or spoken to via phone or email. Always a blessing to be around so many people who love the Lord and want to be involved in Bible Translation worldwide. 

One day we headed into town to walk around and enjoy friend's company. I was looking through pictures to include with this post and randomly selected several. After I uploaded them, I had to laugh.... the ones I had chosen were of three of us girls with "random guys!" Not sure if this has anything to do with the types of guys we actually like... haha. 

First up is the hardworking, dwarf man... Guess C likes 'em short. At least she didn't chose the pig behind her. 

Then there's me with Honest Abe. Tall, honest guys... I could go for that. Though I prefer one who doesn't get assassinated. 

And finally, LL with the easy-going, happy guy! She does like to have fun and laugh, so good choice. 

Camping in Denali

After returning from Selawik and working feverishly for two days, I took time off to show my friends more of Alaska. I was extremely glad for some mornings to sleep in. We got a late start Thursday, but it was a nice day for a drive and we were just enjoying each other's company. Had intended to camp at Hatcher Pass, but we didn't make it that far. So we camped closer to home - in Denali! 

Road Trip!

For sixteen years, I had dreamed of eating at Lynx Creek Pizza in Denali. I had been there that long ago when my Grandma and two cousins visited. The memory of that delicious pizza stayed with me. Well, I visited again and was not disappointed! We were famished by the time we arrived in the Park, but even if we weren't it still would have been amazing! 
We joked about how no one in the Park is from Alaska. Even the majority of the workers are from out of state or out of country. We met people from Bulgaria, Serbia, Utah, Arizona, Maine, North Carolina, Louisiana and Michigan. And every once in a while you'd meet an Alaskan. 

We got our camp put it in a short amount of time. It was fun setting up the tents and getting all cozy. Tim made us a fire in no time and we cooked up some grub before hitting the sack. It was cold, but we were all toasty in our sleeping bags. The next morning was wet and drizzly, but we still had a grand time.

setting up camp

the Master Fire-Maker

I love cooking and even though over the campfire is a bit more challenging, it's still fun. Well, except for when the wind changes direction abruptly and sends smoke in my eyes. We had scrambled eggs, bacon, fried potatoes and coffee that morning. My sister told me an old cowboy trick about making the coffee and it worked. Thanks, Nan!

cooking

"washing" dishes

Our second night was supposed to get really cold and since Levi was developing a bit of a cold, it was decided it would be best if we got a hotel room for the night. No one likes being sick, but it's pretty miserable for a two month old. So, we had a good night's rest and then still cooked our breakfast over the fire the next morning. Steak with our eggs this time! Yum! 

Saturday morning was super clear. A bit windy and cool at first, but was a gorgeous day to continue our drive. We stopped several times to take pictures and just enjoy God's creation. I felt like a tourist at one point, when we saw two baby moose on the side of the road and the rest of the people in the van wanted to turn around and take pictures. They got their photos. 

in the Park

awesome travel companions

taking it all in

Since it was such a clear day, Mt. McKinley was clear as day. As we rounded one curve on the Parks Hwy, Bam! there it was. Standing tall and proud, miles above the surrounding mountains. Such a pretty mountain. We stopped a couple times to get pictures and just soak in the awesomeness. At one of our stops, Tim even got to meet an Alaskan State Trooper. 

I sure live in a beautiful state, don't I!?

Sunny August

Summer's not over yet! The past few days have been sunny and warm. And the forecast for the next week is looking good.... I'm really happy we will have a few more sunny, hot days before winter sets in. Especially since I have visitors coming up this month! and we I have BiG plans for them! :)

It's rare that I get visitors! I do see a lot of people here in Alaska, but usually they come up for something else and while here I get to enjoy a little of their time. For which I am grateful, but this time I get them all to myself. Okay, so maybe I'm a little selfish at times. 

In anticipation of these friends visiting, I bought a tent. I've never really camped out in Alaska before. I mean I've slept in tents and stuff. But for hunting or teen camp, not just to camp. I'm pretty stoked about using my tent for the first time. It's going to be an epic camping trip.... with all FIVE of us! (four adults and one baby)

testing out my new tent

So, funny story about my tent... 

I had bought it and then was so busy that it sat untouched in my room for about two weeks, before I even pulled it out of the bag. One night decided to set it up to see how easy to set up it was and how it looked. Cleared a space in our living room floor and up it went. I wanted to take a picture to send to my friends, so I pulled out my phone. My dad was on the couch watching me, so he suggested I get in the tent and he would take the picture so I could be in it. Good idea. I handed him my phone and told him to push the white circle button on the bottom of the screen to take the picture. I proceeded to get into my tent. Stuck my head out and smiled. And waited and waited. Finally, I asked if he was ever going to take the picture. He replied he didn't know if it worked or not. He slid my phone back over and I looked at my camera roll. 

"Dad, you took 32 pictures!" haha, he has no idea how to use my iphone. He still uses an old model, flip phone. But it does work. And he even texts now! 

happy August to you all. Hope you have some sunshine wherever you are.