Unexpected Roadtrip

The end of October I was attempting to leave Alaska for a several week trip. The complicated factor was that I was flying standby, courtesy of my airport job. But flying standby can be frustrating, to say the least. I flew down to Anchorage with no issues, but that night I waited at the gate to see if I would make the flight to Denver to start my adventure..... but alas, I was the next person on the list and no more seats were available. sigh. Well, my adventure did begin, just not the one I was hoping for. I never leave home now without a blanket.... cause when you sleep in the airport terminal, it comes in handy. I don't understand why some airports keep it so chilly.... that and I don't understand why their announcements are played so loudly! there are no flights from 2-6am, but still the announcements jolt you from sleep every hour or so... therefore, a restless night. 

The next day I had hours to kill until the next flight left and I had no desire to stick around Anchorage. So for $20 I rented a car and set off. First stopped for a yummy breakfast and coffee and then drove south. I have never been to Kenai before, so figured that was a good time. It was a clear, sunny, winter day. Which meant the sun was shining and reflecting off the freshly snow capped mountains. Spectacular! It was a bit chilly outside, but in my warm car, I could enjoy the beauty from warmth and safety. 

All I did was drive to Kenai, ate lunch and drove on some side roads for a bit looking for a bluff I was told about. Never did find that bluff. Then drove back to Anchorage. Tho it was completely unplanned, it was a marvelous roadtrip. 

To finish my standby saga.... made it back to Anchorage, once again waited at the gate for the flight I wanted to get on. This time, even one of the paying customers didn't get a seat, let alone us standby passengers. One lady I talked to, it was her 3rd night trying to make it out. :/ We laughed about sleeping in airports. She had a son to stay with, but she had done her fair share of spending nights in airports. I think I've slept 5 nights in an airport in the past two months. 

Anyways, I slept at the airport, then caught an early flight back to Fairbanks. Came home and slept for real. Tried getting out of Fairbanks that night with no success.... but the next day, after three days of trying I made it on a flight!! I almost canceled my trip, but glad I stuck with it!!! Made it to the U.K. and met some pretty awesome people and even ran into some old friends I didn't know were there! More about that to come.... 

Roadtripping in the South

Roadtripping is one of my favorite ways to travel in the US. I flew into Pensacola mid-March and after a couple of days visiting friends, my dear friend Whit and I set off for a long weekend roadtrip! We had gorgeous weather the entire time and it was a blast getting to spend so much time with her. We headed north out of Milton, FL Thursday afternoon and drove almost the entire height of Alabama. Our final stop for the night was Huntsville, AL. We were getting close to our stop for the night and Whit asked me the names of the people we were staying with. When I told her, I mentioned that we had never actually met before. :D She was a little anxious and intrigued by that bit of information.... but it's not the first time for me! hehe, besides, I knew the family of the people we were staying with, and of course it was totally fine. Our hosts were incredibly amazing! And their 3 kiddos were a blast. We fell in love with them and I think they returned the affection. 

our Huntsville hosts' kiddos 

 The next day we spent half the day exploring the Space and Rocket Museum- which was a blast! (haha pun intended) Space exploration isn't totally my thing, but it really is fascinating. We watched a couple imax movies which were intriguing. And tried out the Helicopter and Hummer simulations.... don't ask about who can't fly a helicopter.... haha. 

when someone offers to take your picture and doesn't get the whole rocket in. :/ 

That evening, we grabbed something to eat (another new restaurant for Whit) in downtown Hunstville, then walked around a bit enjoying the city. It's a really nice area, at least what we saw of it. Then we went to the Havoc hockey game! It was super hero night, so the two teams were wearing Batman and Superman jerseys. Pretty epic, especially the intro. video. Two of the Havoc players are former Nanooks, so pretty awesome to watch them playing in the pros. It was a good game. On the way home, we took an unintentional detour... haha Driving in the dark in a new area isn't always the easiest. 

The next day, we set off for Scottsboro, AL where the epic Unclaimed Baggage store is. Supposedly, it is the only place in the world that buys unclaimed luggage from airlines and sells it to the general public. The building is jam-packed full of all kinds of items. It would take a couple days to fully look through everything for treasures. I only bought a couple books, but it would be fun to go back through to take my time looking. 

Then it was on to Chattanooga, TN. We explored part of downtown, just walking around, enjoying the sunshine. Then drove up Lookout Mountain for a view of the city. While up there, we read about the Civil War battle that took place on that hill and walked around the old buildings still from that era. 

on top of Lookout Mountain

Road trips are so much fun when you have great company! Thanks, Whit, for a great week and memories made!

A Little Sunshine!

This past summer, when I realized that Alaska Airlines was having some great deals on tickets, I knew I had to go somewhere sometime, just to utilize such a good deal. (side note* you know you're a travel addict, when you plan a trip just cause the tickets are cheap) So, during the summer, I purchased a RT ticket to Los Angeles for the week of Thanksgiving. As the time got closer, I began second-guessing myself... afterall, it was my final semester of college, I was taking the most challenging course of my degree, was working too much and it was 2 weeks before the end of my semester, you know when all the big papers/projects are due. But it was well worth it- especially as I got to enjoy some wonderful sunshine!

I was hoping for a little warmer weather, but at least I got some sunny days! One morning in the Cali desert, it was a mere 9 degrees! One person told me that in the 20 years he had lived in that area, the coldest he had ever seen it was 6 degrees. 

While in the state, I hit the road and visited as many people as possible. Picked up my good friend Jen (our first time meeting in person, though we've been friends for 3+ years) and we road-tripped to Vegas, where we both have a brother. Spent Thanksgiving Day with my brother and his family, along with some of their friends. The next day, went down to the Strip with Jen and her family.... that was a, uh.... interesting night. And LONG night. But at least we made memories! 

Went back to Cali on Saturday to hang out with some awesome people! The Wilsons are some of the most fun-loving people I know! We had a great time trading stories about missions trips, being crazy with their three kids and eating great food. 

It may have been a very full week, but it was relaxing to not have to go to work or school for several days! course I had to hit the books hard when I returned, but everything was completed on time. And I am now a college graduate!! :D (just waiting on my diploma to arrive in the mail)  

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

Governor's Cup x6

Earlier this month, my sisters and I went down to Anchorage for another weekend of hockey. Okay, so we might be a little crazy about our hockey obsession.... maybe. 

All week long we talked about the road conditions. We heard so many mixed reports about the weather and roads. My dad wasn't going to tell us no, but he said make sure you take enough winter clothing, shovels, etc. Friday morning, it sounded pretty bad, but my sister said, let's just try it. We'll drive to Nenana and if it's horrible, we can turn around. Of course, we didn't turn around. 

To be honest, in the back of my mind, I didn't want to go if we weren't going to win. I know that sounds horrible, but there was a lot of things I was putting aside in order to go. (you know, homework and important stuff) After all, our team had won the Governor's Cup the previous 5 years, was it possible to win a sixth? 

Even though, hands down our team was way better than UAA this year. But they did beat us twice here in Fairbanks back in January. Two out of only 10 wins or so they had the entire year. So no matter how good we were or how bad they were, when it comes to the GovCup, anything can happen..... 

We had to win both Friday and Saturday night. And then win the shootout. We did our part in cheering the team on. Its fun to be at home games, but it's awesome cheering for your team at an away game. There were a lot of other Nanook fans there. Pretty sure we were just as loud as the UAA fans, if not louder. 

Well, they did it! When it came time for the shootout Saturday night, we were all so excited and with the adrenaline pumping, I could hardly stand it. After Cahill saved their 3rd shot, our section of the arena went wild!! I've never see our players so happy and excited to win! This was a pretty big game for them. With the NCAA sanctions this year, it was the last game of the season, no postseason for us. 

We waited around to get a picture with the Cup. Finally got someone to stop and take the picture. But some people don't know how to properly take a picture and then make sure its good before handing the phone back.... Even with editing it, the picture below is as good as it gets. :) oh well, we still won!!

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!?

But When I Do....

This past weekend was the long anticipated weekend road trip to Anchorage for The Piano Guys concert. Somehow our two day trip turned into three days and then evolved into four. Which I was totally okay with, since it meant I had two days off work. :) I like long weekends. 

road trip!

I don't usually take 1000+ mile weekend road trips,  

But when I do - it's with amazing people! 

ready for some craziness!

Don't usually take road trips with the Fairchilds, 

But when we do - we use a water bottle as a funnel to put gas in a old lady's car on the side of the highway. 

using our homemade funnel

The guys wanted to go skiing/snowboarding, so they dropped us girls off at the airport to rent a car. We were gonna cruise around town all day until the concert. After clearing up some confusion about our reservation, the lady asked if we wanted a truck. At no extra charge! Sure thing!! So, we bummed around town in a new, bright red Dodge Ram. Oh yeah! I've always wanted a truck, so was cool to drive that around town. The gas mileage isn't cool (which is why I haven't bought a truck as of yet), but for a day, why not!?

Don't usually rent a vehicle for a day,
But when we do - it's a TRUCK.

girl and her truck is a beautiful thing

Don't usually go to an Alaska Aces game,
But when we do - we get a picture with the Stanley Cup!

NHL Stanley Cup

Don't usually go to Anchorage,
But when we do - we hang out with Chuckie Cheese!

yes, we really did go to Chuckie Cheese :) 

The Piano Guys concert was amazing. As we knew it would be. :) Next time, I'll be paying more money for my ticket so I can get a seat closer to the front. Definitely would be worth the money. They were pretty funny and oh, the music! We had an awesome time. Only got in trouble once... someone just had to use their camera during the concert... ha.

After the concert was over Saturday night, we met up with some friends, also down from Fairbanks, at Dennys. Well, we met up with them, after finding the right parking garage. I suggest knowing exactly how to get back to the right parking garage late at night in downtown Anchorage... but we survived that little adventure, with only a slightly fast heart rate. Then we began the two hour plus drive to Seward. Yes, I know, we are slightly crazy. Arrived about 230 AM, found our respective beds (our hosts were already in bed) and crashed.

Red Robin!

Sunday was beautiful in Seward! Gorgeous blue skies and crisp, clear view of the mountains. Our very brief time at the ocean was fantastic; we sped down there for a couple minutes between Sunday school and the main service. Why not, when you are three blocks away from the water and have a ten minute break between services? Besides the cold wind woke us up, since we were all so tired from the previous late nights.

We don't usually go to ocean in Seward,
But when we do - it's during church.

Monday we made the long trek back home. Was snowing and blowing the first bit, but cleared up thankfully. Course we made some stops along the way, so our intended arrival time kept getting pushed further and further back. But 11 PM isn't so bad, considering I've gotten home much later from road trips. Much later.

All in all, it was a great time. And I would do it again. With the same people. That says a lot.

chillin' in the back seat