I can see Russia from my house

We just returned from Alaska. One week in the Last Frontier. I learned a lot. It was a great trip, full of adventures and fun times, but the challenge is how to put it all into words, do you ever feel like your mind is going so fast, but you can’t really figure out what’s going on? It always takes me time to process, so I’ll try to give a recap.

Mohan and I, along with his parents who currently live in Fairbanks, traveled to Denali National Park and to Valdez, AK. I knew we would be doing some sightseeing, but still had no idea what to expect. The scenery, the wildlife, and the views were completely overwhelming. Alaska is so big, the mountains and va leys and landscapes go on and on for as far as you can see, for hours! And you see the animals in their habitat; it’s nothing like the zoo. I don’t know if every tourist has as great of an experience as we did. You don’t see the good stuff unless you stick it out and pay attention. There was a lot of time spent driving, and waiting, but our patience certainly paid off. There was a bus tour through the national park, and a boat tour to the glaciers. Every animal or creature spotted would get fingers pointing, and cameras clicking.

I love history, and learning about cultures, I found myself interested the entire time. I read up on the places while driving, or ask questions to anyone who seemed to know. If you’ve heard enough you can stop here. The rest are some things I learned, and some observations about our travels:

Alaska is very remote, and life can be isolated. On an 8 hour drive we went through maybe 3 towns that were on the map, but honestly if you didn’t slow down, you had no idea you just drove through a town. We ate at roadhouses, and used outhouses.

Public restrooms are a learning experience, and a test of character. We used so many ‘questionable facilities’ while traveling in Alaska. Yea, you might think you would hold it at that point, until you realize there won’t be another toilet for a hundred miles or more. When you gotta go…

They definitely drink coffee in Alaska, but no starbucks or caribou instead they have these tiny buildings equipped with all the coffee shop equipment and a drive through window. You find these everywhere you find civilization, or a highway. You can get any espresso, coffee, tea, and food, and they all have funny names! They are open all year round, what a great idea!

Keep bug spray, sunscreen, hand sanitizer and toilet paper with you at all times.

In the summer the sun doesn’t go down, right now Fairbanks has about 22 hours of sunlight. You have to get these heavy duty shades to make it dark enough to go to sleep.

I don’t think you should wait until you get the senior discount to see Alaska, it’s too awesome.

Mt. McKinley is 20,320 feet high, the highest peak in the U.S. We only saw a third, or maybe ½ of the mountain because of the clouds that were covering it. There were 243 people attempting to climb it on the day we were there. Maybe next time.

Pack a lunch and bring extra water. You never know where you’ll be and how long you’ll be there; there are no McDonalds in the wilderness. We ate lots of sandwiches, granola bars, and vitamin water.

Alaska has 1.1 people per square mile, millions of acres of wilderness, and has only been a state for 50 years. Half of the state’s population of 680,000 lives in Anchorage.

You can have fun anywhere – if you are a fun person! We planned the end of our trip to have a couple days in Anchorage, over July 4^th, also known as our anniversary. It was super fun to celebrate our first anniversary together in such a crazy place. I think both of us were expecting more of a booming metropolis, some of the Alaskans had talked it up. But it was fun times in the city. We found a really cool restaurant, but it was still bright outside at midnight, so no fireworks for us. Anchorage has a pretty cool art scene, and it seems that many Alaskans have their own little business ventures going on…Alaskan crafts, biscotti, getting trinkets shipped in from China. There was a weekend market which had tons of street food and live entertainment. A three member worship band sang “victory in Jesus” and others; there was even a hip hop crew that gave a performance!

To appreciate Alaska, you must embrace the outdoors, but more than that – God’s wonderful creation! “Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O Lord. How precious is your unfailing love, O God!” Psalm 36:5-7

Every time I return from a trip, no matter if its ministry, family or vacation, I always find myself so happy to be home. My head is spinning and my heart is full! Go to Alaska if you get a chance, for now there’s work to do in Detroit.

~ by freddieisnice on July 7, 2009.