3 and 1/2 days on a ferry...

So, for me, so far, the most difficult time was the time between our 11am check out in Haines to our 6:30pm showtime for the ferry. First off, being a man without a home is never comforting...then to not be sure of all that the next 84 hours holds is just down right miserable. Of course, once we pulled the car into the belly of the boat and got our stuff into our cabin, I was just fine.

The cabin was a bunk bed with a couch that turned into another single bed. Above it was yet another single bed that could sort of fold into the wall a la murphy bed style. In addition to that we had a small tiny sink , toilet and shower. None the less, there was just enough floor space for the additional family member to sleep on the floor.

The main observation area was a true study in the sociology. Ya know what? I'll spare you the details for now, but we saw enough whales to partially soothe my great whale spotting desire...and enough rain that we were looking for Noah...or...a typical day in the Alaska banana belt.

Here's the quick pics before I head to my sleeping bag somewhere here in the middle of the Badlands in South Dakota. Who knew campgrounds had wi-fi!

Here's a little guy waving at me...



And my fav...moma and her babies...

Beaver Creek, YT to Haines, AK

We left Beaver Creek on the morning to Tim's 38th birthday. I had purchased a cinnamon roll and birthday candles so we could celebrate first thing in the morning, but Betty won out on breakfast yummies, so we headed out with just a "Happy Birthday, Daddy".

The trip across Canada was rainy, cloudy, sunny and quiet. Not many people were on the road...or possibly in the whole territory.

I wish I could describe the beauty...and the variations. We passed a few incredible lakes. Absolutely pristine. Not a boat in sight. Then we climbed a mountain and I seriously thought it was going to snow on us. We were so high, it was only the road, some rocks and the marmots.

Ascending was another tiring, windy trek, but the reward was to cross the border back into Alaska. Funny how being on American soil just makes you feel more comfortable.

Into Haines we went. I was hell bent for election so there were no side treks at "scenic outlooks". We arrived and easily found the hotel Brandon had recommended. "Captain's Choice" was right on the water. It was the best view in the whole town. Huge props to Brandon!!!!!!


After a yummy meal, some quiet time for everyone and a stroll on the rocky beach, we remembered to pull out the birthday roll for Tim. Yeeeahhhh....think this birthday calls for a "do over"...

Eagle River to Beaver Creek, YT

I'm currently sitting in a Holiday Inn in Spearfish, SD. The kids are with Tim swimming in the indoor pool and I am freshly showered and ready to conquer wet sleepy kids whenever they should walk in.

As tempting as it is to start from this point of our journey, I'm going to force myself to go back to the beginning...



We left July 5th and drove out of Alaska and into Canada. Our sleep-over was in Beaver Creek, Yukon Territory. Jamison was NOT happy and whined to go back home for the whole 6 hour journey, but all and all, the promise of another adventure spurred us on.

The Alaskan portion of the journey was pleasant. It was hard to drive past places I never went to...reflecting on the 3 years and feeling like I hadn't really gotten to know all the wonders in my own back yard.

Mountains, rough roads and frost heaves (that means bumps in the road) slowed our journey more than I expected, but I felt fortunate that the weekend prevented construction from adding to delays.

The border was uneventful, in spite of the time, effort and money I invested in passports. They didn't even check them. Ironically, Tim's civilian passport expired that very day-not to worry, he had an "official" one too!

Beaver Creek was exactly what one would expect in the middle of the Yukon Territory. A short strip of road with some weather worn buildings. We stayed at the Westmark. Not much to look at, and very, very small, and no T.V.-much to the kids dismay. However, all we needed was a place to rest our head. Oh, and I should mention...we actually saw a beaver in a creek!


We ate breakfast at Buckshot Betty's. I can't begin to describe the near junk yard ambiance outside her building, but when we walked in, ol' Betty welcomed us, told us to grab our own coffee and set to work on our orders. I couldn't tell you off the top of my head what our meal cost, but I can say it was delicious and exactly what we needed to get us on to Haines. Thanks Betty!

Full Circle

I don't know if I've mentioned it before, but after Christmas we found ourselves picking up an old high school wrestling teammate of Tim's from the airport. Pat and wife and 4(!!!) kids had come from Hohenfels (via a 11 month stop in Kansas) so Yumi and I had many shared experiences. Her youngest daughter (as well as mine) was born at the Regensburg Hospital.

Much like so many other duty stations, it's always so hard to meet a great family only to then say goodbye so soon. Add to it the small world of the Army in that Tim knew Pat from Heidelberg...and then lived 6ish houses down from us 20 years later in Alaska.

All that to say, they were our final Eagle River farewell and Yumi sent us off with 2 delicious meals for the road....and some great pictures of the gaggle of kids.

The obvious...and a point of 'buziness'

The obvious? We are outta Eagle River and on our way to VA. I have window paint on the back window "AK2VA". After driving 16 hours, we are still in Alaska. Unreal.

The business? If you look to the right of this screen you see "Follow me on Twitter". Twitter is a program that allows you to use text messaging to communicate. Yeah, I know, it's a bit of a stretch...I know you all love us, but do you really want a minute by minute update? Well, if you are dying to know, here's the place to check it out. I have found it to be nice to be able to stop and text a quick note. You can get really crazy and have the texts sent to your phone, but I don't recommend....but it allows me to update when I don't have internet access.

however! Along those lines...please do not hold me responsible for misspelled words on my Twitter. The combo of sending out a quick message while surrounded by yelling children and an impatient husband equals poor elementary skills.

OK, enough business...will post pics soon.