Archive for the ‘Alaska Trip Journal’ Category
Alaska Trip Journal Entry 3
The trip to Hubbard Glacier is a fleeting image in my mind due to the length of time that passed. However, I do remember that the cruise ship rocked quite a bit. It was weird, of course, but unlike most of my family, I didn’t get sea sick. I didn’t need to take drugs (Aw, shucks!) nor did I need to put magnets on my wrists.
The air outside the ship was cool, not really cold but as we neared the glacier the weather dropped. At times when the ship needed to stop or slow down, it did get warmer, what with the sun and our layers of clothing upon us. Yet even just a slow glide, things got nippy again.
Chunks of the glacier floated all around us. Some were slabs of ice that seals would sometimes be laying on and others were just small bits. Hubbard Glacier was beautiful. A tinge of sky blue in stark white and streaks of gray. We were able to see parts of it break off and dive into the water. Along the way to the glacier, there were three Native Alaskans. I wish I remembered their names. They came aboard to talk a little bit about the glacier and their people’s history. They even did a presentation in the theatre of the ship and I got the chance to feel seal skin they brought aboard. It was a nice presentation even though their little slide projector threw off the colors of the slides making it harder to comprehend. They even taught a few words in their native tongue. I only remember “thank you” (gunalchéesh - Tlingit).
With that, it was off to our next stop… Skagway!
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Alaska Trip Journal Entry 2
Things are so familiar, it’s scary. During the day, my surroundings could pass for a brisk Hawaii day. There are the obvious signals that tell me I’m not in Hawaii, like the mountains in the distance. Dark, looming things with shrouds of white. Then there are the not so minute things, like short, skinny construction workers. Upon closer observation, they turn out to be petite women. There’s nothing wrong with female construction workers, mind. It’s just something I rarely see in Hawaii. Especially the fact that half of the workers were female. I found that pretty neat.
Other minute details that I read about but haven’t seen are animal sightings in town. Bears and moose meandering all over the place.
And let’s not forget the fact that things are a bit more pricey here.
But there’s no sales tax in Anchorage.
Familiarity is bountiful when searched for. Yet it’s the wonderful differences that have made me thrilled and I’ve fallen in love with the place. I lub the cold weather.
All times are in Hawaii Standard. View all of the Alaska Trip Journal Entries
Alaska Trip Journal Entry 1
In-flight to Anchorage from San Francisco. The sun has set and behind it trails the last remaining rays of day.
I’m flying to Alaska. A land I have never been, yet all that is on my mind right now, is how the horizon burns. Aflame for a moment in time, to be swallowed in darkness the next.
All times are in Hawaii Standard. Alaska, add two. View all of the Alaska Trip Journal Entries
