Alaska Ponderings
 by Paula Bragg

Wow! Repeated extensively almost everywhere we went. Starting with beautiful Vancouver (Robson Street Capilano suspension bridge Treetop Adventure Grouse Mountain tram lumberjack show and bears).  Then the most efficient boarding of a cruise ship I've EVER experienced!

Seven days aboard ship that included whale sightings (by everyone else!), beautiful blue glacier calving (breaking off), totem pole carving, lumberjack show, fishing hatcheries a nuclear sub crossing our bow (captain was pretty sure it was American) a captain who kept informing us that everything was “easy peasy” and always let us know the “altitude we were cruising at” native dances and history a rain forest and beautiful gardens riding behind a sled dog team and holding puppies (jackets had puppy prints rest of trip) and surprise lots of food.

All followed by 7 days of coach and train travel viewing dual mountain ranges forests as far as the eye could see.  We had excellent train food and 360 degree views beautiful lodges that are only occupied a few months each year. Towns of two to four blocks and some with record graduating classes of 10 students ride thru Wasilla (didn't see Sarah), local theater ride over Arctic circle in 8 passenger plane viewing pipeline stretching for miles above and below ground, having to wear mosquito hats north of the Arctic Circle as native guide explains their town of approx. 11 year round residents (but there is a gift shop!) panning for gold, riding a paddle wheeler up the river to learn native history and see the huskies owned by the husband of the late Susan Butcher, a 4-time Iditarod winner (“Alaska where men are men and women win the Iditarod” was quoted to us); salmon bakes and finally spotting Mt McKinley (known as Denali by the natives).

Expensive yes. Worth every penny YES! Listing events does not touch on emotions and grandeur. It is a one of a kind place to visit. No regrets. Will have other chances to see whales but will probably never have the opportunity to visit Alaska again.

P.S. Threats to split Alaska into two states to stop Texans from complaining about being second. That would make Texas the THIRD largest state in the Union! They call Texas “cute”.

Answers to scramble on page 6:

1 – Pinochle  2 – Stained glass      3 – Canasta              4 – Wood carving        5 – Elfers Quilters
6 – Bridge     7 – Painting           8 – Gentle exercise    9 – Artists & Models  10 – Fiddle and strings

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