Greetings from Alaska! I started this blog before I left, and knew I’d add tidbits as I go. We’re visiting our daughter and her family. Military families are definitely always moving around, and this time it seemed like the ends of the earth to all of us. Alaska I thought, half in dread and excitement whenever we heard they were being stationed there. I knew my youngest saw the adventure; despite the pangs of separation. I was happy for her, because she was.
I was certain coming to a place at the top of the world, would bring a sense of renewal in ways I wouldn’t fully comprehend until I breathed it in. Hey, I’ve never been farther north than MN, so this was taking a major leap across the map. We arrived to a crisp air, and the sweet smiling faces of those we’ve missed so much.
During our visit we’ve been to Pioneer Park, a local area filled with historical buildings and displays. The gift shops are amazing, and hold such magic. We visited the Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska today. Talk about celebrating the holiday all year round; it was fabulous! The authentic santa there was the best I’ve ever seen. He wore a flannel shirt with his santa pants, and welcomed us with such spirit I suspected he knew all our secret wishes the moment we stepped over the threshold.
We’ll be going to a sandhill crane festival this weekend, and I look forward to seeing the hundreds of cranes on their migratory route through Fairbanks. My granddaughter is a major bird watcher, and I know that will be a special day for her. They land in a clearing here on their way South, and I hear the sight is something to see.
The Athabascan are the local Native Americans, and they hold performances during the tourist season. They sing 100 year-old songs in their native language. We missed that by a day, and I’d also love to see the Northern Lights. The sun doesn’t set until 10 something, and is much too light to observe now. I’m hoping to catch a glimmer anyway. We’ll see.
I did discover a couple of research books that caught my eye, and that’s what I’ll be doing on my flight home. I know I’ll be taking a little of this magical place home with me too. A step out of the old, into the new, always renews me.
What recent adventure captured your imagination?
It sounds truly magical, LaD. What a wonderful holiday. I love that you’re buying research books to bring back with you. I’m sure you can weave some great stories set in Alaska.
LaD, did you hang around with Rudolf? I’m eager to see your pictures.
The only magical place I’ve been to lately are my imagination and books. I’ve got plenty going in both!
Oh WOW, LaDonna! I’m dying to go to Alaska! It’s is SO beautiful! Gosh. I think it sounds magical, too.
For me, every day I wake up saying, “I’m so happy!” and every night I go to bed saying, “I’m so happy!” I’m having a great time.
Hey, Michelle! The research books I bought were on Native Americans for my WIP. One is a beautiful little hardback with poems and wisdom; I loved it the moment I saw it.
And now I can carry a deep memory of this place, and it just might crop up in a future story too!
Edie, I sure did hang with Rudolph! The big guy is molting, or whatever it is they do when the fur hangs from their antlers!
They were busy eating, and we called the one with his face pressed up against the fence, Rudolph. He’s the one that hogged the pics!
And I know what you mean, I’d be lost without my imagination and books. It’s usually where I hang out too!
Spy, I think of you every time I travel now! You’re living the dream for all of us.
And waking up in the mornings and going to bed at night in gratitude is the secret of life, I believe. You’ve definitely found your magic carpet ride! I’m so happy for you too!
Oh, wow, Alaska! What a great place to visit. Yes, I am officially jealous!
What an inspirational place to be, LaD. I can totally see using the Northern Lights in some way, shape or form for a WIP. Very mystical.
Sounds like you’re having an absolutely outstanding time.
Not an adventure that captured my imagination, but I was watching the Discovery Channel and they had a piece about what happens to the Earth if people were to suddenly vanish. Absolutely fascinating.
Hey Cindy, you happen to live in my favorite vacation spot so I do envy your view!
The guys are panning for gold today, and I told hubby to bring me home a little bauble! lol. We’ll see if he discovers the mother lode and can retire, while we ride into the sunset like Spy and her grand adventures.
Liz, I agree about seeing those lights too. I can’t imagine anything more mystical than seeing them sweep across the sky. I’ll be taking a book home about them, that’s for sure.
And that Discovery show you saw is one I enjoyed too. It was an eye-opener how everything goes back to nature.
LaDonna,
How incredible, I would have loved to see that Native American celebration. I’ve always wanted to visit Alaska, how beautiful.
Out of all my travels, my trips to London captured my imagination most. I suppose, considering what I write, this is no suprise.
Thanks for your lovely words!
Leanna, we’re leaving in the a.m. for home! And you would have loved our visit! I swear, the people and the energy of this place are beautiful.
And sounds like you’re quite the traveler too! I’ve never been to London. I think now, I’d love to visit Arizona at some point; like Sedona!
Your adventure got my attention! Sounds so cool!
Mary, so sorry I’m late commenting. We got home late Monday night, but I’m just now getting back into my time zone. Totally fun time, but the long flights wore me out but good!