Final Thoughts for Alaska

We have been home for two weeks and I realize I haven't done a wrap up on the trip to Alaska. So random thoughts and bits of information that we learned along the way. In nearly every community we were in, there were foreign students working in the hotels and the restaurants. Visiting with them, they told us that they were working in Alaska as a language exchange program where they work there and work on their English skills. Many were from Russia and Bulgaria. Considering the tourism, the communties don't have the population base to provide the work force so it is a good deal.
I had envisioned the tour of Denali and Kenai would have been a group of people, moving through the week together. That is not the case. We had our packet of tickets, but there was not a tour guide or the same people doing the activities. Knowing what I know now, a person could set this up on their own. To go from Anchorage to Seward and to Denali, we used the park connection buses and the train.
To do it again, I would recommend renting a car in Anchorage and driving to Seward and to Denali. You would have more mobility along the way. By doing the tour we did do some things that we wouldn't have done otherwise because they were part of the package. Thinking mostly of the plane ride--it is so worth it! If anyone is interested, I can give you places and numbers.
Most shops and motels are only open from May-September. Many of the shopkeepers don't live in the towns expect for the season. It was pretty unclear what everyone else does--get ready for winter, I guess. They do get $1200 oil money per person so that would help fund the off season. It is a different way of life.
I'm glad that we went to Alaska, but I don't think we would go again. Don, however, was intrigued with the large fish they were catching and that is saying alot for Don.
Since our return, Jason and Ryan were here for a week. Trips to Jetty Island and
the zoo were highlights. Don's brother, Rick, returned from his sailing adventure two days after we did. He left this morning. After a cleansing rain two days ago, I sit at the dining room table and enjoy the view of Mt. Baker across the lake. Live is good.
We are aiming to hit the road for our two month driving adventure on Sept. 10th. Have some things to finish up before we leave, but am making good progress.
Until then...