Day 17: Anchorage

Most of the people in the campground we're staying at are residents living in tents, and I'm worried about the group living a camp down from us. If it wasn't so late, we'd try to find some place else to stay, but tonight we'll just have to see how it goes. We did meet "Cute Vegetarian Guy" here, and gave him the names of the restaurants that were recommended to me as being vegetarian friendly. We tried to find where he was camped to ask if we could run to him if we needed help, but we couldn't seem to find him anywhere. Maybe if we walk around yelling "free vegan pancakes"....

Day 16: On the Road Again

Today was another very long, uneventful day of driving. We crossed into Canada from Haines and traveled through British Columbia and Yukon Territory until we crossed back into Alaska and arrived at Tok. It's not the most impressive place on Earth, but after 11 1/2 hours of driving, it'll do. Tomorrow should be a shorter day of driving and we'll be in Anchorage for two days.

Day 15: Setting Out Again

It was sad last night and today saying goodbye to everyone. I wish we would have had time to go see Uncle Mike at work before we left, but we ended up running a little bit behind and didn't get the chance. We restocked our supplies and repacked our car, and got on the ferry about 3:30 this afternoon. This ride was much shorter, and seemed even shorter than it was since Sarah and I watched a movie in the boat's little movie theater. There were more humpbacks, and they were closer, so we got to see them a little better. No good pictures of them though. We arrived in Haines about 9:30, and had to wait almost forty-five minutes to get checked into a hotel room. The room isn't worth what we paid, but we're not setting up camp this late, so I guess it works out.

Day 14: Fourth of July

After staying up all last night, Christina, Sarah and I went to the 4th of July parade with Uncle Mike, Aunt Michelle, Alex, Ivan and Henry. It was pretty good as far as parades go. The three boys got lots of candy, and I think the parade definitely got the point across that Alaskan's are against Measure 4.

Once we got back to Uncle Mike and Aunt Tami's house, people slowly started to trickle over for the BBQ. It was lots of fun visiting with everyone, and I wish we did more of this sort of thing back home. I'm ready for bed now though. Tonight is our last night here, and even though I'm sad that we're leaving so soon, I'm looking forward to continuing on with our adventure.

Day 13: Fireworks

I'm surprised I'm up so early today. Sarah and I had a long day yesterday, but it was a lot of fun. We walked through the State Museum then had lunch at a Japanese place around the corner. After lunch we walked downtown and shopped for several hours. In one of the little galleries we found some Holly Yashi jewelry, which is a local Arcata company. The world just keeps getting smaller and smaller.

When we got back Aunt Michelle and little Henry had already arrived. I think Henry may get the Cutest-4-Year-Old-I've-Ever-Met award, but I'm not sure. Christina, Sarah and I stayed up until midnight and went down to the docks to watch the fireworks. While someone did strip down and jump naked off the dock into the water, Christina said it wasn't nearly as rowdy as it had been in years past. The fireworks were awesome, and Christina was great company. I wish we lived closer so we could hang out more often.

In a little bit we're off to see the 4th of July parade. Should be lots of fun.

Day 12: Downtown

All of us, except Uncle Mike, went downtown today and did some window shopping. We ate lunch at a good Mexican place called El Sombrero (I think) and got dessert at the Alaskan Fudge Company, which we will have to visit again before we leave. We walked down by the cruise ships and I can't believe they're so big! I can't imagine seven of them docked here all at the same time!

When we got home, we all pitched in to get the house ready for Aunt Michelle's arrival. I must be a little home sick since I enjoyed cleaning so much! I'm secretly glad that Aunt Tami let us help clean, because it made me feel more at home and less of a "guest". Not sure if that'll come across the way I want it to, but trust me, it was a good thing!

Uncle Mike took the boy and us girls out to dinner, then we took Maggie for a walk out at the glacier. Alex and Ivan are so lucky they get to see this stuff everyday, although I'm sure they don't think so yet. Maybe when they make their great road trip they'll realize it.

Day 11: Uncle Mike's Day Off

Today was a day to get stuff taken care of and spend time with Uncle Mike on his day off. We got my bike tire fixed up, and found a second cigarette lighter in the car, and will have to buy a new camp stove since it costs almost as much for the replacement part as it does for a new one.

Uncle Mike drove Sarah, the boys, and I out to the NOAA facility (I'll be honest, I chickened out going to talk to them, but I still hope I can get a job or internship there someday), the Shrine of St. Therese (which was beautiful!), and to Eagle Beach. The whole area up here is so beautiful, and I wonder if someday I could live up here. I don't know if I could give up the redwoods though.