Almost there...

I've arranged a way to buy a plane ticket home whenever I want to. Linda was nice enough to sell some frequent flyer miles, and it makes no difference if I book a flight today or 6 months from now. So I plan on riding with Duane tomorrow, we are going to Tok and back here to Fairbanks. So it looks like I'll probably fly out Saturday or shortly after that. They aren't the best times to be flying, but at this point I don't mind. I'm looking at red eye flights. The nice thing is that I may be able to sleep the whole way home.

I've been doing things with Duane and Linda, and having a great time! Linda took me to the El Dorado Gold Mine yesterday, and that was pretty neat. They take you on a train ride around the mine, and you get to pan for gold at the end. They give you a pretty concentrated gold/gravel mixture (I'm not sure the exact terminology), and they guarantee you will find 8 or more flakes or else you get to try again. I found much more than 8 pieces, and it is worth about $15. And they give you free cooking and coffee at the end, so there's no reason for any complaints.

I'm waiting on the motorcycle title to show up at the post office, and then I can send it out to its new owner and complete the transaction. I'm not sure if I'd ever buy another bike like it. Right now I would say no. But once I get home and cool down I bet I'd consider it again. I'd like to get another project motorcycle when I can afford it.

Linda and I have gone shooting a couple times, just for target practice. I always enjoy shooting, so it makes for a good time. Last night I took her pistol apart to clean it. I'm surprised she let me do it, since I've never had a pistol apart before! But I got it back together without a hassle and it is back in operating condition.

I've heard there are engineering jobs in the oil fields of Alaska, and I may look into what they have to offer. The thing that is appealing is working 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off. There are many people who fly home to the lower 48, and still work in northern Alaska. It might be a good opportunity for the experience while I'm young and single.

The smoke and ash in Fairbanks has been pretty bad. Sometimes you can't see more than 1/4 mile in front of you. And I heard that planes have been getting delayed because of the ash, as it can damage their engines. Hopefully I can get out of here OK.

I wanted to thank everyone again for following me through this journey. I always like to get comments from people. The trip has had its highs and lows, and overall things are still working out great considering the circumstances. I've heard from Derek a few times, and he seems to be doing well. I imagine it is harder traveling alone, but he's getting the job done. He came this far, and might as well finish it out.

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