Alaska Update Sunday August 26th

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I was in Talkeetna until noon and now in Fairbanks. Talkeetna is a small town with true Alaskan spirit. I had splurged to stay at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge with mountain view. Unfortunately, the mountains never showed due to clouds and rainy weather but I certainly can't complain at all. I had two and a half days of seeing Mt McKinley and the whole Alaskan Mountain Range from within Denali. I feel sorry for the cruise line folks and others who were there in Talkeetna for a day or two and that was their only chance to see those mountains. I'm sure they are quite disappointed. I feel so very fortunate since they estimate only 30% of the people that come to Denali or the area actually see Mt. McKinley (formally named Denali in the State of Alaska). I even got a t-shirt saying I am one of the 30%. So I can only feel badly for the others that it was a rainy, cloudy weekend.

Going back to Friday night when I was down for the count, I slept 10 hours (I hardly ever sleep that long). And Friday was the exact half-point of the trip! Saturday morning I felt worse than ever - the cold was back with a vengeance. So I caved and sought some help and with a name like "Sunshine Community Health Center" how could one expect anything but great care. Actually, I think it was just a way to do a healthcare adventure to see how healthcare is provided up here. They were already on an electronic record so I couldn't talk with them about Cerner though I did try to offer them some encouragement. Anyway, it turns out I had a bit more than just a cold and they were absolutely awesome! Armed now with 10-day antibiotic and a couple other helpful meds, I'm ready to continue the journey. Of course, that meant the bike-riding and dog sled experiences in Talkeetna for the remainder of Saturday would not happen but that's Ok too. Probably the way for my body to tell me to slow down - at least for a day...lol. I did get wash done and into town for a relaxing dinner of pan-seared Halibut with noodles, veggies, and some soup - how healthy is that?!! I am doc approved to continue and was given clinic info for the villages I'll be going to just in case I got worse so no worries. And tonight I am already feeling better so all is absolute goodness. Timing was perfect at the point it became part of an unplanned adventure so no complaints - all part of the journey. Unfortunately, the need to rest more yesterday means I also did not get any more of blog done on the wilderness lodges piece or even Denali. Sorry - just going with the flow - will catch up on it all at some point and most likely after I'm home.

The drive from Talkeetna to Fairbanks after Mass and breakfast today was blanketed with mountainsides of full fall color. The pictures do not do justice since it was consistently raining the whole route. It made it easier not to stop at pull-outs so I would make the five hour drive more timely. The pictures do not do the fall colors justice so not many included. Now tomorrow I will leave Fairbanks on a tour that visits the Arctic Circle and ends in Barrow - the furthest northern city of our United States. This trip does not include the hiking and other high activity level I've been up to and others are driving and/or flying us in planes to get us around so all will be good. It is wilderness between villages again and since we are limited to 15 pounds luggage per person, the computer is not even going to be along to even think of working offline at any point so will continue to fall behind with the blogging and pictures of the past weeks. I get back from Barrow 9:30pm Thursday night Alaska time and then have a 6:00am flight to Sitka where I will get on a 75-person Glacier/Wildlife Cruise for eight days. I will get a post out Thursday night or Friday afternoon/evening in between the two trips just so everyone knows all is well but an update will likely be all I'll get out given the quick turnaround. So much to share and so little time to do so. Now I just keep falling more behind on sharing the journey. Oh well...the sharing will have to come later as the journey itself is the priority right now. At least yoú know where I am now and where I will be this week and next - in the hands of very competent tour folks continuing to live a dream and being inspired spiritually every single daily. It's all surreal.

From Alaska with love

God bless

Rita

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Photos

Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Quite nice!

View from outside patio area
No mountains coming through those clouds for quite awhile

St. Bernard's Catholic Church
So quaint - just had to show it.

Drive to Fairbanks
Fall colors

Picture mountain after mountain...
...covered with so many color variations

Comments

[Janet]

awesome journal!!!!
Rita know you won't see this right away, but wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your blog. What adventures you are having!!!!! The bridge story and flat tire story really had me on the edge of my chair. Can't wait to read more and see your pic's a little bigger. Keep safe and healthy.

[Connie]

Too cool
I'm in a KC hotel and have spent the whole evening with you! Thanks for the link, it worked and I've enjoyed the adventure. You should publish this stuff. I've had a great time and enjoyed your company. Later... CR

[Veronica]

Glad to hear that all is going well. Dont worry about posting so much, just enjoy this time and the beautiful views!! The pictures are gorgeous :) Love you my Friend, take care of yourself and will look forward to futurer post that you are ok :)