Our last day in Alaska promised to be a full one, as our journey home began with a red-eye flight leaving at 9.30pm. From the outset, we had promised Tom that we would visit H2Oasis, which was a large indoor water park, and given his state of mind it was only fair we did not renege on this promise. In the event, while the description 'large' was wide of the mark, the place was fun, had one absolutely terrific water slide, and was not too busy, which made for a relaxed morning. Darlene (Jordan's girlfriend) had collected her boys from the airport the previous evening, and now her daughter Gwen arrived, so we had a group with five kids of varying ages. The tensions and tiredness of the long trip were washed away in the water, and it seemed such an appropriate way to end a trip like this. We did some last minute gift shopping on the way back, until we were fully stocked up with 'Alaska' tee shirts and sourdough starter. My favourite tee shirt is the one with a picture of a bear in the woods with a toilet roll in his hand - "Yes, they do" is the simple caption.
Tearful goodbyes, massed hugs and luggage packing at the Hicks house, but ultimately the six of us were alone at the airport. After returning the rental car, checking our bags, queuing for security, and grabbing some food we did not have a lot of time, but once on the plane it was time to reflect. I had thoroughly enjoyed pretty much everything we had packed into this trip - and boy did we pack it in ! I even managed to overcome my sometime natural tendency to overlook the 95% of good stuff and dwell on the 5% of less good things, but I easily put aside the punishing schedule, the sometime tired fractiousness, and Tom's growing grumpiness, and think only about the numerous marvellous sights we had seen.
Alaska is a fine place to visit, but it should also be regarded as a habitat - not just for the varied (and often dangerous) wildlife we heard so much about (even if I didn't see a bear !) - but also for a particular kind of person. We saw so many examples of people who have been drawn there from other parts of the country by something special - Ryan and Amy took such delight at being 'home' again that it is easy to see that Alaska has a big draw on those who do call it home. It is striking, particularly as so many Americans readily migrate around the country in the cause of jobs and family, that so many people are drawn here - it is impossible to resist the notion that there is something deep down inside a person that reaches out for the wildness and simpleness of life in Alaska. I know that thing is not inside me. It's not as simple as saying "I'm used to life's luxuries" or "I'm a modern person with modern tastes". I was inspired by the wonderful scenery and amazing beauty, and I would love to go back and see Alaska covered in snow. And I know that feeling - I felt it when I was in Australia, that wonderful rightness that you are in the right place. Maybe that's it - despite it's midnight sun, perhaps Alaska is just not sunny enough for me to make a home there. But I would certainly go as far as to say that everyone should see it once before they die - and given the multitude of ways to die in Alaska, maybe one sight is all you get...
Chris, Thanks for the kind words on my 'organization' and blog writing.
We loved getting to know 'The Willimers' and had a great time with you up in AK!
Nice wrap up of the trip.
Stop by Eugene anytime for a visit.
Posted by: Shane | July 11, 2008 at 11:11 AM