It was a wonderful day.
Kaycee and I had planned to hike today and then Jenny came along. We drove up to Savage River - about `15 miles into the park. Our hike was a simple 2 mile trek - but the warm morning gave way to icy winds while we were out. Hoary Marmots and snow-shoe hares met us along the way. We found numerous moose prints - but no moose. I carried my new bear bell and my bear spray. The trail was excellent and well maintained. After our simple hike we drove back down. We spotted a large moose with a huge rack munching willows above the one road in the park and pulled over. I got incredible pictures of him as he continued to graze. When he began to walk down the hill toward ourselves, we got nervous and I admit we re-entered the car. He came right up to the car and gave us great portraits of himself then moved on. Somehow I'll get these pictures of grizzlies and moose - taken from 10 feet onto the computer. Meanwhile, I'm amazed at our great fortune!
We went to Morino's for lunch - a coffee house that was started when the park opened, about 1917 and then decided to hike some more. We hiked the Horsehoe Lake Trail - but got a bit lost so ended up starting to head uphill to Mt. Healy ( a mile or so of lost wandering!). We figured it out and went back to the correct trailhead. That was another 3 mile hike - At the end was a huge beaver dam and another moose . What a beautiful day.
Finally, we intended to take the park shuttle back to the lodge but realized it wasn't due for an hour - so we hiked out of the park (another 3 miles) and back to the lodge.
I was not sure my feet would walk again but since then we've helped Sdjern celebrate his 28th birthday - he's here working from Serbia and this is likely to be his last summer in the USA. He is an integral part of our team and beloved by all - certainly including me.
Finally, I'm clean and in my nighties and ready to get some sleep so I can show up at work again tomorrow.
I want to do this again next summer.
I wonder HOW.
love,
barb
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Hi!
I read a news article that says Alaska has the slowest internet in the USA
.08 somethings while Maryland, with the fastest, has 8.6 somethings.
The internet has been totally DOWN for several days but it's up again and MUCH faster. It appears I can send and receive e-mail for the first time. Somehow the only way I could use internet until today was the blog - nothing else worked!
(Thanks again, Martin - I don't know how that got through when I couldn't even open an e-mail!)
Life here is beginning to settle into a pattern.
The daily news arrives and I read that in the morning. Today's news headlines :
A flock of ducks crashed into a 737 passenger aircraft, broke the windshield and forced it to land shortly after takeoff. No one injured. An earthquake around here somewhere - we didn't feel it.
There are two measurable earthquakes PER DAY in Alaska - some are big enough to make the news. It's nice to be getting the news - and the comics.
I'll go in to work early today - I have some new stuff I'll be doing and I would really like to be prepared!
Two days ago I met a young woman from Creswell, Oregon - she works in Housekeeping! She's the closest "neighbor" I've met yet!
Tomorrow is my day off. I have two guided hikes I intend to take -
I'm kind of chicken with all the bears I've seen - to go hiking with just two or three friends - Yesterday a lady stepped across the road here and found she was head -to-head with a moose.
So when we're outside, we're watchful - it's an adventure!
So - if you would write but don't want to put your writing as comment on blog, my WORKKING e-mail address is
dnewt46@yahoo.com
I hopeit keeps working!
Some of you have pictures of yourselves up there - that's nice to be able to SEE you!
Let me know how YOU are!
love,
barb
I read a news article that says Alaska has the slowest internet in the USA
.08 somethings while Maryland, with the fastest, has 8.6 somethings.
The internet has been totally DOWN for several days but it's up again and MUCH faster. It appears I can send and receive e-mail for the first time. Somehow the only way I could use internet until today was the blog - nothing else worked!
(Thanks again, Martin - I don't know how that got through when I couldn't even open an e-mail!)
Life here is beginning to settle into a pattern.
The daily news arrives and I read that in the morning. Today's news headlines :
A flock of ducks crashed into a 737 passenger aircraft, broke the windshield and forced it to land shortly after takeoff. No one injured. An earthquake around here somewhere - we didn't feel it.
There are two measurable earthquakes PER DAY in Alaska - some are big enough to make the news. It's nice to be getting the news - and the comics.
I'll go in to work early today - I have some new stuff I'll be doing and I would really like to be prepared!
Two days ago I met a young woman from Creswell, Oregon - she works in Housekeeping! She's the closest "neighbor" I've met yet!
Tomorrow is my day off. I have two guided hikes I intend to take -
I'm kind of chicken with all the bears I've seen - to go hiking with just two or three friends - Yesterday a lady stepped across the road here and found she was head -to-head with a moose.
So when we're outside, we're watchful - it's an adventure!
So - if you would write but don't want to put your writing as comment on blog, my WORKKING e-mail address is
dnewt46@yahoo.com
I hopeit keeps working!
Some of you have pictures of yourselves up there - that's nice to be able to SEE you!
Let me know how YOU are!
love,
barb
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
White Water!
Hi
I told the lady who is was hurt on the zipline that she'd appear in my blog tonight. She said it's ok to use her name but I won't. I reminded her that many people her age (82) don't try so many things and aren't having as much fun as she is. It was only on the third time down the zipline that she was hurt - she feels it was a fluke.
The zipline isn't here - it was somewhere in Anchorage - earlier today. Imet the guests at the train - coming in from the ships at Whittier - Just as the train stopped and began to disgorge passengers we had a cloudburst - so everyone was thoroughly drenched before they got to the lodge.
At 8 we all got off work and headed to the river for white water rides - whew!
It's nearly 11:30 here and it's not dark - but it's COLD on the river - blue ice glaciers feed directly into the river. The only fish that can live in the frigid water are Arctic Grayling - the water is gray with silt and even with dry suits, we're all drenched! After a long shower I believe I'm warm enough to get to bed and sleep.
I told the lady who is was hurt on the zipline that she'd appear in my blog tonight. She said it's ok to use her name but I won't. I reminded her that many people her age (82) don't try so many things and aren't having as much fun as she is. It was only on the third time down the zipline that she was hurt - she feels it was a fluke.
The zipline isn't here - it was somewhere in Anchorage - earlier today. Imet the guests at the train - coming in from the ships at Whittier - Just as the train stopped and began to disgorge passengers we had a cloudburst - so everyone was thoroughly drenched before they got to the lodge.
At 8 we all got off work and headed to the river for white water rides - whew!
It's nearly 11:30 here and it's not dark - but it's COLD on the river - blue ice glaciers feed directly into the river. The only fish that can live in the frigid water are Arctic Grayling - the water is gray with silt and even with dry suits, we're all drenched! After a long shower I believe I'm warm enough to get to bed and sleep.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
The gentle Grizzly, up close and personal!
HI
I've just returned from a WEEKEND - Saturday and Sunday OFF. I may not see that again this summer - but it was simply wonderful.
Didi - there's a new form out and we can REQUEST certain days OFF! You let me know when you can be here and I'll REQUEST some days off, ok? Also, I can request a room - and it's not expensive for me to do it - last night we had two queen size beds, a big room, all the trimmings - ah, the life of the rich - today I'm back here in my "dorm" room - and it's lovely but a few steps back down.
My niece and her two children from Wasilla came for the weekend. Her children are 4 & 11 and have asked to call me "gramma". Whew - that sure felt good - and I did have trouble letting them all go home today. What a weekend we had! I took a nap after they left. Yesterday we went to visit Jeff King's home and kennels - 3x Iditerod Champion - and homesteader. He's old. About 10 years younger than me.
Fabulous family. Three teenage daughters help show the tourists around. The huskies were impressive - all of them - from the big dogs to the pups that were 12 days old.
Then we went to the lodge. There's a trolley that takes people where they want to go on campus - well, we just wanted to ride the trolley - all around and again and again. Then, we found our room - ah. A bottle of wine on the deck after the kids were asleep - and lots of good talk - mmmmm. It's been a long time (10 years) since I've had that much time with my terrific niece.
Today we headed into Denali National Park. I got lots of pictures. My roommate also doesn't know how to post those pictures.
Only the pictures would tell what we saw.
The moose was fairly close and really BIG.
The rabbits and the beaver dams were neat.
The grizzly was right in the middle of the road, facing us. We stopped. He walked toward us. He walked around our car. The last shots I got were out the rear window. I was gettingreally antsy and suggested strongly that we move the car away from the bear. My niece opened her window for better shots. He was really mellow, really beautiful and we're still here to tell about it. I'm glad he came by.
Tomorrow I'm back at work. Then we're off testing out the whitewater rafting available here - most of our "outfitter" team is going - There'll be dry suits. The waters are still only slightly above freezing degrees.
Today and for several days recently, the weather is excellent - today was a balmy 63 degrees and it'll be about 44 degrees overnight - really much warmer than when we arrived.
I wonder who is reading this and really hoping you'll just send a "hi" along -
This is a long way from home from me and I love to hear how everybody is -
Take care,
Barb
I've just returned from a WEEKEND - Saturday and Sunday OFF. I may not see that again this summer - but it was simply wonderful.
Didi - there's a new form out and we can REQUEST certain days OFF! You let me know when you can be here and I'll REQUEST some days off, ok? Also, I can request a room - and it's not expensive for me to do it - last night we had two queen size beds, a big room, all the trimmings - ah, the life of the rich - today I'm back here in my "dorm" room - and it's lovely but a few steps back down.
My niece and her two children from Wasilla came for the weekend. Her children are 4 & 11 and have asked to call me "gramma". Whew - that sure felt good - and I did have trouble letting them all go home today. What a weekend we had! I took a nap after they left. Yesterday we went to visit Jeff King's home and kennels - 3x Iditerod Champion - and homesteader. He's old. About 10 years younger than me.
Fabulous family. Three teenage daughters help show the tourists around. The huskies were impressive - all of them - from the big dogs to the pups that were 12 days old.
Then we went to the lodge. There's a trolley that takes people where they want to go on campus - well, we just wanted to ride the trolley - all around and again and again. Then, we found our room - ah. A bottle of wine on the deck after the kids were asleep - and lots of good talk - mmmmm. It's been a long time (10 years) since I've had that much time with my terrific niece.
Today we headed into Denali National Park. I got lots of pictures. My roommate also doesn't know how to post those pictures.
Only the pictures would tell what we saw.
The moose was fairly close and really BIG.
The rabbits and the beaver dams were neat.
The grizzly was right in the middle of the road, facing us. We stopped. He walked toward us. He walked around our car. The last shots I got were out the rear window. I was gettingreally antsy and suggested strongly that we move the car away from the bear. My niece opened her window for better shots. He was really mellow, really beautiful and we're still here to tell about it. I'm glad he came by.
Tomorrow I'm back at work. Then we're off testing out the whitewater rafting available here - most of our "outfitter" team is going - There'll be dry suits. The waters are still only slightly above freezing degrees.
Today and for several days recently, the weather is excellent - today was a balmy 63 degrees and it'll be about 44 degrees overnight - really much warmer than when we arrived.
I wonder who is reading this and really hoping you'll just send a "hi" along -
This is a long way from home from me and I love to hear how everybody is -
Take care,
Barb
Friday, May 22, 2009
Music of Denali
Many days begin with a rush to work and end with collapsing on my bed after work. Today was an exception. After work I stayed at the lodge for the dinner theatre. It was excellent. Humorous history - how the first sourdoughs summitted Denali in 18 hours armed with hot chocolate and doughnuts - and all survived. They didn't want "outsiders" to be the first to touch the summit. So, the carried a 14 foot birch pole with a flag to the top.
There are two peaks on Mt. McKinley. In the clouds, they couldn't see the second, higher, peak.
Need I mention the "dinner' part of the theatre -
The food was great - a huge filet of salmon, meaty barbecued ribs - and all the trimmings - lots of corn on the cob, of course
A pianistaccompanied the vocalists - there was dancing and applause, humor, history and comraderie.
Oh - and it was free to me. They want us to know aboutall the activities here at Denali so we can explain to our guests.
When it was over, I walked to the bus at 11:pm thinking it would be sparsely populated so late. No SO!
Servers and housekeepers, managers w9rking LATE, and finally actors from the dinner theatre all climbed aboard - and we all returned 10 miles to Healy -
Like a kid, I watched each actor get on board to come back to our dorm-style living hotel. These actors are professional, from New York - and amazingly talented - and they come back here and are living in these dorms for the summer while they give two shows a night, seven nights a week for 4 months. I asked the theatre manager if they get days off. They each do - they have enough to sub for each other.
How can theycome to act in this tiny community composed of Alaska's largest resort lodge?
I counted seats. If they fill to or even close to capacity twice a night - and they DO - there are many thousands of dollars each performance!
But when fall comes, everyone leaves. Why? It was 50 below here much of the winter. They are repairing the roof over our hotel/dorm now. Once again this winter, the winds removed parts of the roof. No one seems willing to stay over the winter to see how living here would be.
I've met people from China, Russia, Ohio, Atlanta - every place you could think of.
I work with people from USA, Serbia, all over too. Many do not speak English.
We just work together - there are more than 400 of us.
We're a team.
There are two peaks on Mt. McKinley. In the clouds, they couldn't see the second, higher, peak.
Need I mention the "dinner' part of the theatre -
The food was great - a huge filet of salmon, meaty barbecued ribs - and all the trimmings - lots of corn on the cob, of course
A pianistaccompanied the vocalists - there was dancing and applause, humor, history and comraderie.
Oh - and it was free to me. They want us to know aboutall the activities here at Denali so we can explain to our guests.
When it was over, I walked to the bus at 11:pm thinking it would be sparsely populated so late. No SO!
Servers and housekeepers, managers w9rking LATE, and finally actors from the dinner theatre all climbed aboard - and we all returned 10 miles to Healy -
Like a kid, I watched each actor get on board to come back to our dorm-style living hotel. These actors are professional, from New York - and amazingly talented - and they come back here and are living in these dorms for the summer while they give two shows a night, seven nights a week for 4 months. I asked the theatre manager if they get days off. They each do - they have enough to sub for each other.
How can theycome to act in this tiny community composed of Alaska's largest resort lodge?
I counted seats. If they fill to or even close to capacity twice a night - and they DO - there are many thousands of dollars each performance!
But when fall comes, everyone leaves. Why? It was 50 below here much of the winter. They are repairing the roof over our hotel/dorm now. Once again this winter, the winds removed parts of the roof. No one seems willing to stay over the winter to see how living here would be.
I've met people from China, Russia, Ohio, Atlanta - every place you could think of.
I work with people from USA, Serbia, all over too. Many do not speak English.
We just work together - there are more than 400 of us.
We're a team.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Hi!
Martin and Trudy, I envy your time and relationship with your granddaughters! I love how languages are grown - how young people say words for the FIRST time in their lives and how amazing each new experience is.
I miss so many people - but today I was in a gift shop finding things for my grandsons and my granddaughter. I found books about Alaska - one for each. Now I have to figure out how to get envelopes that'll hold them.
The schedule has been changed again and I have two days off next weekend. That's amazing! I'm very lucky. I've checked with my niece from Wasilla and she is coming for the weekend. I am hoping that soon my nephew and his family can also come for a weekend SOON. I haven't seen them since my sister (his mom) and I visited here a few years ago - I even hope my niece from Wasilla can finally meet my nephew from Glenallen! At any rate, it looks like there will be an available room for them here. They'll get a $300 room for $25 a night. Pretty cool, huh!
I'm making friends and finding lots of time where I suddenly realize I'm relaxed. Went for a long walk last night and didn't find a single bear! Tonight I played Mexican Train dominoes with a friend and two more ladies let me know they're willing to go hike with me later this week. I really wish I could get somewhere to shop for bear spray. Oh well.
6,000,000 acres in this park and only 300 grizzly bears -
I'm still in the back office doing "auditing" stuff - I'm still getting over quite a cold and they're being real good to me - letting me sit in a warm office and work at my own pace. Also, I'm not contaminating all the guests -
Work is settling in to a bit of a routine. The weather is incredible. Already, it's WARM - just a few days after freezing cold - and it's 11:30 p.m. and still light outside. The sun set a few minutes ago - but it's nowhere near dark.
I like sitting here in Alaska looking at life, looking at my life.
I appreciate the opportunity to put this into a "blog", a journal, that friends may check periodically ornot. It helps me look clearly at what I'm doing and what it means for me at this time.
I've been working these recent days for a young man named Jason. There's a clock in the office with no hands. Across the front, he wrote "NOW"
We work. We keep working. We get things done.
and the time is always now.
g'nite
thanks for reading.
love,
barb
Martin and Trudy, I envy your time and relationship with your granddaughters! I love how languages are grown - how young people say words for the FIRST time in their lives and how amazing each new experience is.
I miss so many people - but today I was in a gift shop finding things for my grandsons and my granddaughter. I found books about Alaska - one for each. Now I have to figure out how to get envelopes that'll hold them.
The schedule has been changed again and I have two days off next weekend. That's amazing! I'm very lucky. I've checked with my niece from Wasilla and she is coming for the weekend. I am hoping that soon my nephew and his family can also come for a weekend SOON. I haven't seen them since my sister (his mom) and I visited here a few years ago - I even hope my niece from Wasilla can finally meet my nephew from Glenallen! At any rate, it looks like there will be an available room for them here. They'll get a $300 room for $25 a night. Pretty cool, huh!
I'm making friends and finding lots of time where I suddenly realize I'm relaxed. Went for a long walk last night and didn't find a single bear! Tonight I played Mexican Train dominoes with a friend and two more ladies let me know they're willing to go hike with me later this week. I really wish I could get somewhere to shop for bear spray. Oh well.
6,000,000 acres in this park and only 300 grizzly bears -
I'm still in the back office doing "auditing" stuff - I'm still getting over quite a cold and they're being real good to me - letting me sit in a warm office and work at my own pace. Also, I'm not contaminating all the guests -
Work is settling in to a bit of a routine. The weather is incredible. Already, it's WARM - just a few days after freezing cold - and it's 11:30 p.m. and still light outside. The sun set a few minutes ago - but it's nowhere near dark.
I like sitting here in Alaska looking at life, looking at my life.
I appreciate the opportunity to put this into a "blog", a journal, that friends may check periodically ornot. It helps me look clearly at what I'm doing and what it means for me at this time.
I've been working these recent days for a young man named Jason. There's a clock in the office with no hands. Across the front, he wrote "NOW"
We work. We keep working. We get things done.
and the time is always now.
g'nite
thanks for reading.
love,
barb
Friday, May 15, 2009
Overtime
Today the guests began arriving. The word yesterday was 400. By evening the gossip said 500 would be here today. By this morning people were saying 600.
All were underestimates.
Tomorrow will be more.
I had an easy job today - working in an office taking questions over the phone. They're so good to us. It was just what I needed with this cold - and it was nice to not be around lots of people - just time to learn and work in a quiet spot. (and I didn't give anyone else a cold!)
Hey, Martin & Trudy figured a way to print out the blogs so my mom can read them. That's so terrific. I don't seem to have time to talk much at all. I worked from 8-5 today and then to meet a minor emergency, stayed a couple more hours - it was an easy day but it was long and I just want to get to bed so I can get up again tomorrow.
The guests were so much fun to watch today. I visited with some during my lunch break. The weather was spectacular. It was a bit warmer and the sky was so clear - everywhere you looked there were snow covered rugged mountains behind you - whew. The trolleys were running. A friend is a trolley driver - wears a black trolley hat and a black jacket - looks like 1920. Really cute. Next I'll try to learn how to put pictures on this. It took me nearly an hour to log on tonight - I guess they updated the blogspot or something - it doesn't take much to confuse me.
I did not go 4-wheeling today. I didn't fly or geo-cache or anything today.
It was great, anyway.
Please let me know how you are.
I'm able to read my yahoo e-mail. bnewt46@yahoo.com
I can't get into me comcast e-mail - right now dbnewt@comcast.net doesn't seem to want to come up - but it's probably me . . .I'll figure out one thing at a time.
Some friends are thinking about coming to Alaska this summer. There's never been a more reasonable time to come - great deals - and friends of staff can get great deals on rooms -I'll find out more soon.
This fall Public TV will be running several specials about Alaska - the 50th anniversary of statehood. I'm so glad I get to see so much firsthand.
I don't seem to get much time off. It looks like I get a day off a week from Sunday - possibly - ha,oh well. It's good work.
Take care,
Be well
love,
barb
All were underestimates.
Tomorrow will be more.
I had an easy job today - working in an office taking questions over the phone. They're so good to us. It was just what I needed with this cold - and it was nice to not be around lots of people - just time to learn and work in a quiet spot. (and I didn't give anyone else a cold!)
Hey, Martin & Trudy figured a way to print out the blogs so my mom can read them. That's so terrific. I don't seem to have time to talk much at all. I worked from 8-5 today and then to meet a minor emergency, stayed a couple more hours - it was an easy day but it was long and I just want to get to bed so I can get up again tomorrow.
The guests were so much fun to watch today. I visited with some during my lunch break. The weather was spectacular. It was a bit warmer and the sky was so clear - everywhere you looked there were snow covered rugged mountains behind you - whew. The trolleys were running. A friend is a trolley driver - wears a black trolley hat and a black jacket - looks like 1920. Really cute. Next I'll try to learn how to put pictures on this. It took me nearly an hour to log on tonight - I guess they updated the blogspot or something - it doesn't take much to confuse me.
I did not go 4-wheeling today. I didn't fly or geo-cache or anything today.
It was great, anyway.
Please let me know how you are.
I'm able to read my yahoo e-mail. bnewt46@yahoo.com
I can't get into me comcast e-mail - right now dbnewt@comcast.net doesn't seem to want to come up - but it's probably me . . .I'll figure out one thing at a time.
Some friends are thinking about coming to Alaska this summer. There's never been a more reasonable time to come - great deals - and friends of staff can get great deals on rooms -I'll find out more soon.
This fall Public TV will be running several specials about Alaska - the 50th anniversary of statehood. I'm so glad I get to see so much firsthand.
I don't seem to get much time off. It looks like I get a day off a week from Sunday - possibly - ha,oh well. It's good work.
Take care,
Be well
love,
barb
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Mt McKinleh
Hi
THANK YOU Martin for all your help!!!!
This is my first time back at the computer - and back in my room for a few days. We went to McKinley Princess Lodges down by Talkeetna, a village that spans back 6,000 years - stayed at their lodge and "inspected" that then took the train along the tracks that were built at the turn of the century to get the gold miners to the gold fields - a real feat - amazing to realize that they drove that track across mountains, gulches, even Hurricane Gulch - which, even in good weather takes your breath away. I got a video of us crossing that one.
We saw moose and hundreds of beaver dams, swans, a porcupine and lots more dall sheep - even one tiny lamb standing on nearly vertical rock by his mother - oh, and a black bear cub - bouncing around, afraid of the train??!!?? but we never saw the mother. Just as well, I suppose.
Fairbanks is the second largest town in Alaska and the top half is surrounded by the Tenana River which has flooded villages as the ice breaks up and gets jammed. Many have been evaculated and are staying in Fairbanks. We stayed there at the Princess Lodge - very nice, of course. When we're home we don't stay in the tourist cabins - we have a dorm very simple, very comfortable.
While we were gone, it snowed MORE - so the mountains around here are c9oered in snow again.
We ate meals on the train - very nice dining accommodatio9ns - I don't know how they d9 that -
the train bounces around - Can you imagine cooking and serving gourmet meals while keeping your balance? Not me.
Sorry this is disjointed. I just want to remember and time is rushing past. I have a cold and need to have it allgone by tomorrow when 400 guests arrive! This is the first day off we've had since I arrived. I meant to sleep most of the time but instead I took the helicopter ride to sightsee over the mountains this morning - saw a moose lying on the ground. Then took the Denali Sky tour and visited Mt. McKinley - up close and personal. I can't believe how well we could see everything. There are two peaks - the North one is higher. So many stories to try to remember. We watched the climbers climb up the glaciers, flew over their base 1 and 2 stations, saw their bush plane sitting on the glacier - good grief.
It was terrific - everyone in our bush plane loved it. So glad I went in this plane. Three people in the other plance had a much less enjoyable trip - and so those who are not inclined to airsickness had their trips somewhat affected by those who don't enjoy that -
The flights will remain free
to us = so long as we tip - so people can go again. I intend to go again! The flights cost $400 so even at free a tip strains my budget - but sure is worth it!
Please tell me more about the birds in Myrna's chimney - what on earth happened? HOW MANY BIRDS?
Thanks for keeping me posted. I loved that several went to help her - what a disaster (and what an
adventure!>)
This journal is falling apart today - I'm too tired to write but there's so much here to remember.
love,
Barb
THANK YOU Martin for all your help!!!!
This is my first time back at the computer - and back in my room for a few days. We went to McKinley Princess Lodges down by Talkeetna, a village that spans back 6,000 years - stayed at their lodge and "inspected" that then took the train along the tracks that were built at the turn of the century to get the gold miners to the gold fields - a real feat - amazing to realize that they drove that track across mountains, gulches, even Hurricane Gulch - which, even in good weather takes your breath away. I got a video of us crossing that one.
We saw moose and hundreds of beaver dams, swans, a porcupine and lots more dall sheep - even one tiny lamb standing on nearly vertical rock by his mother - oh, and a black bear cub - bouncing around, afraid of the train??!!?? but we never saw the mother. Just as well, I suppose.
Fairbanks is the second largest town in Alaska and the top half is surrounded by the Tenana River which has flooded villages as the ice breaks up and gets jammed. Many have been evaculated and are staying in Fairbanks. We stayed there at the Princess Lodge - very nice, of course. When we're home we don't stay in the tourist cabins - we have a dorm very simple, very comfortable.
While we were gone, it snowed MORE - so the mountains around here are c9oered in snow again.
We ate meals on the train - very nice dining accommodatio9ns - I don't know how they d9 that -
the train bounces around - Can you imagine cooking and serving gourmet meals while keeping your balance? Not me.
Sorry this is disjointed. I just want to remember and time is rushing past. I have a cold and need to have it allgone by tomorrow when 400 guests arrive! This is the first day off we've had since I arrived. I meant to sleep most of the time but instead I took the helicopter ride to sightsee over the mountains this morning - saw a moose lying on the ground. Then took the Denali Sky tour and visited Mt. McKinley - up close and personal. I can't believe how well we could see everything. There are two peaks - the North one is higher. So many stories to try to remember. We watched the climbers climb up the glaciers, flew over their base 1 and 2 stations, saw their bush plane sitting on the glacier - good grief.
It was terrific - everyone in our bush plane loved it. So glad I went in this plane. Three people in the other plance had a much less enjoyable trip - and so those who are not inclined to airsickness had their trips somewhat affected by those who don't enjoy that -
The flights will remain free
to us = so long as we tip - so people can go again. I intend to go again! The flights cost $400 so even at free a tip strains my budget - but sure is worth it!
Please tell me more about the birds in Myrna's chimney - what on earth happened? HOW MANY BIRDS?
Thanks for keeping me posted. I loved that several went to help her - what a disaster (and what an
adventure!>)
This journal is falling apart today - I'm too tired to write but there's so much here to remember.
love,
Barb
Monday, May 11, 2009
soughing
Good morning!
We didn't get to fly around Mt. McKinley last night. By late afternoon the weather was changing again and the wind was soughing through the cabins. We all have warm coats and are dressed for the weather. Nevermind. It gets COLD!
After class today, we're boarding the Midnight Sun Express (train) for Mt. McKinley Princess Lodge nearer Anchorage overnight. Then we head north to Fairbanks for our second night. We'll be learning about the various Princess locations and studying how they do things there.
200 more staff pulled into the dorms last night - They look so new and fresh - and so confused.
We're the long-term veterans. We've been here a week.
Hi, Didi!
This is wonderful!
Let me hear from you three. How's everybody? What's happening THERE?
love,
Barb
We didn't get to fly around Mt. McKinley last night. By late afternoon the weather was changing again and the wind was soughing through the cabins. We all have warm coats and are dressed for the weather. Nevermind. It gets COLD!
After class today, we're boarding the Midnight Sun Express (train) for Mt. McKinley Princess Lodge nearer Anchorage overnight. Then we head north to Fairbanks for our second night. We'll be learning about the various Princess locations and studying how they do things there.
200 more staff pulled into the dorms last night - They look so new and fresh - and so confused.
We're the long-term veterans. We've been here a week.
Hi, Didi!
This is wonderful!
Let me hear from you three. How's everybody? What's happening THERE?
love,
Barb
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Prime Rib and bush planes
Hi!
Thanks, Martin - for giving Sally the blog - HI SALLY
I AM homesick. Thank heaven I don't have time to think about it.
I'm studying really hard. We've formed a study group to survive.
There are 20 excursions going out from THIS lodge -just the basics. We need to know such things as:
Denali Jet Boat Fly Fishing - 4-1/2 hours, leaves at 7:15,1:15 and 5:45 - costs $274.
That times 20.
For starters.
I just got back from work. Well, sort of. We worked hard for 8 hours and then back up to the Black Diamond Ranch for a free meal - prime rib, au gratin potatoes, caesar salad, all the wine and beer we could ingest and some more of that fine cranberry cobbler.
Good grief. They're advertising by treating us RIGHT. It's WORKING!~
Tomorrow is still a work day. After work 6 of us will be met by our pilot who will take us on a scenic flight over the summit of Mt. McKinley. Yup - he's advertising - so we'll believe in his excursion.
Seriously, the people here are just plain terrific. I have a new roommate. She's from Louisiana and she is so cold up here - my other roommate moved in with another Alaska girl and they are happy with the heat off and the window open. I visit them - but not for long - brrrrrr!
Our first tourists will arrive May 15. I qualified as a driver today so that I can go down and meet the train and bring guests to our lodge.
Tomorrow is the first day we wear our uniforms. Pressed mine tonight - think I'm all set but it's incredibly late - 11:13. We have dark curtains over our window but it's looking like 4:p.m. outside - not so bright anymore but plenty light. No wild animals sighted by me today. I missed a moose again.
Would you please, please tell Laurie Newton and Maria about this blog. I can't find anything on my computer - not even e-mail addresses and by the time I stop, I'm really too tired to think, certainly too tired to figure this thing out!
I got a nice phone message from her today but I couldn't answer it until it's too late to call back.
Please let me know how everybody is at church. I worry about some of our people there - and hope all are well.
g'nite,
barb
Yes. I am having fun everyday all day long.
I hope you are well and happy and doing great!
Thanks, Martin - for giving Sally the blog - HI SALLY
I AM homesick. Thank heaven I don't have time to think about it.
I'm studying really hard. We've formed a study group to survive.
There are 20 excursions going out from THIS lodge -just the basics. We need to know such things as:
Denali Jet Boat Fly Fishing - 4-1/2 hours, leaves at 7:15,1:15 and 5:45 - costs $274.
That times 20.
For starters.
I just got back from work. Well, sort of. We worked hard for 8 hours and then back up to the Black Diamond Ranch for a free meal - prime rib, au gratin potatoes, caesar salad, all the wine and beer we could ingest and some more of that fine cranberry cobbler.
Good grief. They're advertising by treating us RIGHT. It's WORKING!~
Tomorrow is still a work day. After work 6 of us will be met by our pilot who will take us on a scenic flight over the summit of Mt. McKinley. Yup - he's advertising - so we'll believe in his excursion.
Seriously, the people here are just plain terrific. I have a new roommate. She's from Louisiana and she is so cold up here - my other roommate moved in with another Alaska girl and they are happy with the heat off and the window open. I visit them - but not for long - brrrrrr!
Our first tourists will arrive May 15. I qualified as a driver today so that I can go down and meet the train and bring guests to our lodge.
Tomorrow is the first day we wear our uniforms. Pressed mine tonight - think I'm all set but it's incredibly late - 11:13. We have dark curtains over our window but it's looking like 4:p.m. outside - not so bright anymore but plenty light. No wild animals sighted by me today. I missed a moose again.
Would you please, please tell Laurie Newton and Maria about this blog. I can't find anything on my computer - not even e-mail addresses and by the time I stop, I'm really too tired to think, certainly too tired to figure this thing out!
I got a nice phone message from her today but I couldn't answer it until it's too late to call back.
Please let me know how everybody is at church. I worry about some of our people there - and hope all are well.
g'nite,
barb
Yes. I am having fun everyday all day long.
I hope you are well and happy and doing great!
Friday, May 8, 2009
WORK!!???!!
Hi there!
It's after 10:pm but it's as light as noon. I just now finished "work". It's my job to not only help the tourists (90,000 expected here this summer) but also to know all about the excursions they can take through Princess. That's exhausting! Last night I tried the group ATV geo-treasure trip with bunkhouse dinner after. That's why I didn't write. Somehow I fell right to sleep. Tonight as soon as we finished work some of us were off again to explore another excursion on behalf of the tourists - tonight is was driving ATV's through the hills, meadows and mudholes of interior Alaska - and then another gourmet meal served at the ranchhouse where we could observe Mt. Healy and watch the meadows for moose.
Today the onlywildlife I saw was a fox - they're big up here and RED! Most of my day was in classes and I keep the phone off except at breaks - not a lot of those todayl. Well, there was some other wildlife - the other 16 ATV drivers going like crazy up and down hills and through creeks that day by day become more like rivers. I wore my raingear over my jeans. Good thing. Some of us were smiling and appear to have mud even on our teeth.
I've met people who work here in Alaska all summer and in Hawaii all winter. There are others just like me who have no idea how they lucked into this.
I do know I have the best job ever. There are 10 of us. We're called "Outfitters". Our jobs are pretty cushy. We work HARD but it's GREAT work - making the guest comfortable, making sure everything meets and EXCEEDS expectations - and helping to make their trip to Alaska one of the best times of their lives.
Easy.
Fun.
I might miss writing again soon. There's so much to do! I need to take a bush plane excursion around Mt. McKinley in a couple of days (whew!) and then a jet boat and then a white water trip. Ah, work. work. work.
: )
much love,
barb
Gratifying.
It's after 10:pm but it's as light as noon. I just now finished "work". It's my job to not only help the tourists (90,000 expected here this summer) but also to know all about the excursions they can take through Princess. That's exhausting! Last night I tried the group ATV geo-treasure trip with bunkhouse dinner after. That's why I didn't write. Somehow I fell right to sleep. Tonight as soon as we finished work some of us were off again to explore another excursion on behalf of the tourists - tonight is was driving ATV's through the hills, meadows and mudholes of interior Alaska - and then another gourmet meal served at the ranchhouse where we could observe Mt. Healy and watch the meadows for moose.
Today the onlywildlife I saw was a fox - they're big up here and RED! Most of my day was in classes and I keep the phone off except at breaks - not a lot of those todayl. Well, there was some other wildlife - the other 16 ATV drivers going like crazy up and down hills and through creeks that day by day become more like rivers. I wore my raingear over my jeans. Good thing. Some of us were smiling and appear to have mud even on our teeth.
I've met people who work here in Alaska all summer and in Hawaii all winter. There are others just like me who have no idea how they lucked into this.
I do know I have the best job ever. There are 10 of us. We're called "Outfitters". Our jobs are pretty cushy. We work HARD but it's GREAT work - making the guest comfortable, making sure everything meets and EXCEEDS expectations - and helping to make their trip to Alaska one of the best times of their lives.
Easy.
Fun.
I might miss writing again soon. There's so much to do! I need to take a bush plane excursion around Mt. McKinley in a couple of days (whew!) and then a jet boat and then a white water trip. Ah, work. work. work.
: )
much love,
barb
Gratifying.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
TRAINING!
Hi!
Long night. My roommate is fun. She's a bus driver. She likes to sleep with the window open and the heat off. I like that too.
I haven't been in Alaska long.
It really got cold last night. I hadn't noticed that she keeps a pile of blankets on her bed. Where'd she get those??? I had
one blanket.
At 3:00 a.m. I got up to hunt for the thermostat and close the window. After putting on socks, a robe over my flannel nightie and a hat, she gave me some more blankets. Ahhhh. Much better.
Class seemed to start quite early today, though.
Breakfast was incredible - and Ididn't cook a thing! Whew!
The lodges are impressive - even with the cloths over all furniture. There are even cloths over the moose heads hanging from the rafters. Some stores still have plywood boards over the windows. It's been a hard winter! In fact, in most of the buildings there is no running water - we have to hike across the central lawns to the one lodge that has functioning restrooms. It snowed four times today - while we watched from inside the classrooms.
Tonight we went for a hike - 8 of us. We found wolf tracks but with 8 of us the kids said we were fine. Evidently so. We're all back.
We were handed a quiz tonight and told we could work individually or help each other. A few of us held our first study group in the rec room and our homework is done - and I think it's perfect. It was so much fun.
It's fun. It's hard. The people are terrific!
g'nite!
Long night. My roommate is fun. She's a bus driver. She likes to sleep with the window open and the heat off. I like that too.
I haven't been in Alaska long.
It really got cold last night. I hadn't noticed that she keeps a pile of blankets on her bed. Where'd she get those??? I had
one blanket.
At 3:00 a.m. I got up to hunt for the thermostat and close the window. After putting on socks, a robe over my flannel nightie and a hat, she gave me some more blankets. Ahhhh. Much better.
Class seemed to start quite early today, though.
Breakfast was incredible - and Ididn't cook a thing! Whew!
The lodges are impressive - even with the cloths over all furniture. There are even cloths over the moose heads hanging from the rafters. Some stores still have plywood boards over the windows. It's been a hard winter! In fact, in most of the buildings there is no running water - we have to hike across the central lawns to the one lodge that has functioning restrooms. It snowed four times today - while we watched from inside the classrooms.
Tonight we went for a hike - 8 of us. We found wolf tracks but with 8 of us the kids said we were fine. Evidently so. We're all back.
We were handed a quiz tonight and told we could work individually or help each other. A few of us held our first study group in the rec room and our homework is done - and I think it's perfect. It was so much fun.
It's fun. It's hard. The people are terrific!
g'nite!
8:24 am May 5, 2009
Coffee’s hot. All is well with the world.
Anchorage.
Of the 620,000 people in Alaska, 40% of them are in Anchorage.
The flight was terribly comfortable – watched Marley & Me for the first time. Watched videos about Alaska. Sat between two college kids coming home for the summer.
I’m staying at the Arctic Adventure Hostel. I want to remember this place. The owner picked us up from the airport last night and will have me back there in time to meet the van heading for Denali this afternoon. In the meantime, he’ll secure my luggage so I can go explore Anchorage today. All for $23. Oh, did I mention private, Spartan, clean though threadbare accommodations? I particularly like the young people I’ve met briefly so far. It was so quiet last night I finally decided he’d left me alone at my own wing of the hostel. That’s how I came out of the communal bathroom this morning in my flannel nightie to find young men also running around likely not expecting to find me. Everybody is really nice and really friendly and I feel safe and very comfortable. Besides, what I saved on a hotel last night will readily cover the adventures I intend to enjoy today.
Martin & Trudy – special thanks to you for setting up my blog! I hope I can figure out how to use it now – or you’ll be getting a call for help. Thank you.
The rains on our trip to Portland were torrential. Finally at the viewpoint for Willamette Falls, Laurie took over the driving and I relaxed. I’m grateful to have had my daughter drive me to the airport.
About midnite-thirty, 5/5 (make that 6th) 2009
This morning I walked Anchorage – it’s as walkable as Boston or San Francisco. Although nearly half the people of Alaska live in Anchorage, 260,000 – there’s not much traffic and most drivers are very courteous – good easy walkways. Although I notice that when people give you directions the path is as likely to be down an alley, across a yard or even a dirt trail in this town. I did take the bus to downtown - $1.25 for an all day pass – wow. It helped that I am of a certain age. I found the Visitors Center with the 2,000 pound jade stone. Beautiful and impressive! A young man and his son on the bus helped me with ideas of places to go. Later in the day, he saw me from his office window and came running – he’d thought of more places for me to visit. I definitely need to spend more time in Anchorage – even his 3 year old son was doggone friendly – I could have stayed in the Federal Building all day – but had to get back to the airport to meet the bus to Denali. The Museum of Natural History is closed for remodeling until June. I’ll just go back in June. I felt pretty smug about the cool hostel but now I find that as an employee of Princess, I could have stayed at the Windom for $25 – good grief!
Finally, I had to get onto the bus that brought several of us staff members to Denali. What mountains!
In Anchorage, I’d been incredibly lucky to have blue sky and moderate temperature (oh yes, and reindeer sausage hot dog for lunch – best sausage I ever tasted!)
The further we came from Anchorage, the more snow and ice. Some rivers are stopped in their flow, -solid ice. Some have huge patches of ice flowing slowly. Some waterfalls look like C.S. Lewis’ winter scenes in Lion, Witch & the Wardrobe – falling water standing where it stopped last spring.
There’s so much I want to remember – but I’ll be in class all day tomorrow and need sleep.
Finally I must remember the moose (which I missed) and the snowshoe rabbit, the dall sheep and the grizzly we saw today.
Particularly the grizzly- He was SO close and so intent upon his walk. He did not care that our bus was a stone’s throw away. It was amazing. HE was amazing. I’ve seen bears but he is the largest I’ve ever seen.
Oh – and the people – from Utah, from Ohio, , from Louisianna, from the Ukraine – and every one is delightful! Good thing – we’ll be working and living together for the next 4-1/2 months.
I’m ready!
Coffee’s hot. All is well with the world.
Anchorage.
Of the 620,000 people in Alaska, 40% of them are in Anchorage.
The flight was terribly comfortable – watched Marley & Me for the first time. Watched videos about Alaska. Sat between two college kids coming home for the summer.
I’m staying at the Arctic Adventure Hostel. I want to remember this place. The owner picked us up from the airport last night and will have me back there in time to meet the van heading for Denali this afternoon. In the meantime, he’ll secure my luggage so I can go explore Anchorage today. All for $23. Oh, did I mention private, Spartan, clean though threadbare accommodations? I particularly like the young people I’ve met briefly so far. It was so quiet last night I finally decided he’d left me alone at my own wing of the hostel. That’s how I came out of the communal bathroom this morning in my flannel nightie to find young men also running around likely not expecting to find me. Everybody is really nice and really friendly and I feel safe and very comfortable. Besides, what I saved on a hotel last night will readily cover the adventures I intend to enjoy today.
Martin & Trudy – special thanks to you for setting up my blog! I hope I can figure out how to use it now – or you’ll be getting a call for help. Thank you.
The rains on our trip to Portland were torrential. Finally at the viewpoint for Willamette Falls, Laurie took over the driving and I relaxed. I’m grateful to have had my daughter drive me to the airport.
About midnite-thirty, 5/5 (make that 6th) 2009
This morning I walked Anchorage – it’s as walkable as Boston or San Francisco. Although nearly half the people of Alaska live in Anchorage, 260,000 – there’s not much traffic and most drivers are very courteous – good easy walkways. Although I notice that when people give you directions the path is as likely to be down an alley, across a yard or even a dirt trail in this town. I did take the bus to downtown - $1.25 for an all day pass – wow. It helped that I am of a certain age. I found the Visitors Center with the 2,000 pound jade stone. Beautiful and impressive! A young man and his son on the bus helped me with ideas of places to go. Later in the day, he saw me from his office window and came running – he’d thought of more places for me to visit. I definitely need to spend more time in Anchorage – even his 3 year old son was doggone friendly – I could have stayed in the Federal Building all day – but had to get back to the airport to meet the bus to Denali. The Museum of Natural History is closed for remodeling until June. I’ll just go back in June. I felt pretty smug about the cool hostel but now I find that as an employee of Princess, I could have stayed at the Windom for $25 – good grief!
Finally, I had to get onto the bus that brought several of us staff members to Denali. What mountains!
In Anchorage, I’d been incredibly lucky to have blue sky and moderate temperature (oh yes, and reindeer sausage hot dog for lunch – best sausage I ever tasted!)
The further we came from Anchorage, the more snow and ice. Some rivers are stopped in their flow, -solid ice. Some have huge patches of ice flowing slowly. Some waterfalls look like C.S. Lewis’ winter scenes in Lion, Witch & the Wardrobe – falling water standing where it stopped last spring.
There’s so much I want to remember – but I’ll be in class all day tomorrow and need sleep.
Finally I must remember the moose (which I missed) and the snowshoe rabbit, the dall sheep and the grizzly we saw today.
Particularly the grizzly- He was SO close and so intent upon his walk. He did not care that our bus was a stone’s throw away. It was amazing. HE was amazing. I’ve seen bears but he is the largest I’ve ever seen.
Oh – and the people – from Utah, from Ohio, , from Louisianna, from the Ukraine – and every one is delightful! Good thing – we’ll be working and living together for the next 4-1/2 months.
I’m ready!
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