We have arrived home...Happy 35th Anniversary

This will be my finally post from the Alaskan Anniversary Adventure.
What memories we have made with Bob and Evelyn. I'm sure we will go back and read about this adventure many times over the next 35 years, Lord willing. Bob plans to make a nice coffee table book and I plan to do a DVD of the adventure once I get all the pictures edited. But the Blog was fun to write as we experienced each day. Thanks for coming along on our journey. I loved seeing the majesty and beauty that each day gave us, but I will admit that this will probably be the only time I go to Alaska for a vacation. Wynn has said many times that I am a beach baby and prefer the sun to the cold. We do want to take a journey to the Northwestern states and also up the East coast to Maine. But those are for the future.

Our Day 15 started with a lovely rain storm. We were all really thankful that we took the time to purchase Rainproof, not rain resistant coats before we traveled. Wynn and I also had waterproof hiking boots and our feet never got wet! Before piling into the car, we first got everything to fit into our suitcases (miracle) and grabbed a quick breakfast sandwich at McD's before heading for the last of the souvenir buying. We also took time to walk around their JoAnn Fabrics just to move inside from the rain. Then we spent a few hours at the Fairbanks Visitor Center. We saw many exhibits of what life in early Alaska was like. We also watched a creative movie on the Northern Lights. It was a nice way to start closing the chapter on this adventure. We ate our lunch at the River's Edge Restaurant. Of course I have to show you the picture of our delicious meal (I mean,desserts!) we had a very friendly waiter who filled us in on the change in climate the last few years in Fairbanksand the upcoming visit by the President.

I forgot, we also saw the downtown Fairbanks city monument, and the clock tower, that plays chimes on the hour.

Then it was indeed time to head to the airport for the long flights home. Red eye flights no longer hold their appeal for me. Our flight was suppose to go to Seattle, Chicago and then Cleveland. But the connection to Chicago had been cancelled and in its place was a connection to Miami. Our flight from Fairbanks to Seattle got a very late start, due to a lady having to be transported off by the EMT's. So instead of having a nice layover before boarding to Miami, we ran off the plane and down the concourse to catch our plane to Miami. Everyone was a little frustrated at this point...mostly because we didn't get time to eat anything before the all night ride. This flight link was hot, crowded and made sleep nearly impossible. When we got to Miami, we did have just enough time to get a quick sandwich and bottle of water before boarding a little commuter jet (2+1 seats across). I think we all managed to sleep a bit on this final leg home. I basically remember hearing the pilot say we are beginning our descent.

So now we are home ? but our luggage did not come with us. I have a feeling it did not make the connection when we ran to our plane in Seattle. Hopefully we will get it tomorrow and nothing will be broken or ruined. Scott and the girls picked us up at the airport. It was so fun to see the girlies again.

So Wynn is already out riding his bike. I got groceries and am putting the final touches on this trip. There are so many highlights...but I think the best part was spending time with my soulmate and best friend. How Wynn has put up with me for these past 35 years is beyond me. God has not yet completed the work He is doing in our lives. The beauty and majesty of the mountains and scenery was breathtaking...but pale in comparison to the work He has done in creating our marriage and our family. We are indeed blessed! Our next anniversary trip may be to Australia in a couple of years. We have a fun bike ride planned down the Natchez Trace next Fall. So hopefully more trips will appear on our blog as we go Here and There...