Why Alaska?

Sometimes God sends us in a direction we would never imagine...that is basically how my plans started with Alaska. One of the perks of being a teacher is having a long summer break. I knew I was going take a big trip, but where would I go and did I need to worry about the costs? I have told myself, you are only young once and traveling opportunities get more difficult with marriage. "So where should I go", I asked myself. Southeast Asia looked promising until the tsunami occurred. Then it was the Mediterranean, but Europe seemed the safe route. So I switched to New Zealand...English speaking, yet a far off island with lots of adventure sports. It sounded perfect, so why didn't I feel right about it? Maybe God has something else in mind, I'm still not sure, but I just couldn't get myself excited to organize a trip to New Zealand.

Then one day I met a friend online that works every summer up in Alaska. I started thinking, Alaska. What do I think of Alaska? It's in the United States, which doesn't seem like an adventure, but it is still kind of wild, right? As I started researching the town of Skagway I got more and more excited. It is a bit out of my comfort zone, which is exactly what I needed. I like adventure, but I wouldn't never call myself a camper. I like showers, pillows, and electricity. If I went to Alaska, I could be camping...that means, outside in a state that gets cold. Oh, I forgot to mention, I hate cold weather. But there are whales, beautiful scenery, and a chance to try something new. I mean, maybe I will like camping if I try it for a month and a half. Hey, maybe I will even have a bear encounter (now is a good time to mention, my biggest fear are bears). Besides, I have told myself this is a good adventure for me to try on my own and if I do well, then next year I will go to Asia, backpacking.

I guess there are more reasons. They go a little deeper, most importantly I wanted to try something different...out of the comfort zone...something that will make me stretch and grow (figuratively). So after buying a plane ticket I set out my plans to discover Skagway, Alaska. With the help of a recent friend, I will be working as a petticab driver to the cruiseship visitors for a month and a half. In my spare time I plan to spend the money that I earn by living out every adventurous experience Skagway has to offer. I want to write about my adventures and my follies. If it is the discovery I'm hoping for, then I don't want to experience it alone. So check back soon, and maybe I will convince you that Alaska is a place that you need to see.