Packing Up Wednesday

 I think this says it all.

We had toooo much stuff.  Way too much.  We needed another trip to the already stuffed storage unit and ended up throwing out some things before we got to this point.  Our 10:00 estimated departure time…HA.  The travel gods laughed at us.  But we were on our way a bit before 2:00 and then the frustration and tiredness fell away, and we were off on our adventure.  So excited!  We arrived in Dayton before midnight, slept later this morning and will be heading for Iowa in a few minutes.  

Needless to say, our three nights planned camping have been scrapped.  No way are we moving any of the above until we arrive in home, sweet home, Anchorage.

And we can see out the back window.  Sal is a whiz at packing, and that was a must.  And Grey is in there somewhere. 😊

BB

Aug 3: Day 1 - In a Nutshell

Today's drive got us out of Richmond at 1:45pm and arriving in Dayton, Ohio at 11:30pm.  Read about the late start and packing debacle in BB's post.

Highlight

For about 45 minutes, between 9:00pm and 9:45pm, we watched the most amazing lightening storm.  I call it heat lightening as there was no rain or thunder.  BB googled it. Google says there is no such thing as a heat lightening storm, that it is just a storm so far away that you see the lightening but don't hear the thunder or get rain.  Anyway, it was dusk, not all the way dark, with a bank of dark clouds ahead of us.  The lightening would strike within the cloud.  It would light the cloud up and make amazing images.  Some of them reminded me of X-ray or MRI images. We also saw some amazing, bright and big lightening bolts.  If I needed images of lightening for a sci-fi movie this storm is what I would base them on.  (No worries, we were never in any danger).

BB got this picture

Conversational Question of the Day:

What is your favorite childhood memory?

Mile's traveled today: 526.7

Driven By Sal: 526.7

Driven BB: 0.00

Sal

We made it!!

 Alaska, Alaska, Alaska.  What’s the big deal.  We finally arrived at almost MIDNIGHT last night after a long trip in the stupid crate over bumping, twisty roads.  There was a bad storm, and I wasn’t afraid but I was awfully worried that Mom and Sal might be afraid.

But we’re here and Alaska looks pretty much like my old house.  At least the trip is over and I don’t have to travel any more in the stupid crate.

Wait…

What?

Living the Minimalist Lifestyle

 

Minimalism is about embracing simplicity and avoiding the unnecessary.  Think less is more.

Here are BB and I embracing minimalism as we relax in our empty house.

 All the furniture went to storage yesterday.  Today we took to storage all the leftover odds and ends that didn't make the cut for Anchorage.  Tomorrow we load what's left in the Palisade.

Wish us luck.  There is a lot of stuff to fit in the car. I'm feeling doubtful about our chances for success.  We will know tomorrow.

Sal

Mr. Grey

Grey here.

Nice talk.

Seymour Says: Pleased to Meet You

 Hello!

I am Seymour the Moose.  I work at the Anchorage Visitor Center.  It is the perfect job for me as I love meeting people and telling them about the wonderful state of Alaska.  You may have heard of my cousin, Flat Stanley.  Stanley gets to travel to more places than me, but I've seen more of Alaska than he has.

Two lovely ladies from Virginia stopped in the Center last month looking for information on nearby day trips.  Such a pleasure to talk with them!   I was able to give them several ideas for things to do in the area.  During our conversation they mentioned they were sisters, were moving to Anchorage in August and planned to stay for a year.   They sounded excited to be in Alaska and to share their adventures with family and friends.

Well....Once I heard how they intended to share their adventures with friends and family I couldn't resist asking if I could join in!  I think my request surprised them, but they told me yes!

I am looking forward to seeing the sisters when they come back in August...And to sharing stories with you about Alaska!

Seymour the Moose

Alaskan M(oo)sings: Intro Part II

 

BB (older sis) has introduced herself.  My turn now!

I've visited Alaska twice, both times in the late summer.   Fell in love with the state.  The scenery and wildlife are amazing.  After both trips I went home wondering "What is Alaska like in the winter?"  After a year or two I added it to my bucket list - Spend a year in Alaska and experience the four seasons.  Some people tell me I will hate the winter when it is dark and cold.  Well, so what if I do, I will have found out for myself what it is like.

Finally, the day arrives when I announce to the family " Hey, I'm going to Alaska for a year!"  All are supportive. BB says" I want to come.  And Grey too." 

 This is how BB, a 13 year old mean-as-a-wet-cat cat named Grey and I end up in Alaska.

More about me.  I am a/an:

• Animal Lover.  I've had 3 dogs and 2 cats over the years and have done my fair share of pet sitting.  Moose are my favorite non-domesticated animal.  Moma Moose, I forgive you for chasing me all those years ago in Yellowstone NP!
• Outdoor Lover.  I love to walk and hike and go on the occasional backpacking trip.  My summers for the past 20 years included work trips on the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah NP. (Lots of good times Bev and Loft MT work crew!)
• National Parks Passport Stamp Collector.  The Alaskan NP stamps will be challenging to get!  Got to make it happen!
• Handbell Ringer.  How many of these have you met?!  Thank you, Phyllis, for inviting me to handbell choir practice 35 years ago!   I hope to find a choir in Anchorage that needs another ringer.
• Pilates Practitioner.  Pilates became my exercise of choice 5 or 6 years ago.  Keeps me strong and flexible and improves my balance.   I can only hope to find instructors and classmates as knowledgeable, dedicated and welcoming as I had in Virginia.  (Pilates Plus and the Tuesday Night Crew...you know this is you!).
• State Worker:   I was a State (correction -  Commonwealth!) of Virginia employee and retired with 38 years of services.  I think I was a good use of your state tax dollars.... I dare anyone to say differently!

I invite you to join us on our adventures as Cheechakos (a person who has yet to survive a winter) in Alaska and as we learn about our great 49th state.

Sal