Alaska 2024

Musings from the Road

Thursday, August 1

“You do you.” This from my son on our drive to the Memphis Airport. My justification for arriving at airports two or more hours before departure elicited some surprising emotional support. He’s an attorney and always ready for rational discussion. “You do you” wrapped me in a layer of confidence before this three week wandering around Alaska. I would indeed “do ME” on my trip. Atmosphere is the car was buoyant…so many reasons to be upbeat these last few weeks!

Friday, August 2, 2024

After nine grueling hours on planes and in airports, Sue Anne Jenkerson, my “play sister”, hugged me as if picking me up at 1:30 AM was no problem. SAJ plays a huge part in most of the traveling I do. Partner to my uncle for over 30 years , it gives us a unique connection. She’s actually a year younger than I am and we are both widows (I hate that word but it conveys the meaning I need at the moment).

Breakfast at a favorite place in downtown Anchorage began the day. While Sue Anne visited a friend I started on this blog while enjoying a Chai Latte at the local Barnes and Noble. Tomorrow will be preparation for the road trip!

August 5, 2024

We rested up In Anchorage and had a great visit with our hosts, the Walshes. We did some shopping for last minute paraphernalia we Might need! Yesterday it was off to the real Alaska that begins right outside the Anchorage city limits.

We are staying in a cozy cabin outside of Denali in a very rural town–Healey AK. This family has built three little cabins on their property and rent them through Airbnb. It’s perfect for two “widder” ladies on an adventure. We stopped to eat in Denali on the way up and just relaxed last night. Today was the first day to explore one of the areas we love most in Denali Park: Savage Creek. Some sights from today:

These clouds astounded us both so I had to Google to find out what they are: Lenticular clouds. They form when wind runs perpendicular to a mountain or mountain chain.

We hiked around the Savage Creek area, but I got an early birthday present when we saw this: the mountain of Denali. I have never seen it before in all my trips to Alasks.

My annual (except for COVID years) trips to Alaska began the year after my husband died. Sue Anne and Marvin, my uncle, urged me to come visit them but I thought I would never be a traveler. Kathryn, my daughter-in-law, told me I had never traveled so how did I know I didn’t like it!
“Here is your chance to go with people who know the area. It will be a good first trip”

The beauty and magnificence of God’s world was on display everywhere and I felt myself to be one with it all. Since my first visit I have always experienced Alaska as a healing place.

August 6, 2024

Today I am 74 years old and my gratitude list is endless. I had a meaningful career and there were few days I didn’t relish the privilege of working in public education. I have a precious family with a son who is caring, concerned about doing the right thing, and always there for me. My grandsons are just plain amazing and my daughter-in-law has become my daughter over these years.

And here I am in Alaska, my healing place, my reminder of God’s omnipresence.