Spring Break

For Spring Break, I went to visit Alex. Now this should not be hard since we are both in Alaska, but since we are in Alaska not only did it cost more than coming home or going Florida - it also took longer! I spent a whopping 30 hours traveling each way. Of course most of that was hanging out in airports, there was only about 5 or 6 hours of actual flying time. First, I left my village and went to Dillingham. From there, I hoped a flight to ANC then onto Fairbanks where I spent the night. The Fairbanks airport, although it an international airport, is completely baron - no food, no water bubbler - nothing! Puffin and I had a lovely meal of trail mix and watched some TV over the Internet. Finally the next morning, I took a cab to an airstrip and waited there for a flight out to Alex's village. Luckily, Alex was waiting for me because then we had to drive to his actual town. Like I said it was a lot of traveling, but it was worth it. I had a very nice time with Alex, and I cooked up the rest of the meat I brought home from Davis Square.

I SAW THE NORTHERN LIGHTS!!! They were beautiful, but I only saw some green and white and grey, but still it was amazing!! I couldn't get my camera to take any pictures of them though. I am not sure if it was because there were street lights or just because I was taking pictures of the sky at night, but really they were great!!

This is me outside waiting to see the lights:
(Yes that is a fur hat - it is actually seal and beaver fur. The gloves are beaver and fox. Not only is it the warmest thing ever, the hat also blocks ice from forming on my eyes.)

I learned that I think I really can camp!! Alex's apartment was interesting. It is a trailer with no running water or bathroom. He does have electricity so we had a light and a fridge and a space heater. I wasn't allowed to be at his work (where there was running water, a bathroom, and shower) so he snuck me in at night when everyone was gone for the day. Only once we got caught, and I had to hid in the bathroom until his co-worker left. Now, you all know how often I pee so it was a VERY interesting trip. One morning I woke up and really thought my kidney was going to explode!

These are some pics of where Alex lives:

This is the outhouse that I could have used, but there was a bit of snow in the way...
Here is Alex packing my stuff into the car in front of his trailer:

While Puffin and I were visiting Alex, we did a lot of reading, finished up some courses I was taking, and went hiking. These are some pictures of our hike:

This is the trail we followed for a few miles.

At the end of the trail, we came to a river and this was the view from there.

We also walked by a lot of REAL log cabins! This one even had a totem pole out front.
We saw a lot of animal tracks, but luckily NO animals. I have NO idea what I would actually do if I was ever faced with an animal!! Bear Bait (Puffin) and I just pray we never find out!



It was really a nice and everything worked out fine and I think this experience really prepared me for my camping trip this summer. Speaking of the summer, I will be driving the road system and seeing all kids of things form Glaciers to bird watching! So far, it is just Puffin and I traveling and camping together. So if anyone wants to join me, please do! I will be adventuring from about May 20 until the beginning of July then I can coming HOME probably for the whole month of July!!! This schedule is VERY flexible. My plan is to rent a car, drive the road system, sleep in the car and camp along the way. If I hate it, I will just be home drinking Iced Coffee sooner!!