A New Adventure Part 2: Driving down, settling in

Lynn and I had a great adventure while driving the Alcan highway. Bears and Buffalo, Ravens and Eagles, good drivers, and some no-so-good drivers. We ended up taking Duke and two of my cats. Thankfully, neither cat tried to escape and were surprisingly good travelers. Neko is a talker so we had to give her some meds to keep her quiet for part of the ride. She relaxed and watched the world go by as we moved steadily south.

Gas prices were high, very high in Canada; as much as $2.19 Canadian/liter (1 gallon is 3.78 liters) which made that stop $8.27/gallon. Fortunately the conversion rate was in our favor, but still...yikes! One of the concerns we had before leaving was getting Canadian currency. If you want Canadian money, they recommend stopping at an ATM or bank after crossing the border. We did not get any because I could use my VISA (AK Airlines miles baby!) everywhere we stopped.

Speaking of border crossings, we crossed into both the US and Canada twice on our travels. The longest we were stopped was going into Canada from Alaska. It took about 10 minutes to get through as they checked our passports and pet health certificates. They did not want to see the critters and the guard chatted pleasantly while waiting for the computer to confirm we were not a threat. The longest line was crossing into the US at Sweetwater Montana, which was close to an hour. When it was our turn it took only a couple of minutes, the same as crossing in and out of Haines. The drive from Haines Junction YT to Haines AK was beautiful. If you get a chance to go, I recommend you do so.

Edmonton AB provided the most stress for me. I had ensured all the hotels I booked accepted animals so Duke and the girls could stay with us. When we got to the hotel, they told us they did not take pets and it was too late to cancel our reservations. Trigger panic mode! I suggested Lynn take the room and I would stay in the car with the critters. She did not like that idea (go figure!). We called a dog boarding place where Duke could stay but they did not take cats. However, they recommended another place that accepted Duke and both cats on about a half-hour notice. They were truly an answer to prayer!

Salt Lake City had the worst room (by far) and also the worst traffic but it was also the last day on the road so it was not too stressful. There was rain in the mountains between St. George UT and Mesquite NV and I worried a little about flash floods. I was a few hours too soon in my concern. When we hit Ely NV the sky opened up. I am an Alaska girl; the first time I ever got behind the wheel of a car there was ice and snow on the road. I can drive through a raging snowstorm in the dark and think nothing of it but I have never driven through rain like that. I needed my wipers on full-high, for the first time ever. I was very grateful the person in front of me was driving with their hazard lights on because I could barely see the road. We found out later that it was the worst rain the area had seen in years. 

I am settling into the next chapter of life in a huge city. I love the sunshine and the much warmer temperatures. Duke and I are finding new hiking places and I have taken a two-day jaunt into Phoenix and back through Lake Havasu.

 I have found a good church and am learning to enjoy a new preaching style. They have been doing a series titled Signs and Signals based on Abraham and Sarah. It has spoken to me and my situation so much that I know it is from God. I am looking for work to get a place of my own. I have an interview tomorrow; it wouldn't be my first (or second or third) choice but it is work. I start working toward my Master's degree in Health and Wellness, emphasizing Family Dynamics on Thursday.

To You, O Lord I lift up my soul, O my God, in You I trust! (Ps 25:1)

Thank you, Heavenly Father

for bringing people into my life 

who love You and Worship You.

These brothers and sisters are precious when 

I am weary and alone.

Lift up those who are reading. Give them the desires

of their hearts that align with Your will.

Help them to see You and Your hand in all they do. 

Help them not to tire or be discouraged. 

We love You, Lord.

In Christ alone, and in His name I pray

Amen

if you are interested in photos and other details, see my facebook posts!