July 11, 2011 Water to Haines, AK to Tok, AK – Last day on the water!!

(This one is long, just a warning!)
This is one of four new posts, don't forget to start back on the July 8th one!

Wow, where to begin?  First and foremost, we thank the Lord for the safe travels he has blessed us with thus far.  After today, I can’t believe how many miles we have actually come and that we are in ALASKA.  Do you know how far away from our home that is?  Not to Fairbanks yet, but boy are we blessed beyond belief!  “He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11   This passage is a clear example of God’s hand in our journey. Incredible!

It was our earliest morning yet, 4:00 A.M.  The boat was docking in Juneau at 4:45, and we wanted to get most of our stuff packed up before then.  We had planned to go into downtown Juneau, but didn’t realize that the boat docked 12 miles away from downtown, so we were unable to do so.  We could have stayed in bed!  We then went and read and tried to nap in a few different places on the boat (our tent was put away).  The boat was supposed to take off at 6:45 a.m., but it took off over an hour late; eventually causing our arrival time in Haines to be pushed back by an hour and fifteen minutes.  While on the water for the last time, we truly enjoyed the gorgeous mountains, glaciers, lighthouses, and much more.  We said goodbye to friends we had meant, and even got the business cards from our new friends from Hawaii.  They said we should look them up when we go there in winter (supposedly that is where Alaskans visit during the winter, and flights are actually really cheap)!  After 30 minutes of sitting in our car, waiting to get off the boat, we were finally off by 2:00 p.m.! Our Escape took its’ first steps (spins? turns?) on Alaska ground.  The drive started off with huge mountains on either side of us.  After 40 minutes, we reached the Canadian border in British Columbia.  The cop let us through, but wasn’t looking to sure about Jason saying he was going to be a Pastor.  He even had us show him his call letter! In order to make this not so short blog shorter, I will summarize the rest of the trip rather quickly.  The Yukon Territory was not so good due to much of the roads being gravel, full of pot holes, and also many dips.  Let’s just say, we weren’t huge fans at all.  We stopped a few times for gas and bathroom breaks, but were glad to finally arrive in Alaska (once again) at 9:00 p.m. We hadn’t seen much wildlife before this, due to it being about 80 degrees the whole way.  So as we entered Alaska, Jason was praying to see some wildlife.  Our first Alaskan wildlife while on the road, a porcupine.  Second, a black bear (YES, a cute medium-sized black bear just about to come out to the street). And third, well, I guess that was it for now, but we look forward to more later. 

To wrap up . . .  We arrived here in Tok, Alaska at 11:00 p.m.  It was a very long 19 hour day.  I guess that explains why Jason is sound asleep right now.  I think I am still awake because it is somewhat light outside.  Guess I will have to be getting used to that quickly. 

Like I said at the start of this post, the Lord has sent his guarding angels to watch over us as we traveled.  None of this would even have been possible without his guidance and care.  Each and every day is a blessing from the Lord, and one we are not to take for granted.  Wherever we go and whatever we do, the Lord is always watching every step we take.  Remember to thank the Lord for his guarding and protecting hand throughout your life.  I know this trip has reminded me of that! 

 Glacier right above Juneau

 Jason spotted these whales.  A whole bunch!

 Another ship with lighthouse in background.

Nice lighthouse, dad! 

 Heated solarium where a whole bunch of people slept.

 Another glacier

 On the drive to Tok, AK - taken today

 Taken on the drive today

 In km, not miles

 We were so glad to be off the Yukon roads!   Awful!!

So was Jason

Until tomorrow, goodnight!  We plan to head out around 10:00 a.m., and arrive in Fairbanks, our new home, by 2:00 p.m.  I was just informed that our moving truck may not be there yet, so we may have one more night on the floor.  It’s been a LONG three and a half weeks, but we are almost there!

May God continue to guard and protect each and every one of you!

Love ya!