Saying Goodbye to the Denali Mountain Morning Hostel in Alaska

Our stay at the Denali Mountain Morning Hostel in Alaska has come to a close. It's been great. We take with us good memories of happy moments. Now it is time to turn our attention southward as we head home. On the way, we'll be taking time out to see sights and smell the roses.

Those of you who are following the blog will hopefully have some interesting photos and videos to see.

For those who have asked, the mileage driven so far is 5590.4. Most of it was done with me driving. We met Hubby and the team at the airport a week ago Saturday. He'll be joining us for the ride home. We're looking forward to the sights on the way back to Tennessee.

See you on the road!

Denali National Park Video

A short video of Denali National Park. This view shows a short drive of the park's forest area.

Denali National Park Savage River Video

The Denali National Park Savage River video was taken on June 28, 2009. It contains a 360 degree view of the Savage River. From this point on at Denali National Park you can go no further without either a special permit or being on a special tour.

View photos of our tour to Wonder Lake in Denali National Park on the previous blog entry. The park and tour are incredible. There is no place else like it.

Denali National Park Wonder Lake Bus Tour Photos

Denali National Park Wonder Lake bus tour photos. Look at a mama grizzly playing with her cub. View photos of the Alaska tundra, taiga and forest. The natural beauty is largely unspoiled. The only way you can get to these parts of the park are by shuttle bus tour or by special permit. The park's policy is to let nature take its course.

Denali National Park is 6 million acres of wilderness. On the tour we saw moose, a golden eagle, caribou, dall sheep, a pack of wolves at dinner, the grizzlies, a swan, duck and offspring, beaver lodges, Alaska's only type of toad, snowshoe hares, magpies, gulls and more.

Denali Mountain Morning Hostel

The Denali Mountain Morning Hostel is like living in a treehouse, only it's better than that.

We have rented the cutest sleeping cabin at the edge of Denali National Park. We have space to walk around the cabin and electricity. Plus, it's only about 30 feet to the bathhouse.

The wireless internet has a steady signal and works well from the cabin. We have access to a fully stocked kitchen. There is even a small grocery store. What else could you ask for?

Pettting Sled Dogs at Denali National Park

Denali National Park in Denali, Alaska is a fabulous place to visit. It was too early for us to check into our hostel. To take up time, we decided to drive on into the park. I'm so glad we did!

Upon arriving, we found out that we were just in time to board the free shuttle for the sled dog demonstration. What they didn't tell us at the visitor center is that you also get to pet and play with the dogs. How's that for awesome? After playtime we got to see the demonstration. What an experience!

Tomorrow, we are scheduled to take a bus tour of Denali National Park. I hope we get time to go visit the dogs all over again. The experience was that good.

Visit Talkeetna, Alaska

We visited Talkeetna, Alaska with the mission team on Thursday night. Some of the team members took a flightseeing tour to Mt.McKinley. They said that seeing Talkkeetna, Alaska by air was a treat and especially loved flying around the mountain.

Those of us who stayed on the ground enjoyed seeing the little town. It has all sorts of quaint touristy shops. The artist gallery was one of my favorites.

It was the perfect way to relax after working on building the parsonage.

Alaska Halibut, Salmon and Moose. Oh my!

Dinner last night was the highlight of our Alaska trip so far. The church hosted our mission team to a pot luck dinner. All of the dishes were Alaskan. There were moose meatballs, halibut pie, smoked salmon, reindeer sausage (caribou) and lots more. Salads were made from greens plucked from the parishoner's garden.

We got to talk with the church members and made new friends. I was surprised at how many people are transplants to Alaska. It was a great experience.

After the dinner, the missions leader at Willow UMC gave us gifts. Alaska celebrates 50 years of statehood. We were given pins and pens to commemorate the celebration. The church also gave us t-shirts from the Willow Winter Carnival.

It was odd to be a recipient and have nothing to give in a return. These people are so generous. Working on their parsonage seems to be a very small gift to give them.

Photos of Alaska Mission Trip with La Follette United Methodist

Here's the link to the photos that we've taken. You can really see the progress that's being made on the house. I'm uploading photos at least daily. Keep checking this link.

Follow Us in Alaska on Twitter

Follow us on the Alaska trip using twitter. http://www.twitter.com/gaylesglimpses

We're posting as often as we can. Also, don't forget to check our the Picasa Photo Album for the latest updates.

This has been an amazing trip. I have learned so much. It's been inspiring to watch my daughter. She has dived in with both feet and can hang insulation with the best of them. The entire team has been terrific. I hope you follow us!

Mission Team Installs a Moisture Proof Barrier

Yesterday we hung insulation. Today we are installing a moisture proof barrier. The walls and ceiling of the house must be sealed in giant sheets of plastic. We are told to expect this to be a long and tedious job.

Tonight, we are going to the home of parishioners for a gathering. Several local artisan crafters will be displaying their wares. We will also get to learn more about what life is like here in Alaska.

I'm falling in love with what I've seen so far. It's very different but very straightforward so far. I'm learning so much!

5.5 Alaska Earthquake Rocks My World

The 5.5 Alaska earthquake that struck today rocked my world for about a minute. An aftershock happened about a minute later. There was no damage and no injuries. It took a few seconds for me to realize what was happening.

When the Alaska earthquake happened, I was standing outside the house talking with the missions leader and pastor. Allie and John were inside the house. Thankfully, there was no damage. Allie said that she felt it but John said he did not. She was on a ladder on the first floor. He was on a ladder in the basement.

It was an interesting experience. Hopefully, we won't repeat it.

Mission Trip Photos

Here are a few photos of our first day at Willow UMC. More pictures are posted online at my Picasa Photo Album here.

Today is day 2 and we are getting ready to head to the work site. Today, we will be working on the parsonage. Outside the weather is cool and overcast. That can't dampen our spirits. I can't wait to get started!

Hanging Insulation

Today was my first experience with hanging insulation. There were two different kinds to be placed. First, the guys had to come in to blow insulation. Then, a wall of blanketing was put over what was blown.

In the evening we met with Fran Lynch. She is the missionary to Willow UMC and serves the Anvik-Grayling circuit. She told us more about Alaska life and the people that she helps.

It was interesting to learn that in 2009 that people live in areas which are inaccessible by car. There are no roads. It is either travel by air, dog sled or boat. The kids in one village mostly go to high school at a boarding school. Not because the parents are rich but because that is where the school is.

I can't imagine having to send my daughters to boarding school so they can complete high school. That must be hard on families.

Carter Grad Peforms Flute Solo in Willow, Alaska.

Alexandria Crabtree, a 2006 graduate of Carter High School has been invited to play for the 10:00 am worship service at Willow United Methodist Church in Willow, Alaska. She will be playing a flute solo during worship today and will be performing a solo again during a church dinner on Wednesday night.

Miss Crabtree is on the band staff at Berea College in Berea, Kentucky. She is slated to graduate in May 2009 with a degree in music.

We're here!

We're here at the airport. I just posted an article about driving in.

Today, we crossed the US/Canadian border. We arrived at Willow, Alaska and met missionary Fran Lynch at Willow United Methodist Church. This was God. Our cell phones still do not work. We tried calling from Wendy's in Wasilla but did not get through. She did not know when we were coming and was actually in her car about to leave when we pulled up at about 1:00 pm, local time.

This was a double blessing. Not only were we able to unload the car but we received 2 pieces of vital information. One is that the flight schedule of the team has been changed. They are now due to arrive at 6:00 pm local time instead of 6:44 pm.

Driving time is the other tidbit. We've been told consistently that the church is about 45 minutes from Anchorage. Now, we are told to allow 2 hours for the drive to the airport.

This gave us 2 hours to unpack and clean up the car and get some badly needed rest before arriving.

Now, we find out that the flight has been delayed to the originally projected time. We're sitting in the baggage claim. I can't believe how God has provided for us to make it.

Soon, the team will be here and we'll be on our way. Life, although hectic and full of challenges, is very very good.

Made it to Anchorage Airport With 30 Minutes to Spare!

We made it! Allie and I are standing in the Anchorage airport. The team's plane is due in about half an hour. A flood of relief washes over me as I type.

Here are the posts I created offline to post when we found WI-FI. In a minute I'll post about today.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS!!!!!!!!!

The following is a cut and paste.

Friday, June 17

We are someplace in Canada. I’m writing this entry to cut and paste to the blog later. Hopefully, we can find a campground with WIFI to upload from. We’ll spend a few hours there and travel on. Allie and I have decided to not stop for a full night of rest. Instead, we’ll stop a few hours at a campground or sleep in the car.

This is the only way we can meet up with the team in time. Our cell phone doesn’t work in Canada. We’ve not found a prepay that will work yet either. Skype was our backup plan but internet is very spotty. There may be no way for us to reach the team if we are late.

People are praying for us. We will make it in safely.

June 17, 2009

We arrived at camp around midnight our time. Hopefully, we’ll be back on the road in a few hours. Allie and I just realized without a cell tower signal our phones won’t function as an alarm clock. Not nice.

June 18, 2009

We left camp about 6 am our time. Tonight, we’ll sleep in the car. Hopefully, in Alaska.

Saturday, June 19

We drove until 1:00 am our time have stopped at a rest area. The sun is shining. Allie and I are still short of the Canada/US border. We have to be in Anchorage at 6:44. Cross your fingers.

Saturday, 20

Back on the road at 3:17 am. I am not sure if we will make it to Anchorage. It will depend entirely on road construction and condition. We’re hoping! The rest of the team arrives at 6:44. Since they are relying on us for transport of people from the airport we have to be there.

Keep praying! I’ll get this posted asap.

On the Alaska Hwy. from East Tenessee.

Hi Folks,

Allie and I are now on the Alaska Hwy. We are supposed to be in Anchorage on Saturday night. Today, is Thursday. We're trying to make up for time lost due to the mechanical breakdown. The scenery is breathtaking. Right now, we are at the visitor center of Fort St. John in Canada. This cute city will be fun to explore.

Internet access is spotty. I'll update as I can.

See you in Alaska!

Mission Team Members Make it Into Canada!

We are back on the road and just spent the night in Brandon, Manitoba in Canada. The border crossing we went. They did inspect our car and go through everything. I guess they have to do that. After being inspected we were free to travel.

The car is doing fine. I appreciate the work done by the West Acres All-Stop in Fargo, North Dakota. Without the help of friends I would still be in Fargo and there's no way I can thank you enough for your assistance.

We are looking forward to a day of driving and viewing the scenery. WI-FI spots are patching. Things are not like they are at home in Knoxville. We will do our best to update as we can.

It is a beautiful, if remote, countryside. Here are a couple of photos.

Timing Belt Breakage Costs Nights in Fargo, ND.

We have the news from the repair shop. A broken timing belt is going to cost us a couple of nights in Fargo, ND. The shop folks seem competent.

They are going to doing their best to get us back on the road as soon as possible. Tomorrow morning seems like a possibility.

We had the car checked over before leaving Knoxville, Tennessee. The shop here said that this isn't the type of item you can check for without tearing the car apart. Although expensive, a timing belt breakage could happen to anyone at any time.

Look for reviews on the AAA shop, designated AAA towing company and motel to appear soon.

Stranded in Minnesota

Ooops! The car chugged and stopped running while in the fast lane on the Minnesota interstate. I got it to the shoulder and phoned AAA. We were almost to North Dakota so the driver towed us to Fargo, ND.

Things are done differently in Fargo than in Knoxville, Tennessee. The car repair shops are all closed on Sundays. AAA suggested a shop but it too is closed until tomorrow morning. We hope they can fix the car easily and inexpensively and get us back on the road.

We're supposed to be in Anchorage on Saturday night. Please pray for us that we get there.

Up until then things were going pretty well. I'll post photos of the rest area we stopped in today.

Starved Rock State Park in Illinois

We visited Starved Rock State Park today. Also, we got to see the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center and Buffalo Rock State Park and enjoyed the Welcome center. Here are a few photos. The rest are in the Picasa album here. The album isn't tagged yet. All the photos are lumped in together. I'll tag them when I can.

The fountains in the photo above are from the Illinois welcome center.

The trees are from the State Park and the other photo is of the waterway. These are beautiful places to visit!

Leaving Menomonee

We're leaving Menomonee, Wisconsin this morning. Our plans are to see how far we can drive into Canada today. We're well rested from our stay at the Econo Lodge and can't wait to get on the road! :-)

Leaving the Motel 6 in Seymour, Indiana

Last night we stayed at the Motel 6 in Seymour, Indiana. There is an Econo Lodge and other motels just down the street. I suggest staying at one of them. Enough said.


We're looking forward to getting on the road this morning. It looks like it's going to be a beautiful sunny day. We plan to make it to Wisconsin.
This will be my first trip through the state. I can't wait to see what it's like!

See you in Alaska!

Gayle

Alaska Bound in our PT Cruiser

It's official. We are on the way to Alaska. The PT Cruiser is packed and on the road. As I type this we are at the McDonald's at Exit 29 off of I-65 in Indiana.

A few people have commented on the "Alaska or Bust" that my younger daughter wrote on our windows. Everyone's been very nice. Most people are surprised to find out that we are going so far 1) in a small car, 2) as a mother-daughter team.

So far, the traveling has been painless. It rained around the Lexington area. There was a traffic delay getting on I-65 outside of Louisville, Kentucky. Certainly it was nothing to complain about. We'll be back on the road in a few minutes. I just wanted to pop onto the internet for a minute while we had WI-FI.

You can also follow us on Twitter. www.twitter.com/gaylesglimpses

See you in Alaska!

Thanks for Your Support!

Thanks to everyone who came to the hot dog supper. We appreciate the send off! Allie and I will be updating the blog as we can. You can keep up with us on the way! See you online and in Alaska. Please keep us in your prayers.

Hot Dog Supper and Prayer for Alaksa Team

A hot dog supper and prayer for the Alaska Mission Team happens tonight at 6:00 pm.

Allie and I are leaving tomorrow at about 5:00 am. to begin our trip. We appreciate the support of everyone who has helped us in so many ways. We look forward to meeting the people of Willow and learning all we can.

This is God's trip. We're just glad to be a tiny part of it. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. We'll be updating the blog as we can. We'll also be using Twitter as a way to broadcast updates. To get the messages on your cell phone click this link to sign up.

See you in a few weeks!

Gayle and Allie

Driving to Alaska as a Mother Daughter Vacation

My daughter and I are about to drive to Alaska from Tennessee. We are calling it the mother daughter trip of a lifetime. The excitement is building.

This will mark the first time my daughter and I have gotten away together. When my younger daughter was being homeschooled we visited Texas and Charleston, South Carolina. Those were good trips that built fond memories. My older daughter, Allie, did not want to be homeschooled so she missed out on those trips.

We are driving to Alaska as part of the mission team from La Follette United Methodist Church. We'll be carrying food items and other necessities for the team. Along the way, we'll be discovering a lot about each other and what we can and can't do.

Reactions to our trip have been interesting. Most people are supportive. Some are shocked. In 2009, we are still confronting age old biases. It's interesting to be told many times that women shouldn't travel alone. It was even more interesting to be told that women should not try to make a trip "that long".

Women have traveled throughout time. We all reached this continent some way. My paternal grandmother arrived here from Italy in the early 1900's. My maternal family traces lineage back to just after the Mayflower and through some Native American Cherokee roots. No one can argue that travel today is much easier than it has ever been.

Getting to meet the people of Willow, Alaska is exciting. The people we've talked with all have glowing reports. Building a new home touches me. Our team is going to install doors, insulation and windows. It will be new both me and to my daughter. Sharing the experience with her will make it all the more memorable.

I can't wait to get started.

Big Ridge State Park Close to Knoxville

Big Ridge State Park is a short drive from Knoxville. Our family enjoys getting away and visiting the area parks. East Tennessee is fortunate to have the parks in our area. They make convenient places to get away from it all and to unwind.

Big Ridge State Park is a great place to visit. It has lots of scenery and amenities. Being close means that we save big on gas. If your family likes being outdoors check it out. My full article and other links are listed below.

Big Ridge State Park Links

Youve Been Reviewed
Tennessee Department of Conservation
Tennessee Vacation

The Lost Sea Virtual Slideshow

The Lost Sea virtual slideshow has been posted here. The full freelance review will be posted soon. Our camera batteries gave out before we could take more pictures.

On the way home we stopped to buy rechargeable batteries. I didn't have enough to go around and thought we would be ok filling in with disposables. That almost worked.

If you've not been to the Lost Sea before it is a fascinating trip. There's more to see and do in Sweetwater than you realize at first glance. Visit the Chamber of Commerce website to learn more.

Leaving for Alaska on Friday

It's 4,100 miles to Willow, Alaska from Jacksboro, Tennessee. My daughter and I are leaving on Friday, June 12, 2009 to begin our journey. We will be carrying team supplies for the mission trip. Our plans are to meet up with the team at the Anchorage airport on June 20th and drive to the mission site together.

We will drive from Jacksboro across parts of Kentucky, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Dakota before entering into Canada and then into Alaska. On the way back we will be traveling a route that will take us through Glacier National Park;Kalispell, Montana; Rapid City, South Dakota, Missouri and Kentucky before finally coming back home.

It should take us about a month. We are calling this the mother-daughter trip of a lifetime. Hubby will be joining us for the return trip.

Along the way we'll be using Twitter, updating this blog and writing on Associated Content. Follow us. It should be fun.

Chilhowee Park Slideshow

Chilhowee Park in Knoxville is a busy place. It's right next to the Knoxville Zoo. Other than serving as the fairgrounds for the Tennessee Valley Fair in September I didn't realize how much goes on here. It's often used for tractor pulls, car shows and other events.

The amphitheater alone seats 4,500 people. Events are scheduled for every weekend from now through Christmas.

I took some photos of Chilhowee Park in Knoxville for an article I'm working on. Click here to see those photos.

The event schedule for Chilhowee Park is downloadable from the City of Knoxville website here.

Yard Sale Benefits Alaska Mission Trip Sat. 6/6

La Follette UMC is having a yard sale tomorrow. Proceeds help the Alaska Mission Trip. Our task is to install windows and doors in their new parsonage. The funds from the yard sale go toward the costs of the materials for the home.

It starts at 8:00 am. We hope you can join us!

Niros Gyros Knoxville, Tennessee Youve Been Reviewed

Niros Gyros, You've Been Reviewed.

My daughter, Hubby and I had a fun visit. The food is top notch. Even if it wasn't, the sheer force of the owner's personality would make you want to come back.

Read the full review on Associated Content.

Read more about Niro's Gyros on Yahoo Local by clicking here.