Ma Vie

Juneau May 17

Here’s to one of the coolest things I have done (and that’s saying a lot since I have been to some amazing places these past few months) today my parents and I went trekking on a glacier….but we had to take a helicopter to get there. We first hopped in a van with a driver who looked like he wasn’t old enough to drive, and then we went to get geared up. I was not expecting to need anything but a jacket and some boots, but I was wrong! They gave us boots, pants, a backpack, a jacket and a snack. We were so lucky too because we didn’t have anyone else with us on the tour, it was just us! I couldn’t believe no one else signed up for this! We then got onto the helicopter and our pilot told us we needed to put on our headsets and microphones so we could hear each other…man it was loud in there! But take off was by far the coolest part. Those helicopter propellers going incredibly fast gave me such a thrill. Then, it felt like we were just lightly floating. The ride was so smooth. We looked around at the incredible beauty of the snow capped mountains and the glistening water and I just took it all in. I felt like we were on another planet. I could not believe this beauty was so close. We were floating above the mountains, getting this insane view that only took 5 minutes to get to. We looked down at what looked like ants at a dog sledding park. I could not believe the scale of things.  We then landed and our guide strapped some spiky shoes on us so we wouldn’t slip and slide around the glacier. The ice was so blue. We got an amazing hike and had an opportunity to drink the freshest water I have ever tasted, and walk on the water as well (I know crazy right) haha the ice was just so clear, you looked like you walked on water. The day was fabulous and I am so thankful I got to experience this.

Anchorage May 20^th

Today we got up early to see the town of Anchorage by taking a train in the wilderness. It wasn’t the best tour I’ve taken, to be honest. But it was a day for reflection. It was really rainy and the land is incredibly marshy and wet. I guess it was better to be inside and looking out, than trying to get on out there and hike. I just took my book and my journal, and enjoyed a peaceful day of relaxation with the parents. The funny thing about this train ride is that it was 7 hours and it didn’t take us anywhere except around anchorage. Twas a good day though.

Homer May 21^st

Today my parents and I took a tour Kayaking in the bay area of Homer. The day started out really nice and I was looking forward to working out my arms for the day. Our tour guide for the beginning part of the day, that took us to the island, was originally from Homer and he was a very experienced Kayaker. Is that a word? I guess so since the little red squiggly line didn’t show up on my computer. J Well, he didn’t end up taking us out on the water because he had to go sing at a wedding. Haha how fitting…we had a long talk about how as soon as someone finds out you’re a singer, they ask you to sing something. It’s not like with any other job you have people ask you to perform right on the spot. Haha it’s only cause our job is portable J well, we got to the island, and our cool guide had to set sail back to main land. But we got two other really nice guides. It was rare to have two guides, but today was the first one and there were only 4 of us, so they wanted to have more people. It was really gorgeous, but I was really slow at kayaking and I kept getting flustered cause I kept thinking about being that one person holding the group up. Or being the slow person in front of people (which I am well aware of the GLACIAL speed of some of these passengersJ) I was getting angry haa. So, I worked extra hard to get my speed up to the group. We then took a break on land for a brief period on a separate private owned island. Boy! That owner of the land mad! He did not like people stopping on his beach front. I get it, I do, but the guides should have known not to take us there. He was pretty creepy and he might have had a shot gun….who knows. Haha My Dad was being so polite and immediately said “I hope we’re not trespassing”, but the guy was NOT happy and he said in a stern voice “OH YOU ARE”. Haha my dad just laughed it off. This man looked a little crazed, with his long gray beard and coffee cup…..we didn’t want to mess with him, so we paddled away to the next destination to eat our sacked lunches. We also saw some adorable sea otters playing in the kelp! The rest of the day got extremely cold and difficult to paddle. But after three hours, it feels like it’s enough. But this tour did not kid around. This was for serious Kayakers. 6 hours of kayaking is a little too much. I thought for sure I would be sore the next day, but I wasn’t! A little let down I must say! Haha I was hoping to get some arm definition from all that work J

Sitka May 24^th

Wow, what a gorgeous day! I could not believe how warm it was in Alaska today! The town of Sitka is just the quintessential charming Alaska. It was amazing. The sun was shining and the weather was phenomenal. My mom and I took a scenic boat ride for the morning. We saw sea otters, beautiful views, seals and whales! Several gorgeous, magnificent whales. I know I have stated that I am kind of afraid of whales, for those of you who know me. But my fear is a very irrational one. I think they are awesome creatures. But just imagine this. Say you are swimming in the ocean, and all of a sudden, a whale comes up under you or beside you….I would probably pass out in the water….I know. It’s a really dumb fear cause I am never swimming that far out in the ocean. But overall this tour was awesome. We then got back to land and explored Sitka for a while longer. We got an amazing seafood lunch and stared at the gorgeous day. Then after the day was over, I probably had the best meal of my life on the ship. I died and went to heaven. It was an amazing day!

Victoria, Canada May 26

What a pretty day! I had no idea how gorgeous Canada was. Right off the boat, there were amazing flowers and parks. I cannot wait to spend the whole summer exploring these awesome places. My parents and I went on a tour of Buschart Gardens. Oh my gosh. I am not sure if I can even describe the beauty of this place. It is magical. I felt like I was in a Monet painting. It’s so full of beauty, it can make you cry. I did, I think (I’m a sap) I loved spending this day with my parents because I got to be inspired again. I am not sure what my plans are for right after this contract, but I know that I am going to be doing something I love. And singing is something I will never give up doing. I want to write and play and meet people and continue to do something that I love. It can be stressful going in to a new stage of life. I mean, I was so fortunate to have had this experience. I have traveled the world, I have met amazing people, and I have saved (some) J. Really, I could not have asked for a better job right out of college. But I have to start thinking about what I want to do with my life after this job. Put on the big girl panties and think about the future. But the greatest thing about life is that it is so unpredictable. And if you just sit back and take it one day at a time, the magic happens. Just let it! Something good is coming. I know that, for you and for me J Life is truly a gift.