July and Beyond in the Final Frontier
Many changes have ensued since my last posting. The Tiekel, due to the diminishing economy, probably a bad idea in the first place, and the lack of customer traffic has shut down, thus forcing Trixie back to Anchorage, Dan to New York, and myself into Valdez. July 18th was the last official day for me as manager of the operation and now looking back, it’s been a good move for everyone involved. I’m now a sea-kayaking and climbing guide for Pangaea Adventures, an adventure guiding outfit out of Valdez. For the mere fact that I get well paid for playing in a the most beautiful environs I’ve ever seen is purely silly. I love my job, in which my days are spent showing people the mere passions that I so dearly love. From ice climbing instruction on the local glaciers to multi-day sea-kayaking trips in the Prince William Sound, the gig is absolutely brilliant. My fellow guides, both hard working and amazing individuals in their own respective ways, provide that needed aggressive “outdoor kick” to my proverbial pants.
Valdez is my Shangri La, my dreams, and everything I’ve ever desired and more in a place to live. Aside from being the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen, once again my heart is taken by the small town hospitality that I grew up with in Iowa. Now with a social life and a place of adventure that would literally take my entire life to fully explore, I’d be lying if I haven’t thought about a permanent move post travel. On Monday of this week, I ice climbed on a glacier, kayaked a beautiful local classic river, hiked into a rain-forest gorge, and sea-kayaked in the sound where harbor seals accompanied me back into the harbor. I awake every day and ask myself if I’m dreaming. Words cannot simply give one the perspective of the mere wonderous spirit and beauty of Valdez, Alaska.
I met a girl. She’s amazing, beautiful, active, and intrigues the hell out of me. Hailing from Valdez originally, she’s now in Denver teaching again for the school year. I could go on and on, but I’ll save the rest just for me.
One specific highlight of the past month and half was the arrival of my family in this wonderful state. Libby, Dad and Mom arrived mid-July for two weeks of travel in which we sea-kayaked, whitewater rafted, hiked, took a flight through Denali, indulged on the finer beauties of life and most importantly, enjoyed each other’s company. We travelled through Valdez, Anchorage, McCarthy/Kennicott, Denali National Park, and numerous locations in the Chugach Mountain Range. This was the longest time our family had been together since they came and visited me while I lived in Chile. A great time had by all, it was another clear affirmation that family is everything in this world.
Unfortunately, my season and time in Alaska ends on September 19th, where I’ll be spending less than a month back in the lower 48, traveling around doing various outdoor trips. The only future plans of mine occurred ten minutes prior, where I bought a one way ticket to Kathmandu, flying out with my kayaking gear on October 21st.
