The Ferry

. The ride up was a ton of fun. Within the small tent city I found a number of people headed to haines, as well as folks heading off for the further reaches of alaska. With limited options, a lot of cards were played, beer was drunk, and lots of rest was had. Shore excursions, such as into ketchikan, broke up the monotony. Two women, my neighbors in tent city, turned out to be wicked cool while possessing no small amounts of crazy. They looked so normal... The views from the ship provided the other meaning distraction. From beautiful historic landmarks To some wonderful waterfalls... And, of course, there are mountains.

the flight to Seattle proved to be my first challenge. Initially I was unable to check in because I was early...as soon as I was able to do so, my flight was delayed and I would miss my connection in chicago. The counter guys were helpful about switching around my flights, but took so long to do so that my bags apparently almost missed the flight. In Denver, I was told I was going to Salt Lake city, and was then shown to a flight direct to Seattle. I ended up arriving nearly three hours early. Time in Seattle was split between hanging out with jason and exploring the pikes place market. Naturally, everything appeared normal... Soon enough, I found myself standing on the back deck of the ferry mv Columbia. My home, for the next three days and soon to be for a few months... It is a bit cozy on the inside, but gives me enough room to stretch out. I settled in for a three day ride, with no idea what I was in for.

Haines

I've arrived.  It's beautiful.  Unfortunately, the library computer which I am on will not let me connect my camera...once I charge my tablet that will be fixed.  In the meantime...I've wandered about town, established my little campsite, relaxed, and marveled.  This place is...wonderful.  The mountains across the water shine like beacons, urging me to climb.  Mount Ripinsky forms the backdrop of town from the cove, a strenuous hike I will undertake soon.

Words do not do this area justice...

Last day in the lower 48

So, with only the vaguest idea of where I am headed, and the promise of a good time ahead of me, I will embark tomorrow on a ferry bound for Haines, Alaska.  I will be rather out of contact until I land on Monday afternoon, so until then...Wish me luck!  I'll take plenty of photos on the way up.

Alaska!

So, for those whom don't know, I broke up with my girlfriend Katherine.  Consequently, I also quit my job at REI in Norwalk, and purchased a few tickets.  On Wednesday I fly to Seattle, Friday I board a ferry bound for Alaska.  I have been in contact with a friend from my travels who lives seasonally in Haines, and she has given my some great steering advice.  So, this time next week, I will be on a ferry bound for Haines, with a pack on my back, a smile on my face, camping out on the deck of the ferry.

I couldn't be happier.  I'll be picking up a camera, and bringing my tablet, so that I should be able to write more about the experiences up in Alaska.  I cannot wait.