Circus Circus – Chapter 15

You guessed it, I made it aboard the Kennicott on November 18th.  I was finally going home.  This is a serious crossing, across the Gulf of Alaska, open sea most of the way.

Rolling waves and a rough sea, a bit of sea sickness, I slept most of the way.  A quick stop in Yakatat, a small village at the foot of the Mt. St. Alias Range.

The Kennicott is a very large ship, built for this crossing.  I recommend a cabin, the sleeping arrangements are not quite the same as other ships I have been on.  If you are camping there are only two area on the ships where you are allowed to sleep, they are not that comfortable.  The seas are huge, so for comfort a cabin is the best bet.  This is a two night trip to Whittier.

The Purser’s Deck, located in the center of the ship.  A great crew aboard to help with all your questions and needs. 

Arrival in Whittier, unloading cars.

Through the tunnel on my way to Anchorage.

My sweet sister was surprised to see me,

after waiting 5 weeks for me to arrive, she just

wasn’t sure when I would show up.

Just in time for Christmas!

Santa Claus Mountain our view out our window!

If you do not believe in Santa Claus, you should,

because we know where he lives!

BELIEVE IN THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS!

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas in my usual form   with a bit of humor and news of the past year!

It has been quite a ride   with lots of changes in the world 

and in my life……

Do You Believe in Santa Claus?  

You should!

Because I took the picture of where he lives,  

outside my window.

  I told him where you all live,

so you should make a list and check it twice, 

So if you have been good   or bad, 

naughty or nice,

you will be sure to get what you deserve! 

Last year we knew that Bush  was on his way out!  

Hurrah ! Only now we have a bigger mess,

but, lets not pout!  

I could tell you a few good stories of where I have been, 

that would make you laugh!

So look at the bright side,  

as we start a New Year!

I have done a lot of writing this year, 

along with a bit of travel,  up and down the California Coast,

working in SO CAL as a script writer for Discovery Channel,

up to Oregon, Washington,

Idaho, you know where potatoes grow!

I took the ferry to Juneau, Alaska,  and then across the Bering Sea,

writing all the way, Ho Ho Ho! 

to be where I am right now, Santa Claus Mountain!    

So even through the up’s and down’s,

I know that things only work out for the best!

Some people say I have on Rose Colored Glasses,

they are right,  I do !  

So put on pair,

  see the world,

life,

and today,

with a little color   to brighten your day!

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas

and a Happy New Year!

Love, Wendy, Mom, Mema, Auntie, Sister and friend……..

North Douglas Island – Juneau, Alaska

The next morning, I scrambled to get myself together.  I had not slept well during the night, a few tears were shed,  and my eyes were puffy.  Here I was again, needing help.  Maybe, this was a lesson for me to learn, to humble myself and realize that I needed people in my life, that I couldn’t do everything by myself.  It was the control thing again.

I drove into town, straight to Tag’s.  The door slightly open, I knocked, no one answered.  I took off my shoes  and let myself in.  “Hey, is anyone home” I called, the water in the shower was running, so I sat down to wait.  A few minutes later, Tag walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around him as I teary eyed explained what had happened.  He said, not to worry, he would find me a place to stay for the two weeks, did I need some money, as he soothed my frayed nerves, he added, “ I think I owe you some money I borrowed before you left Juneau, anyway.”   I accepted his generosity, gratefully.  He picked up the phone and in a few minutes, he said, “Ok! You now have a city house and a country house to stay, let’s walk over to the Red Dog so you can see, your new place.”

Mike was waiting for us as we walked through the red swinging doors.  Mike the manager at the Red Dog, had an apartment upstairs with an extra bedroom.  I was welcome for as long I as liked, “can you cook”, he asked, “and you might need to help me out with some cleaning and laundry” as he showed me my room, “any friend of Tag’s is a friend of mine.”

Red Dog Saloon

All Rights Reserved. ©2008 Alaska Red Dog Saloon, LLC. – www.reddogsaloon.com. The Red Dog Saloon is doing business in Juneau, Alaska, USA.
www.reddogsaloon.com/ – 2k – Cached – Similar pages

The apartment was beautiful, I was so shocked that everyone had opened up their homes to me.  If you have never been to Juneau or the Red Dog Saloon, be sure to stop by and ask for Mike or Tag’s, tell them Wendy sent you.

I spent two nights, then I went out to Fritz Cove for a week.  I stared writing this blog and finished the next 2 weeks in Juneau, with more pictures of Juneau and the surrounding area. The last 4 nights were spent at the Red Dog Saloon.

A restaurant, full bar, music, wide screen TV, history of era gone by.

A little bit of history

Originating during the heyday of Juneau’s glorious mining era, this world famous saloon has provided hospitality and fellowship to weary travelers and local patrons alike.

Early day proprietors, Earl and Thelma (Petersonn) Forsywth, provided dancing and entertainment. " Ragtime Hattie " played the piano in her white gloves and silver dollar Halter top.Later in Territorial days, Gordie Kanouse would meet tour boats with his mule and wore a sign saying " follow my ass to the Red Dog Saloon. "

Red Dog Saloon

www.reddogsaloon.com
278 S Franklin St
Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 463-3658
Get directions

I loved this painting hanging on the wall, The Mayor’s wife, Rosy.  I couldn’t resist writing a poem about her and the painter.

Hidden

Hidden beneath veils of a smoky deep blue mist,
Lay the woman in the painting,
The painters’ quest, in plain view.

A tiny pot of opium, lay at her feet,
Spreading the smoky deep blue mist,
Filling the nostrils of a naked reclining woman,
Dozing quietly, as if at rest.

Each brush stroke the painter made,
While casting his glance,
Lay laden maiden, revealing her breasts,
Soft inviting, in plain view.

A sweat to his brow,
Aware in each glance,
Strokes upon canvas,
Hidden from view.

Behind veils of a smoky deep blue mist,
Long sweeping arms of her body,
The painter spread his color,
Of the vision that lay before him, in full view.

She laughed a quiet smile as her lips parted,
Hands stretched to the tops of her thighs
As her leg lifted and spread slightly open,
The painter’s eyes darted swiftly,
at the woman in plain view.

While the painter continued with color and brush,
Long last a stretch and a sigh,
From a pose so still,
The painter knelled,
Close to her side.

The woman he loved,
Hidden in his oils, canvas and brush,
He painted the woman in his dreams,
Of her rosy filled body.

Hidden beneath veils of smoky deep blue mist,
As she lay before him,
in plain view.

@Wendy L. Zake
Juneau, AK
Nov. 15th 2008

Fritz Cove – Juneau, Alaska

I spent all day Monday with Tag and his girl friend Hildegard visiting.  A few other of my friends stopped by to catch up.  My mother had been a state legislature for a number of years, so politics were always a subject we shared.  Chip Toma, a lobbyist now for the state, had some interesting news and had helped to pass a new bill that increased revenue for Alaska from the cruise ships.  We talked briefly about the past election and Sarah Palin, I really hate politics, so I listened politely.   I am more concerned with our environment, then who said what, or what someone didn’t  do!  Actions speak louder than words, people sit around discussing what politicians should be doing, the dismal state of things without doing anything to help.  Lets just say, that if you are unhappy with the state of things, get involved, don’t hide you head or mind in front of the TV, letting the media suck your brains out.  I do not watch TV and I am happier for it.  I get a lot done, I would rather read about what is going on in the world, than have some one tell me.  I can form my own opinion.

Turning the Tides – HOME

Turning The Tides (TTT) is a Juneau grass-roots nonprofit organization working to promote environmentally friendly living and alternatives to plastics.
turningthetides.org/

http://turningthetides.org/ Visit the Site

Here is an Organization that does something!

See video below  OCEAN OF PLASTIC

This was to be my last day in Juneau, I had  spent a week, really wishing that I could stay.  I was trying to figure out why I had left in the first place.  I guess I needed to go for awhile. The past years had been  filled some of the best times of my life and some of the worst.  I needed to find out who I was, learn some heavy lessons and grow. I  published a Dive Magazine for 10 years, fell in love, got married, got divorced, moved to Mexico to open my own hotel and then lost everything after 6 six years. The book will be finished this year and on bookshelves by December 2009 AS THE TORTILLA BURNS.   I was staring over again, I had a new lease on life.  I was going after I what I wanted with new vigor, a straight line this time, with only a few zig zags.  Going in a straight line is hard for me,  I need the zig and zag every now and then, so I can be sure I am alive.  That’s exactly what I am ALIVE and loving everyday I have and every breath I take.

Tuesday morning, I was up early and ready to get on the Kennicott to Whittier.  I was at the ferry office in Auke Bay at 10:30 AM,  I was second in line.   The waitlist actually starts three hours before sailing, the ship would leave at 4:30 PM, so I need to wait until 1:30 pm to get a spot.  At 1:30 I was given a waitlist ticket and I parked my car in line to wait and see if I would make it.

The ferry  had arrived about 11:30 that morning and sat at the dock.  It wasn’t until about 5:00 PM that passengers found out that the elevator that loaded the cars was broken and was being repaired.

I will make this short, as I waited for 13 hours, taking with another passenger I had met, drinking wine and waiting.  At 11:30 that night, no one made the wait list, we were all turned back.  It was a very bad moment for me!

I was out of money and scared about how I would manage the next two weeks.  I was confirmed on November 18th.  It was too late to call anyone or go back to the hostel, so some other waiting passengers and I shared a hotel room.  We all needed to get our bearings, to figure out what we would be doing the next day.

The Red Dog Saloon, Juneau Alaska

I was at Tag’s door in flash, with smiles on our faces we recapped that past twenty years.  Through the years we had kept in contact through mutual friends.  There had been a group of us, all family to each other during the years we lived in Juneau.  Tag and my friends had a band, Ben Roe.  Tag, Mike and his wife Barb, Billy, Sherry and all of our kids, we are still friends today.  It seems Tag was down in Santa Cruz visiting with Mike and Barb when I arrived in Juneau.  I had been to see them just a few months before, my cat Tody had jumped out of car during my visit and is still living there.  I guess he wasn’t up for this trip.

It’s amazing how much we have all developed spiritually along the same lines.  There are only  a few people I have  known for more than 30 years, It doesn’t matter if you see them every day or every 20 years, they are still your friends and love you unconditionally and are willing to do whatever it takes.  We all do it for each other without question.

So Yes, there are Human Angels and my friends have been there for me, as I have been there for them.

We spent the day talking, eating and laughing.  I went back to the hostel that night and promised to come back the next morning for breakfast.  It was going to be my last day in Juneau, I was hoping to get on the wait listed ferry November 4th.

Tag works at The Red Dog Saloon as the infamous Phineas Poon entertaining  1000’s of tourists that arrive via the cruise ships every summer.  He is a legend in his own time.

http://www.phineaspoon.com

To The End Of the Road

As it turned out, I was unable to reach any of my friends in Juneau.  I had left a message of where I would be staying so when if they returned, they could get a hold of me.  I met people at the hostel and one clear day I gave a ride to a visitor from England out to the end of road for pictures.

I would be spending at least 8 days in Juneau waiting for the ferry to Whittier.  I was wait listed on a booked ferry with my car.  The weather in Juneau is often rainy, so when the sun shines, everyone heads outside to enjoy the profound beauty.  My new traveling companion had never been to Juneau and was looking to take some pictures.  I was his tour guide for the day.

There are only 30 miles of road in Juneau. Once you leave the downtown area and pass Auke Bay you will find pristine forests, majestic mountains and the sea.

The Shrine of St. Therese

Amalga Harbor

End of the Road

Auke Lake

Mendenhall Glacier

Juneau

A wonderful day of site seeing, my companion Dan was delighted with the pictures we had taken.  He thanked me for trip, he said he would have never been able to experience Juneau in this way, if I had not offered the ride.

My week was coming to a close, I had a few more days left, my money was running out.  I had enough to pay for the hostel, my food and gas.   I was saving $50.00 for the ferry ride to Whittier, so I would have enough gas to drive.  The trip had taken a turn for the better, it had been on a rocky beginning.  I was thankful for the days as they passed.

Sunday morning just before leaving the hostel at nine, I tried calling my good friend Tag and sure enough, he answered, at last, he said he was expecting my call.  I walked downtown to meet him,  Wow!  After not seeing him for twenty years, we looked upon each other, as if it was just yesterday.

Beings of Light
Human Angels

During each of our journeys, there are those inevitable moments when someone comes into our life at precisely the right time and says or does precisely the right thing. Their words or actions may help us perceive ourselves more clearly, remind us that everything will turn out for the best, help us cope, or see us through difficult situations. These people are human angels – individuals designated by the universe to be of service to those in need at specific points in time. Some human angels make a commitment before their births to make a positive contribution to the world at a particular moment. Others were chosen by the universe. All human angels, however, come into our lives when we least expect them and when we can most benefit from their presence.

A few of the human angels we may encounter are in professions where helping others is an everyday occurrence. But most of them are regular people, going about their daily lives until called upon to be in the right place at the right time to bring peace, joy, help, or heal someone when they most need it. You may have met a human angel in the form of a teacher who gave you a piece of advice that touched your soul and influenced your path. The person that momentarily stopped you to say hello on the street, delaying you long enough to avoid an oncoming car or a collision, is also a human angel. They may offer nothing more than a kind word or a smile, but they will offer it when you can draw the most strength and support from their simple action.

You may be a human angel yet not know it. Your fate or intuition may guide you toward other people’s challenging or distressing situations, leading you to infer that you simply have bad luck. But recognizing yourself as a human angel can help you deal with the pain you see and understand that you are there to help and comfort others during their times of need. Human angels give of their inner light to all who need it, coming into our lives and often changing us forever. Their task has its challenges, but it is they that have the power to teach, bring us joy, and comfort us in times of despair.

Posted in Travel ]]> http://thewanderingnomadic.wordpress.com/2008/11/17/a-trip-to-alaska-12/feed/ 0 clairedelores A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 324 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 294 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 293 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 317 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 316 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 314 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 328 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 326 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 331 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 345 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 351 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 363 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 460 http://thewanderingnomadic.wordpress.com/2008/11/17/a-trip-to-alaska-11/ http://thewanderingnomadic.wordpress.com/2008/11/17/a-trip-to-alaska-11/#comments Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:37:40 +0000 Wendy Zake http://thewanderingnomadic.wordpress.com/2008/11/17/a-trip-to-alaska-11/ ]]> Circus Circus Chapter 10

Juneau, Alaska – The Juneau Hostel

Mendenhall Glacier

Juneau, Alaska has been a very dear place to me.  The scenic beauty surpasses just about anywhere I have been.  The mountains and glaciers that rise from the sea are a true wonder.  My favorite things, where the Mountains meet the Sea .

The unloading of the ship takes just a few minutes and by 7AM I was heading towards downtown Juneau.  It was too early to call anyone, I drove through town looking for the Juneau Hostel.  It was easy to find, straight up to the top of Franklin St, there is a sign to turn right.  Down a few blocks, right on the corner is the Juneau Hostel.

It looked great to me.  I have never stayed in a hostel before.  I owned an small Inn for 5  years, while living in Mulege, Mexico, this would be a new and different experience.  The Hostel operates differently than a hotel or bed and breakfast.  The Juneau Hostel opens at 5PM daily, it is closed during the day.  I would come back later in the afternoon and check availability.  I found a place to park my car and then walked down the hill towards town to make some calls.  It was great to be back,  seeing all the familiars sights. My mother had lived here for many years this was where she had, had some of the best years of her life.  I could feel her surrounding me, as I walked around town. Juneau has the feel of San Francisco in the early 1900′s, narrow steep streets, brightly painted Victorians and views of the Lynn Canal.

Juneau is the Capital of Alaska, the capital buildings are located in the downtown area, everything conveniently located within walking distance.  The World Famous Red Dog Saloon, The Alaskan Hotel and many more restaurants and gift shops.  The cruise ship dock is a short walk to Franklin St.   I spent most of the day wandering around taking pictures and sitting in Heritage Coffee Shop, a long time favorite.

Unable to reach anyone by phone, I went back to the hostel at 5PM to check in.

The hostel has a great reputation for offering a very clean and comfortable house to weary travelers.  The cost per night is $10.00, WOW!  A great deal.  You are asked to do a small chore each day that you are there. I swept floors, did some vacuuming and kept the kitchen clean.  You pay nightly, but you are able to leave your packs and belongings either inside or in a storage locker outside.

I was  not sure the first night, how long I would be staying, but I checked to see if  8 nights were available.  Normally, you are allowed only 5 nights per month, this would be over the time allowed.  But, if I was quiet,  did my chores and if there was room, I might be able to stay, I was told.  I paid my ten dollars, was given clean sheets and towels and given a chore.

Check out time was at 9:00 AM the morning.  The doors are locked during the day and you check back in at 5PM.  This was the only annoying thing for me and other guests during the day, especially during the winter.  I spent most of my in the library, staying warm and reading and using free internet service.

A full kitchen is provided, 2 sinks and 2 stoves, a large fridge and freezer, coffee pot, dishes, pots and pans. I was surprised that all of the supplies were provided.  There was a shelf of community food, things left from other travelers, pasta, teas, sugar, rice.  You are able to cook whatever you bring and I found most of the other guests shared, I found this to be a very pleasant experience.

The Juneau Hostel sleeps 50 people in rooms that sleep up to six. Men downstairs with a large bathroom with many sinks and showers.  The women have similar rooms upstairs and one small room on the main floor that sleeps four, is also a handicap room.  A coin operated washer and dryer can be used.  Free wifi on a new computer loaded with Microsoft Vista sits in the living room along with a free phone for local calls.

The Juneau Hostel was a great experience.  I would definitely recommend this to travelers, whether you are on a budget or not.  The views from the living room were some of the best of any offered by other hotels.

Downtown Juneau, Franklin St.

Bellingham, Washington to Juneau, Alaska

Finally aboard the Malaspania, I found a spot in the lounge.  If you have never ridden on the ferries in Alaska, you will find them comfortable and warm.  If you have a cabin, you have all the comforts of a cruise ship.  I prefer not to get a cabin, I like sitting and sleeping in either the lounge area or the heated solarium.  This trip I chose to be inside, I have ridden the ferries many times with my car and animals.  It is a comforting journey that takes you slowly away from the Lower 48, through the pristine beauty of the Inside Passage.

Once on board with all my belongings and blankets, I looked around to see the people I had met before boarding.  Richard and Maria, both were traveling single and we became buddies during the next few days.  The trip from Bellingham to Juneau takes three days and three nights.  We departed on time at 6:00 pm Friday and I would arrive at 6:30 Monday morning.  So I settled in for the trip.

Amazing to say, I slept well on the floor of the lounge my first night,

and so did my neighbors, one guy brought an inflatable mattress to sleep on!

The ferries offer a dining room, a bar, an observation deck with lounge chairs, also a small movie theater where movies are shown nightly.  A second lounge area, where I slept, has comfortable chairs that recline and along the sides, tables with lounge chairs, which are a lot better for sleeping.  There are hot showers and large bathrooms.  The outside solarium is covered and heated, located at the aft of the ship.  This is a great spot during the summer months.   Those of you traveling with animals, you are allowed down to the car deck several times a day to give your animals a break.  The Alaska Marine Highway is a great way to travel.

The Journey Home

The ship rolls from side to side,

the cool wind of the Pacific Northwest, sooths my face.

The Sun is low in the sky, a warm reminder, as frosted waves dance on the sea.

The Queen Charlotte Straits, lay ahead, taking me home to Alaska.

The sounds of a strong engine, a humming that lulls you to sleep. There is so much joy in the journey we call life.  Winging my way, to forward thought, grateful for blessings that have brought me this far.  A Journey Home!

The journey through the Inside Passage, is one that you should take often as you can. To me, I find it very soothing, slowing down, drifting along, as beautiful islands appear, as if by magic.  The spouts of Whales, The Orcas and Eagles are frequent sites. As you leave behind the noise and life of a busy world, your senses are engulfed by the endless beauty that cannot be surpassed.

The Lighthouse

We were headed out to open sea, after passing around the lighthouse.  Several hours of rough seas lay ahead.  Actually the crossing is not as bad as I have seen, when fishing or sailing in similar water.  For the sake of people on board who have not made the trip, or are not familiar with traveling by water, an announcement is made, to remain in your seats and use the handrails when moving about.

I spent several peaceful days, making new friends, listening to stories about Alaska, writing and taking pictures.  The days passed quickly, too quickly for me.

Maria and I shared stories and exchanged the books we were reading. She was traveling to Haines and then to her home in the Yukon Territories.

Another traveler, Mike, gave me the name of a hostel to check out, if I was unable to reach my friends.  The Juneau Hostel on Harris St.  On Monday morning at 6:30 am, we arrived in Juneau, I had made another leg of my journey safely.

A Special Thanks to Richard.  He was traveling home to Juneau, after being away from his new wife for several months.  He helped me out of jam, while I was in Bellingham.  The key to my car broke in the lock one day.  He was coming out of the ferry office, while I was there trying to figure out what to do next.  He gave me a ride to a locks smith, where a new key was made.  The three of us, Richard, Maria and I, spent time, sharing our food and stories.  A memorable time!

Fairhaven WA

Fairhaven Village

Fairhaven is a delightful village, the streets lined with sycamore trees, it offers shops, restaurants, bookstores and art galleries. The Alaska Marine Highway office is located just a few minutes walk on Harris St. I had the pleasure of spending several days here while getting ready for my trip to Juneau.

I checked in with ferry office Monday morning at 10:00 am when they opened.  A helpful woman at the counter, would become a friend, as she answered the many question I had, on where to find things I would be needing.  First we got the trip booked to Juneau. That was a relief, there were a remaining 2 spots left, one was mine.  Next we had to see about Whittier.  The next ferry that had space available was December 2nd, that would be a long stay in Juneau, 5 weeks.  I could wait list, she said, once I arrived.

Next on my list were my animals, the certificates I had for Canada, would not work for Alaska.  I needed to take the animals to the vet, for new rabies shots and new health certificates.  The cost per animal to ride the ferry was additional $25.00.  The cost for the vet was $65.00 each.  Ouch!  I said, there wasn’t anything I could do.  I was given the name of vet, at The Fairhaven Veterinary Hospital. I drove over and made an appointment for the next day, Tuesday.  I had three days more in Bellingham.

I was not traveling  with a laptop computer, so the next thing on my list, was to use a computer and check email.  I had looked all over for the past two days, but was unable to find an Internet cafe.  To find out, there isn’t one, the library is available from 12 noon til 5pm.  It’s free of charge for 30 minutes.  I needed to email and find friends in Juneau to stay with.  I have traveled all over the world and I have lived in many places, Juneau in one of those places.  I have many friends there, so reaching a old buddy to help me out, was not going to be a problem.

I also needed to do some laundry, just up the street from the ferry, a very nice and clean laundry mat, The Fairhaven Laundry at 12th and Harris.  The last thing on my list, I needed to buy some clothes.  My clothes were all packed on top of my car.  I had planned a week for travel time, I needed a few more things, I was getting cold in the rain.  A thrift store, The Goodwill on Sunset exit off the 5 and another place called Value Village on Meridian St, great prices and lots of clothes.  So I got a pair of jeans, another coat, a scarf, some sweats and some socks for under $20.00.

Wandering around Fairhaven I found everything I needed. Starving Sam’s on the corner of 12th had the cheapest coffee, it also has a gas station, but the cheapest gas station was at the AM PM market when you get off the freeway.

The next three nights I spent camping at the Yacht Harbor at night. I would drive around during the day, there are many parks in Bellingham along the waterfront.  You can park, take a walk, take pictures and just hang out.  They do close at sunset, so having a place to go each night is a good idea.  I did not ask about hostels, but I’ll bet they have them.

The week went by fast, I did a lot of reading, sightseeing, I drove all over enjoying Bellingham and all that it had to offer.

I checked back almost everyday to see if I had cleared on an earlier ferry to Whittier and sure enough, the gal at the ferry office had confirmed a Nov.18th space.  I would try for a wait list on the 4th once I arrived in Juneau.

Finally the week had come to an end, I was anxious to get on the ferry and float for three days, I was parked in the front of the line at 11:30 Am.  Ready to go!  As I was boarding, the crew from the office, were all smiles, waving me off.

Thanks Guys, You were a great Help!

The Malaspina my home for the next 3 nights.

Bellingham WA

Larabee State Park

After getting my self organized I went for a walk to explore the park and beach.  Larabee has quite a bit to offer campers either traveling by car, backpacking or in a trailer.  There is also a great picnicking area for day use.

The Trail to the beach starts to the left of the sign.  You follow the trail through the forest.

Leading you to another trail to the beach.

Off to the left, I found cliffs and wonderful rock formations.

I followed the trail, wandering around, enjoying the quiet peacefulness of the ocean, colors and textures.

The Washington Coast

Bellingham – Fairhaven

Larabee State Park

Missy

Posted in Alaska, Bellingham, Bellingham WA, border crossing, canada, Fairhaven, humor, immigration, journey, mountains, photos, single woman, spiritual, Travel ]]> http://thewanderingnomadic.wordpress.com/2008/11/14/a-trip-to-alaska-8/feed/ 0 clairedelores A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 138 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 142 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 143 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 148 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 147 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 153 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 154 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 157 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 162 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 168 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 172 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 177 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 178 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 192 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 156 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 182 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 152 A Trip To Alaska oct-nov 2008 186 http://thewanderingnomadic.wordpress.com/2008/11/13/a-trip-to-alaska-7/ http://thewanderingnomadic.wordpress.com/2008/11/13/a-trip-to-alaska-7/#comments Thu, 13 Nov 2008 22:37:10 +0000 Wendy Zake http://thewanderingnomadic.wordpress.com/2008/11/13/a-trip-to-alaska-7/ ]]> Circus Circus – Chapter 6

North or South – With Wind In My Sails

Bellingham, Yacht Harbor

It was a long night in the back of my car, my computer screen jammed into my back, I was barely able to turn over.   I realized that if I was going to be spending any time sleeping in my car, I would need to rearrange a few things.  It wasn’t that bad, I felt safe amidst my belongings and of course my cat,Tess, had slept on top of me all night.  Missy my dog, was covered up on the front seat.  We had made it through the night.

As I uncoiled my body from the car, inching my way out backwards and opening the door, I looked to see of Jen had returned.  She hadn’t.  Missy got out, gladly, and went for quick walk into the trees, I did the same.

My decision had been made during the night, I would go North, straight to Alaska Marine Highway Office in Bellingham, WA.  I looked in the rearview mirror, combed my hair and started the car.  While letting it warm up, I changed clothes, put a few things back in place, fed the animals, then got back in the drivers seat and drove out the driveway.

First stop, coffee and gas at $2.99 a gallon, retracing my steps back to Interstate 5, I was headed to Seattle.  Bellingham is about 90 miles north of Seattle, once on the freeway, it was an easy drive.

Two hours later, I was in Fairhaven, standing in front of the ferry office.  It was closed for the weekend and the office would reopen on Monday morning at 10:00AM.  I phoned my sister in Alaska to tell her my plans to continue to Alaska, I would call back on Monday morning.  I had made a call on Friday to the reservations office, to check out availability to Juneau.  In order to get to Whittier, you need to go to Juneau first, there were 3 spots left for cars.  I had my fingers crossed that one of those spots would be mine.  Other wise it would be 2 weeks in Bellingham, I was praying that things would start to go my way.  The ferry from Bellingham leaves once a week on Fridays at 6:00pm for Southeastern ports, ending in Skagway.

I was going to be in Bellingham for a week.  I went for a drive all over, looking for a place to camp or park my car where I could sleep at night.  I was going to need every penny I had for the ferry to Whittier, a whopping $1249.00. The Ferry to Juneau left on October 24th and the next ferry from Juneau to Whittier would be November 4th, it was already booked. I would have to wait list myself and make it, or else I would spend 3 weeks in Juneau.  So sleeping in a hotel was out, at this point.  I resolved myself to making the best of it.  I loved camping, but I had not anticipated the rain.

After, driving around for several hours, overnight parking was going  to be tough.  Places like Costco, WalMart had large parking lots that let cars park over night, but I had been hoping for something not so out in the open.

The Yacht Harbor was one of the first places I checked out.  It was the place I would become familiar with over the next week.  I had done quite a bit of sailing, have friends with boats in various places, I have crewed on fishing boats, so this seemed a good place for me.  A restaurant, a coffee shop and bathrooms with hot water, a phone booth, all the comforts of home!  I found a place to park away from view and backed my car into a space.

I rearranged my car, made a comfortable spot to sleep and took a walk around to view the boats.  The restaurant opened at 4:30pm, so I sat in my car reading for a few hours.  I was going to treat myself to a dinner and a glass of red wine.  I knew this would be a treat that I would be only able to do it once, so I should enjoy it. Being good to myself is a luxury, somehow I justified the need that day.

There is a beautiful park at the harbor, I took Missy for a walk.  People were flying kites, walking with their families, everyone said hello.  Bellingham is a very friendly town, also a dog friendly town. It seemed just about everyone had a dog out for a walk.  Boats lined up against the backdrop of mountains and pines and sparkling sun.

Nicky’s on the wharf has great views, a bar downstairs and Italian restaurant upstairs.  I ordered a soup and salad with a glass of Merlot, a table next to the windows where I could watch the sun set.  This was the first time in four days that I had been able to sit down and relax.  I took out my writing book and began recapping the events of the past few days, sipping on my wine while waiting for my soup and bread to arrive.  A nice feeling.  I ate my dinner while watching a beautiful sunset over the Bellingham Harbor. Not Bad, for a homeless person.

This homeless thing would be a reoccurring theme during the next few weeks.  While watching people as I drove around, I would see people on the side of the road, begging for food or money.  Dressed in old and shabby clothes, unkempt, I wondered often about the situation, which now included me.  How can you look for a job, when you can not take shower, or eat, or sleep.  Our country has tossed these people aside, would I be one of them, was I next? I wondered.

I went back to my car and crawled into my princess bed of satin quilts piled high in what would become home during my stay in Bellingham.  It was like a narrow bunk on a sail boat with a view of the harbor. The boats reflecting in the inky water was bringing me back to reality.  This was heaven, yesterday had been a storm.  I was learning to trust the Universe, there was a reason for all of this and everything would in time work out for the best.

The next morning, I was up bright and early, the morning sky a light purple,  just a peek of the rising sun over the harbor, reflecting the light of the day to come.  After getting dressed, Missy and I walked over to the coffee shop.  I asked the girl who served the coffee if there was a camp ground near by, she replied, there was one just off the road near Fairhaven.  She gave me directions.  I had decided that I did not to remain a permanent fixture at the boat harbor, if I kept a low key stance, I would not be so noticeable.  I would camp a few days and come back.

I drove over to Fairhaven and found Larabee State Park, following the signs to the first stop light, turn left, its about seven miles on the right.  I pulled in and checked out the sites, they had hot water showers, fire pits and it was just a short walk to the beach.  The cost per night $19.00.  I drove back into town to buy groceries for the week  and picked up a few things I would be needing.  Then back to the camp, I paid for 2 nights, bought some firewood and settled in for a couple of days.