I'm going to try keep this one short and sweet because I'm not sure that words can compete with scenes like this. That and it's Friday!
The trip was incredible. Getting to be with Joe's family, eating delicious local fish (and the best sweet bun of my life!), and simply seeing the places and things that Joe grew up with. He may have left Anchorage for bigger cities and new experiences but I think it's really special that he knows all about the rugged stuff us city people are typically clueless about ... I also think that it makes him extra hot, too.
Aside from being smitten with my man, I was in love with being in the great outdoors. I spend so much time in air conditioning in KL that being out in the purest of pure air was well, a breath of fresh air! We hiked, I got eaten alive by mosquitoes (didn't love that part so much), we picnicked, and even got married again. Yep, we had a second ceremony with his family who couldn't be with us in Colombia. It was awesome to stand and say our vows on the back deck that Joe built years ago. One time at his family's home and one at mine - perfect.
The final big day was spent out on a boat seeing glaciers, icebergs, sea otters, and American bald eagles. There was beauty everywhere. The varying colors of the water from deep turquoise blue to green and the purples of the mountains brightened by the hovering grey fog ... it felt magical and peaceful beyond belief. I was so thankful for Joe's brother for hooking us up with an amazing captain and guide who let us get close to it all - we got off the boat to get a better view of a glacier and also pulled up to an iceberg to rub it for good luck. I made up the part about good luck but c'mon, something that has particles from the last ice age has got to have amazing energy behind it!
I already can't wait to go back. Everyone who's ever been there and told me that it was a beautiful and amazing place was absolutely right. The last frontier does not mess around.