Returning Home & Shocking News

August 20, 2012

    The last couple of days on the ferry were uneventful, with much of the time in a deep fog.  Looking back, was that a sign of what was to come?

Ship approaching a Fog bank

....almost in the Fog, and for hours

   After leaving our ship in Bellingham, we entered the driveway to a 'Welcome Home' sign followed by the sad & shocking news that our son-in-law, Scot German, was killed in a crash of their family plane on their ranch in NE earlier that morning.  Our precious daughter, Linda, was a widow at 49!  How our hearts ached for her and the German family in NE.

Grandchildren by the pond.

Relaxing in the Living Room

  We repacked our suitcase, flew to NE for the funeral, and then Linda and children flew to WA for a family time, which had been preplanned.  It was a whirlwind of activity, emotions, wonderful family interactions, along with laughter and tears.  For a week, there were 10 - 14 of us eating, playing games, seeing many of God's blessings and guidance amidst all of the tragedy.  We will miss Scot's smile, hugs, and thoughtful conversations.  Linda will be adjusting to a new reality of life without her husband and lover.  Please continue to pray for her and the children, Sara, Jilanne, Shane, Kevin and Cindy.
   This is the end of our Blog.   Mo & Nell Veenstra
 
 

Our last stop: Ketchikan, AK

We have been on the ferry since Monday night.  We left Whittier in the rain, sunshine in Juneau, and rain and clouds again today.  On the way to Yakutat, our first stop along the way, it was sunny and there were miles of snow covered mountains that were lovely.

Sorting salmon in Yakutat

Exit Glacier

Highlights of the past few days:  Sunday:  spent time in Cooper Landing with Marge Van Kooten and friends.  Three lovely ladies, who built and manage a Senior Retirement Center complex overlooking Kenai Lake.  Worshipped at a Baptist Church and were treated to lunch at the Princess Lodge, owned by the Princess Cruise Line.  Monday: Rained again.  Took hike anyway with a ranger to the Exit Glacier.  This glacier has receded 150 ft this year.  It is still a mass of ice, exciting to see.

Yes, there is fishing in Alaska.  The photo shows the salmon that was netted near Yakutat.

Now we are nearing the end of this adventure.  After we leave Ketchikan, we will have 37 hours left on the ferry before arriving in Bellingham.  This trip has given us a deeper appreciation for the land, sea, mountains and variety of animals and people that God created.  To God be the glory!  Amen

Seward: almost the end of our journey.

We awoke to another sunny day in Homer, Alaska.  Wow, four in a row! As we drove west to Seward, the clouds started to roll in, and by the time we arrived in Seward, it had clouded over.

When we visited the Pratt Museum in Homer, there were some interesting facts about Alaska that I thought was worth putting in the blog.  We learned from this driving adventure that Alaska is a huge state, but I didn't know that if we divided the state in half, the half would still would be larger than any of the other states.  2).The shoreline is longer than all other states combined...33,904 miles.  3).It not only is the northern most state, it also is the westermost and the eastermost state.  The 180th meridian passes thru Alaska.  The dividing line between east and west runs through the state.  4.)Alaskans eat more ice cream per capita than people from any other state.  5).Alaska also had the most female vice-presidential candidates (one) than any other state.
Our observations: there are more personalized licence plates than other state; more smokers per capita than any other state; more RV parks, and the rainiest vacation than any other state; the biggest cabbages; the most miles between cities; the most expensive gasoline; and the most beautiful mountains than any other state.

The Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward is a worthwhile visit.  We did that this afternoon and saw many different fowl, including the puffins.  Funny looking creatures.  We also learned the five stages of the life cycle of salmon.  One is never too old to learn.  The test is, can we remember?

A few photos of the day that may be of interest.  A sign on the road, and the name of the restaurant where we had supper.  So much for today.

A visit to Norman Lowell Gallery

On the way to Homer this morning, we stopped to see the Norman Lowell Gallery.  The 85 year old gentleman is not only a collector of art objects, and a poet, he has built a gallery for his paintings and collections.  What impressed us was his eye for putting on canvas the beauty of creation.  His poetry gives expression to his faith.  In his poem, 'Remember', the following excerpts captures this: "...may the grandeur of this great land overwhelm your imagination, and cause you to wonder, to reflect on all you have seen on this earth.  May you know with certainty that it was God who formed this earth,and his hand that touched with beauty this place."

There was a painting that our caught our attention.  It is a print on canvas. Technology is amazing. We couldn't afford the real thing, but the method called giclee (zhee-clay) is close to the original.  We had our picture taken with the artist.

We had supper on the Homer Spit at Captain Pattie's.  We shared a Sampler Seafood platter. A wonderful place to eat.  Our B & B is about 7 miles  out of town.  Again, today was sunny, cool, and clear.  The mountains showed their beauty once more.

Only God can clothe the earth with His majesty!

What a glorious day we had driving the 'All American Highway', from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula.  We have seen many mountains, valleys and rivers on this journey, but today's sights  on the Seward Highway were the best.  Was it because it was sunny, or just getting out of the big city and on the road again?  Probably some of both.  As we stopped to take pictures, we were in awe of God's creation.
  Tonight we are staying in a B & B in the little town of Kenai. The river is running right along side the property.  Mo tried fishing with his old fishing rod, but the line broke and he lost two lures.  He decided he had better look for another rod, which he did, plus a 3-day fishing license.  As you can see, he caught a fish shortly after casting.  Of course, I had to get a picture of that! So you know what he will be doing for the next couple days.

  When Mo was fishing, the tide was low, so he could get near the water.  A couple hours later, we looked out, and the water was flowing the opposite way.  The river fills up as the tide rolls in.   Thinking about rolling in, it is time for me to roll into bed.  Goodnight!

 

From Denali to Anchorage, AK

We experienced the best and worst of B & B's this past weekend.  After our Denali visit, we headed south.  Rain accompanied us on the way.  After driving for a few hours, we found a B&B in Trapper Creek. It had a great view out our bedroom window, and the best breakfast we have had on our trip. Continuing on our way, we found a 10:30 service in Wasilla .  It was a small fellowship, very relaxed, with the service of song starting 20 minutes late, sermon an hour, followed by communion at 12:15. It was a good service, and very welcoming. There was no offering.

a male musk ox

  We took a short tour of the Musk Ox farm in Palmer on the way to Anchorage.  The animals reminded me of bison, but actually they are related to the goat family.  They shed their undercoat each Spring (molting) and make a yarn from it called qiviut.  It is very soft and very expensive.

  Then we arrived at our B & B in Anchorage.  I don't have words to describe how bad it was.  The picture may give a hint of the condition of the place.  We had reserved 4 nights, but we both knew we could not stay even one night.  It was a stressful time letting her know of our decision.  The place should be condemned.  We left there with a heavy heart; also not sure if we would find  another place.  We did, and today turned out to be a good one. It included a trolly tour of Anchorage, a visit of the ULU factory, a walk on one of many trails in the city, and sharing a halibut sandwich at noon.  The flowers downtown Anchorage could compete well with Lynden's display.
  Each night our feet and backs are very tired.  It is time to put both to rest.  Goodnight.

Majestic mountains in Denali

On our way to Denali on Friday, we were recounting the many ways God has blessed us on this trip.  As we were driving south and seeing the mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes, our eyes were filled  with the beauty of God's creation.  America, the Beautiful.... 'for purple mountains majesty' and Psalm 19 came to mind.  Suddenly the sun came out!  An added blessing.

moose scat by cabin

  We have stayed in comfortable hotels, motels, and B&B's on the way.  But the little log cabin in the woods where we stayed Friday night was a special treat.  It was 10 miles north of the park entrance in the small town of Healy. It was small, secluded, and clean.  There was nothing to distract the peace and quiet.  Mo was excited about the moose presence next to the deck!

  Today we took the 'green bus' 66 miles into the park.  We did not see Mt. McKinley, but there were so many other beautiful mountains, ice patches, river and glacier beds, it did not matter.  Some of the park's residents greeted us along the way:  a wolf, grizzly bear, moose, caribou, and a couple Dall sheep resting on the rocks.  The park consists of over 6 million acres.  We are very thankful for the men and women who had the vision to preserve this beautiful place and keep it unspoiled for future generations to enjoy.  Goodnight.