Ramblings on the Road

A clear day greeted us on our long drive to Fairbanks for our weekly supply of groceries. I was in the back of the van, head on the window, looking at anything and everything as we passed. The co-pilot Dave was starting to doze off, Brian was in the zone, driving with his Monster in hand, both Nick and Matt were in the row behind me on the lookout just like I was.

Then I heard it: "hey look, McKinley is out!"I looked back to my left, and even from a hundred miles away, it was the most prominent mountain in sight. I don't know when I became so emotional, but I almost cried seeing it. I looked back any time I knew there would be an opportunity to see it through trees and ranges. I couldn't get enough of it. I didn't get a photo, just like the first time I saw the northern lights. I couldn't even think to get my camera. I just wanted to look at it.

Coming home, in the same spot and position, with my journal in hand, I wrote down my thoughts and everything I saw. My personal journals never go public, and things like that, in the van, I never really thought about until later that afternoon when Nick approached me in my hammock and asked "hey what were you writing earlier in the van?"

I was journaling at the time, listening to Matt play guitar as I played around writing lyrics. Instead of telling Nick what I wrote, I just handed my journal to him. He read what I wrote in the van, then turned to what I just wrote while in my hammock. He asked why I never put it on Facebook or share it with people. I told him he sounds like my family. And so I guess to answer him, I don't really know. Maybe it's the feared scrutiny or just the sake of keeping my thoughts private, but whatever the reason, I journal because that's how I process my thoughts, I don't do it for recognition.

But for Nick, if he ever finds this blog, and for my family and closest friends, who I know read it, I'll leave you with my drive to Fairbanks:

Meet me in this place of wild
Find open roads to mountains and rivers.
The air is crisp, the sun is out
Drive for hours in silence.

Nature speaks - though quiet- so loud
Beyond the spruce trees and vast land
There's Mt. McKinley claiming her lot
Proud with beauty, never ceasing.

Jet streaks leave a trace behind
Then leaves the sky to be.
Snow starts melting
Leaves start changing
Showing signs of spring.

The ranges take over the open land
This place is bigger than life.
Valleys of green inviting rivers to flow
The seasons they change over night.

The spirit of Alaska runs wild
for those open to let it take hold.
---------------------------------------------

Photos from the road this weekend (McKinley, Easter, and Northern Lights to come on the next blog)







"We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect." - Anais Nin
"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song." - Unknown

Life in Alaska

"You can kiss your friends and family goodbye, and put miles between you. But at the same time, you carry them with you in your heart, in your soul, in your stomach. Because you do not just live in a world, but a world lives in you." -Fredrick Buchner

Last night with the fam. Totally normal. 

Two summers ago, I met Pat down in Mexico. The way he described where he lived in Alaska made me want more. I made it a personal goal to visit but never did I think I would be working and living here. Flying over the lights of Anchorage Friday night, I knew I belonged in Alaska. I can't explain the feeling I have being here and who's to say for how long, but for now, Denali is home.

One thing I love is how present everyone is. No one is ever on their cell phones, but instead enjoying the scenery and people around them. It's a lifestyle people in the city can't appreciate anymore. Being "connected" has taken over being present and alive.

Saturday morning, a crew of us including Pat, Molly, Kyle, and Vicki (another couple who just moved up here from AZ) went on a hike into Portage Pass which starts in the town of Whittier. Whittier is very... interesting. It's a port town for the Alaska Marine Highway and the population is under 200. All of the city lives in one building and I'm pretty sure weird stuff happens there. Pat and Molly wanted to start us off at the low end and insist we can only go up from there.

The building behind the sign is where the entire town lives

...and this is where they used to live... 

The hike on the other hand was out of this world. Along the path were footprints for a lynx and we searched everywhere to find it but apparently  it didn't want to be found. We were consistently in shin to knee deep snow and the sun finally broke through by the time we reached the glacier.

Getting to the glacier, we had to walk across the frozen lake that wasn't so frozen in some spots. Molly reminded me that Pat, being on Alaska's Search and Rescue Team, has a higher tolerance of sketchiness than most. Regardless, he tested the depth, gave his approval, and we went for it.

Kyle, Pat, Molly, Me 

Once we got to the glacier, I realized then just how small I was. Looking at my surroundings, I couldn't help but wonder about everything else around me. What was behind that glacier, and behind that even? It seemed as if we covered so much ground and saw such a huge piece of earth, yet when I looked at the topo map back at the house, we covered nothing. Alaska is huge, and so much of it has yet to be explored.

On the plane I watched, "Secret Life of Walter Mitty." I loved the quote and motto of LIFE Magazine that was consistent throughout the movie. I hope to live out their motto while living here in what I consider God's country.

"To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life." -LIFE Magazine

"Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders, let me walk upon the waters, wherever you would call me. Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander, and my faith would be made stronger in the presence of my Savior." -Hillsong United

To the Narrows || Road Trip to Zion

On the road again and what a beautiful weekend. Seaneth had his first race this weekend so Stace and I packed up the truck and headed to Utah. Unbeknownst to us, Zion was hosting a half marathon so  while everyone else was running on asphalt, we hiked the most popular hike in the park with no one around.

Besides being super sick, it was a great success. The water in the Narrows was in the upper 30's to low 40's so with the help of Mike at Zion Mountain School, we got some neoprene socks to keep our toes from falling off. They are a great store to rent gear from. They're prices are fair and Mike was very helpful (and had an awesome mustache).

Highlights of the trip (which maybe only Stacey will understand) include but are not limited to:

- Giving Stacey and Sean's first daughter the best name ever (please have a daughter).
- Teaching Stacey the difference between a trailer and container
- Laughing at the blurp in time when I had a "real" job in transportation
- Noticing how some mountains resembled scallop potatoes
- Being educated about Rockville's population of 247. Used to be 249 but we don't like to talk about it.

Scallop Potato Mountains 

"In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous." -Aristotle

Santa Cruz and Sonoma Coast

I'm writing from the Co-Op in Gualala, where I've been greeted by every person who walks by. While sitting here at the window, drinking my vanilla latte, a homeless man walked by, stopped to make sure he got my attention, smiled, waved, and kept walking. Before here, the lady at the fair trade gift store, gave me a tour of the entire shop with stories about where everything came from. Apparently when your town population is under 200, a tourist is the highlight of any day.

 I stayed in Sonoma County last night after spending two days with Mike in Santa Cruz. Surfed both days and thought my life was over when I mistook a seal for a shark. Other than that, the cold water was bearable and the waves were pretty fun! Photos below are of 26th street where I had the better of two days surfing and Mike putting air in my tires which pretty much captured his personality at it's finest.

The drive up through Sonoma was so pretty, it was hard to keep my eyes on the road. From lush trees near Samuel Taylor, to the Tule Elk Reserve at Pt. Reyes, over steep cliffs through Sonoma Coast State Park, I'm overwhelmed with the beauty of this coast! 

"I thank you God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits of trees, and for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes." - E.E. Cummings 

On the Road Again...

And it feels so good! I just spent a week between Kernville and the Toulomne and had the chance to get into some really awesome endeavors.

The first few days were spent on the Kern and Andrew and I crashed the guide school where we met a lot of good people and Andrew got to catch up with all his buddies at Kern River Outfitters.

After that, we headed up to the Toulomne and got into some serious back packing. I told Andrew had that been our first date, we wouldn't be dating anymore. It was a pretty full on but once we arrived at Flinstone Camp, we immediately forgot about the 6 hours of hiking through snow, bush whacking, and steep downhill terrain into the gorge. Pretty epic scenery and well worth the sore joints.

Heading north today to jump into some more cold water with Mr. Michael Voors. If I get out of Santa Cruz alive, you'll hear back here shortly.

Pioneertown

Do you remember those old western films with swinging saloon doors, dirt streets, broken down wood sheds, and really weird people? Well, not only do they exist in movies, it's actually a full functioning town in Yucca Valley. I highly recommend venturing out and visiting Pioneer-town. It's on the way to Joshua Tree and the bar is called Pappy and Harriets. They have live music almost every night (when I went, it was a female Lynard Skynard cover band), incredible BBQ, and the people watching is guaranteed entertainment.

More Airport Tales of Adventure

I'm convinced DC Airport has it out for me.  My previous post written in DC lead to the next chain of unforgettable events. I met Old Man Joe who asked Nashville Paul in a crowded shuttle, "she's perty aint she?" Paul, unsure of how to respond to this, answers back politely with an uncomfortable "yes she sure is." Joe was convinced me and Nashville Paul were destined to be together. Joe bought the first round, told us about his own love life, and was determined for Paul and I to date.

Once Joe went to the restroom, Paul (who hadn't said hardly anything at this point) leans in to me and says "how the hell do you know that guy?" I gave him the look of "areyoukiddingmeIthoughthewaswithyou." We both started laughing hysterically and decided to go along listening to Joe talk about his wife who is 20 years younger than he and can "go all night." Paul and I never did exchange numbers.

Five hours after I left DC, a huge storm came through with 95mph gusts, killing 10 people, leaving millions without electricity for the weekend. I felt extremely blessed to make it to Nashville safely, spending the rest of the weekend in the a/c, jamming to 80's Cardio in the jeep, stuffing my face with Ana's burritos, laughing at Me Monsters, spending afternoons in the kidsoupurineinfestedpool (no help from me), a day at Lucy's spa getting a mani/pedi, and snuggling up to two munchkins, catching up on all the kid movies I've missed in the last two years.

Not one of my 6 flights had gone smoothly this week so I was prepared for anything when I got to the Nashville airport. Sure enough, I get to the counter and the man looks at me and says, "I'm sorry your reservation does not exist." Now, right about now, any normal person would probably break down in tears, maybe tell the guy what an idiot he is, or hell maybe throw a full blown temper tantrum. Noooo not me... my response to that sweet young man behind the counter was "HA!" I mean COME ON. Really?

He spent a good 10 seconds just looking at me... my mess of curly hair, in the same long skirt and green shirt I'd been wearing all week, bare feet, neon green painted nails (thanks to 8 year old Lucy), laughing at myself and the thought of my non existence. He gave his head one quick shake to snap out of his disgust with me, the crazy hippie girl, on the other side of the counter, and sent me on my merry way (I was still laughing at this point).

Finally, I got to my gate. What's that? Delayed you say? Oh joy... I'll write a blog.

After an hour, we get on the plane and mind you, it's 108 degrees outside.  After about an hour on the runway with no a/c on, my light green shirt has turned into a wet, hunter green rag. I was now having a serious debate with God; "Sooo, hey God, is this a sign? Because if it is, you should probably tell me now and I'll never travel on a plane again." Over the loud speaker I hear, "we're having weight issues on the plane due to weather and we're asking two people to get off the plane." Hm...

I looked over to my right and see two men, easily weighing 250lb each. The one across from me on the isle can see the look in my eyes of "yep I'm getting the hell off this plane." Before I could stand up, two people in the back (the complainer type from my previous blog), came running to the front to volunteer. Not that I could stand up anyway, because my skirt was so sweaty, I was stuck to the seat. Before they departed, the women blurted out "United sucks!" Thanks idiots, we were wondering...

Bubba gave me a shrug and looked to his friend, Bubba #2 and said "man, you bigga than all of us in hee-ya, you shoulda run off" Bubba #2 responds, "yup and the good lawd done blessed his servant. He gave me the back seat to myself thanks to them babblin folk!" Wow. I love the south.

We made it to Houston airport 2 hours late, but luckily my flight to orange county was also late so I sprinted to the gate and barely made it. Perfect, I was sweating again. They were overbooked and were asking for volunteers to stay over for one night to catch the next flight in the morning. Pretending not to hear, I ordered a vodka/soda and a cheeseburger and I curled up to my window seat, watched the sunset beneath me, and dozed off listening to Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now."

As my eyes were closing, Eckhart came through my headphones to remind me of this:

"You are here to enable the divine purpose of the universe to unfold. That is how important you are."

Of course I am. But does it have to be in an airport?

Catch Up

I've been lazy with my blogging and the longer it goes, the less writing I want to do. Here are some cliff notes for May.

Let's start with Cinco de Mayo (of all the days my bed isn't made, of course it would be this day).

Anyone reading this already knows I don't go out of my way to celebrate my birthday. I don't like all the attention and I also don't like the obligation it gives people to make me feel special. I'm surrounded with people who make me happy every day.

My decor, roommate couch time, Bert and Lo

My birthday on May 5th started as an inside joke but I think after this year, it might have to be my new permanent birthday. It's easier to celebrate since it's not my actual birthday and the conception was hilarious.

 I've been spending a lot of time camping and with my family. The countdown to me traveling is closing in quickly so I'm really letting the important things take up my time. I've been camping just about every weekend and it's to the point where I'm pretty sure I sleep outside more than in my own bed. The most recent trips were Santa Barbara, San Clemente, and Kernville. There's something very peaceful and refreshing about being outside especially when in good company.

Family fireside, looking at a waterfall in Kernville, Sequoia National Forest, Uncle "Alice" playing for Jayme, what lead to the waterfall

The surf was pretty fun this month with an exception of a few days. Summer nearing gives me a few extra hours in the day to be able to surf in the morning and after work. I think if I come home from Australia, I'm moving to San Clemente. Between the waves, lack of wind, and Pizza Port, my heart is happy there.

Jayme just turned 2. She has such a wild personality. She loves being naked with cowboy or rain boots. She sings the "ni-night song" when I hold her even in the middle of the day. She snorts when she laughs. She'll give people dirty looks followed by a mischievous smile and an exaggerated nod. She'll get caught dancing by herself in the middle of the room singing "e-i-e-i-o." She loves taking pictures if she can see herself in the camera - for some reason, it cracks her up and makes for great photos. She knows when I'm messing with her and says "Bebbbaaaa" as if I'm being ridiculous (smart cookie that one).

The last Smith kid graduated from CSU Long Beach. All of us except Stacey (had to be different) graduated there. Now he's off to be a big time construction engineer. God saved all the good brain cells and gave them to Alex. He makes me a proud big sister and also reminds me to hold on to the good in life because that's what gets us through the bad.

Going Back to My Roots

This month has been awesome! I'm starting to come around and hold on to what's real. The same God who got me into this mad world is the same God who is pulling me out of it and revealing all things real: My family, clutch friends, and of course the outdoors. This month was all about remembering who I am.

I'm selling my car and going back to my college years driving around the ranger. I feel like I'm 19 again! Who would sell that beautiful Acura you ask? The hobo writing this blog...

I started running and eating healthy again. I've officially given up Costco cheese pizza (saddest day of my life) and traded it in for all things good. My newest favorite is this balsamic chicken from Trader Joes, Light Babybell Cheese, Granny Smith apples and shaved almonds. I can't live without Andy's veggie smoothies either. They're a daily staple for me to get energy to run. I ran 25 miles in 3 days and after my last day, I wanted to stay in this position for the next 3 days...

 

This week, I was reminded there are still good men in this world. Phil sent me the most thoughtful package to tell me there was someone on the other side of the world thinking of me. Until he's home in July, this picture of me, and Phil on top of Jonathon at the river makes me happy. 

I've experienced my two year old niece potty training and it's hilarious. I think the funnier thing is Sis and I standing by, cheering her on while bribing her with gummy worms as she looks at us like a couple of suckers. I'm loving her like crazy. Seeing her excitement when I walk in the door as she says "BEBBAAAA!!!" makes my heart smile every time. She loves seeing herself in the camera and laughs like it's the funniest thing in the world.

We took a camping trip up to Santa Barbara and I'm pretty sure Jayme is more my kid than my sister's. She loved the water and as soon as I set her down, she would bolt for it. The water was cold and all she could do was stand there shivering, with chattering teeth, pointing to the ocean saying "more more." She loves her sweats and beanies just like her Bebba. I love this little girl. 

Sis and I successfully pulled off camping cones! Wrap a waffle cone with some foil, stuff whatever you want in it (we did strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, and mini chocolate chips.) Wrap em up, throw them on the fire for 5-10 minutes and voila. Everyone loved them, especially you know who... 

I love my family. This photo of my dad makes me laugh. He made up a song about what an idiot Chris is while Chris laughed hysterically. I haven't seen my dad play guitar in years, and I think I've seen him get in the ocean twice my entire life. This weekend, he played guitar, and for the 3rd time, he swam in the ocean.  I also got to see tipsy sissy which I don't think anyone has seen. She even tried to sneak a pee in Jayme's potty while no one looked until she was reminded it plays music anytime pee hits the bottom. She'll never live that one down.

This bible verse has always been my favorite and I think it's appopriate after this week. I forget sometimes I'm not in the driver seat and if I could just sit back, shutup, and let God drive, he'll reveal his plan for me.

Proverbs 3:5-6

 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understandings. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will lead your paths straight."