He picked me up at 0900, which was really 0845 because if you're not fifteen minutes early then you are fifteen minutes late. I miss hanging with people who have that same mindset. He had a great day planned for us: We were going to drive to see a Glacier, then head over to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see the indigenous animals, look at the mountains, see the sea, and visit a few VFW Posts. Oh yes, it was cold, about minus 25 when we started but at one point in the day it soared to a balmy Zero!
Off we went on the adventure. Stop One, he assured me that the Glacier really was behind all those clouds and ice fog. At the Conservation Center I was able to see sheep, moose, bison, and bear. Well, the entrance was locked, but I did see the pictures on the road sign if that counts. The blazing setting sun and the rising full moon [at the same time] really was spectacular. The iced trees were simply a sight to behold....I really can't describe that and I'm afraid the phone pics don't do it justice. We ended up having dinner with his gracious wife and then spent some time at the Wasilla Post. I met a man who had his 86th birthday today and we learned that we have a lot in common from areas in Illinois where I live. It was fun going down memory lane with him and he was excited to talk about things from his past in the Lower 48. That's what the VFW is all about: Camaraderie!
Junior Todd and I had a fantastic day. Even though our itinerary didn't withstand first contact with reality, we had fun. "Man plans and God laughs" as the saying goes. Todd showed me the beauty of this great state and I will freely admit it is beautiful country. I completely understand why people live here despite the conditions. Tomorrow, we're going to visit a few posts and continue to see the wonders of Alaska.
