The trip to Bennet Lake and Carcross

Castle, Miriam(me), Kacey, Jen, and our amazing conductor David

The end of the Chilkoot Trail -  what an amazing place to be.
  The lives that were changed while journeying this trail
during the gold rush -  the history made.  The people who
made it up the trail and on to Dawson City were nothing
short of remarkable.

Castle, me and Jen on the Chilkoot trail with Bennet lake behind us

Awesome church from the Gold Rush Era at the end of the Chilkoot trail -  just need to get it turn 90 degrees :)

Reflections

Monday, September 1st was a day of reflection for me.  It started out as most Monday's do -  checking in for a tour, and figuring out what my day would hold.  It ended differently though.

I was driving tour to the Summit, and on one of the stops I had the opportunity to quietly talk with one of my passengers.  During our conversation he revealed to me that he was facing another round of Chemotherapy, and that this was most likely the last trip he and his wife would be able to take together -  he has pancreatic cancer.

I was, of course, saddened to hear this, and honored that I had the opportunity to help he and his wife create memories together.  It started me thinking about how fortunate I have been to share in many of life's moments with people I meet here in Alaska.  Some are celebrating milestones such as a honeymoon, anniversary, or birthday -  other's are making memories together toward the end of what has been a blessed life.  I only get one chance to make it a good experience for them during our hours together, and it is a privilege to do so.

To those of you who shared your lives with me , even though it was for a short time -  Thank You -  from the bottom of my heart.

Thanks for the Memories

On Sunday night before Labor Day Jen and I pulled what we thought was a "college type" prank.  All summer long I've wanted to do something to end up in "The Blotter" of the Skagway News. There were a couple of considerations though -  it had to be something was fun, not destructive or disrespectful, and not against the law.  Brooke, our silent partner in crime came up with the idea of decorating the "Centennial Statue" -  Jen and I thought it was a great idea so we set about collecting some "Aloha" decorations.  Once we had the goods we went in the dark of night (rain too) and decorated the statues.  The sign said "Aloha Summer 2014 -  Thanks for the Memories"  The next morning we expected to find the decorations taken down, when instead we found people posing by the statues for photos, and enjoying the farewell to summer. For me it was bittersweet - it signals the end of my summer and the end of my time here in Skagway.  It has been a magical summer -  one shared with good friends in a place more beautiful than words.