Summertime in AK- Take 1
My summer in Alaska was definitely one to remember. I met so many new amazing friends that I will never forget. I built so many lasting relationships that will lead to visiting each other, keeping in touch and hopefully seeing each other in following summers for long legs of sleeping in the train cars of HAP!
The summer began with pent up anxiety of going to an entirely new state on my own without knowing anyone. Not knowing where I would be living. Not sure how I would get around. Not knowing the area. Not sure if I would even like the job. Never seeing snow or even know the definition of "cold" weather and just the nerves of the new impending experience.
I have to say it started off with a great start. I began my journey in the Orlando airport where I saw a group of semi familiar faces thanks to facebook. This is where I met my eight soon to be Cheesecake Factory roommates... There was
That guy that lives in the living room and has an extreme but great personality: James
The one who had her own room and is a sarcastic wiseass <--- (still jealous lol): Jaimie
The overly obsessed with her bob and blow dryer but sweetest girl ever: Enjoli
The fun loving Hippie Brazilian: Maria
The blonde Bombshell who is so nice and has really trendy black sunglasses: Totski
The one who rides the mini bike and has great luck: Ryan
The one who is funny and lives in the other living room: Paul
Then the one from Vegas who is loud (like me) and boy crazy: Amanda
There were two Moose that were just chillin outside our apartment :)
This is how most of our days began... there are actually 8 of us in this tiny car. We grew to know each other quite well :) <3
After meeting the roomies it was time to explore and hit the train world of working:)
Climbing a mountain and seeing snow for the first time.
Our first training run had beautiful sights such as hurricane gulch before and drinking at the bar.
Salmon bake.. a bar in Denali that had awesome margaritas and a basement with live blues and jazz music.
Next was Ultimate Frisbee where we played every week at Valley of the Moon.
and where you would find me every weekend if I wasn't working... at the street market.
Next thing ya know.. I rented a car and I drove Amanda and I to Whittier for a Glacier Cruise.
Where I bought a super trendy captains hat.
Then it was time to party until 2am and get up for work at 4am for my first official NB Ship Day!
James <3
Mackey and Dale <3
Alaska is where I met Amanda, which we found out we both live in Orlando aka new BFF's
The drive to Portage to camp!
Anchorage Museum with Christy and James
All the roommates plus the new addition Steven and Phil. This is Steven's van and the before picture... We all decided it needed a revamp.. so out came the spray paint!
The after project of the pimp van!
Our first bbq... (James)
Playing water balloons in our yard.. we had to have a beer in the other hand while tossing the water balloon. (aka bad hangover at work the next day)
This is literally our yard... walk out the door and this is our view and we watch baseball games all night long. This is the midnight baseball game after our bbq... oh and a rainbow.
The next hungover workday. This is the view I see everyday. This was a ship day and stay over night in Healy.
My work Husband (James) I miss him and his corny jokes. <3
Days in Healy lead to bonfires,drinking, and singing while Jon plays guitar... This is at 1am..
Summer Solstice Concert at Mooses Tooth... Michael Franti!! Amazing!!!
Double fisting for Michael Franti!
My office.
View from the office... Mt. McKinley Largest mountain 20,320ft ( look closely , it looks like a cloud this is about 150 miles away.)
This is Alaska take one.. I will post another blog with my excursions and the rest of my adventure. I took over 4,000 pictures.. I was known as the paparazzi on the train :) Stay tuned!
Also remember if you have not donated to my run for Charlie please do so..
Here is the link :Run for Charlie <---- Click me! Thank you
