March 1, 2008

Abstract James and I have been planning our July Alaska trip throughout this long bitter winter. We have scrimped and saved and bought our tickets. It seems strange that the Alaska trip has sustained us through this Indiana winter, while Alaska is famous for its frozen tundra.

The temperatures should be mild when we arrive at the Anchorage Airport. We will enter the end of the Midnight Sun with 24 hours of daylight daily. I was there last year in June. It was a beautiful, yet freaky, experience. I am interested in seeing what James thinks of it. (Perhaps, an abstract rendering?)

Having A.J. along will make the journey more meaningful. I don't know if I could have justified the trip financially without the opportunity to do this with James. Most of my discretionary income will go towards the trip. But with a friend to go with, it will be worth every cent.

We will be staying in Girdwood with former Broad Ripple residents Yo and Bill. Bill's dog Kaiya was also a beloved Broad Rippleite.

We will be joined by former Broad Ripplean Shelley Cheeseman (now Riemer) and her husband Chris. They are such radiant people that the Midnight Sun will be even brighter.

I really dig the mountains of Alaska. But they are small compared to meeting friends in a far away land. I am looking forward to this northern Broad Ripple reunion.