Well, we are safely here....in Alaska. Never, ever, in my mind did I think we would actually be living here. We just moved into our temporary digs while we figure out what we are going to do more long-term. It has an extra bedroom in case anybody gets the itch to join us in our adventure! (Can you tell we are missing our friends back home!?!?)
It was definitely an adventure just getting to Alaska, the supposed last frontier. One night in particular seemed rather frightening to me, and required some frontier-woman nerves of steel. J had been driving most of the day from Denver. I picked up the last leg from Salt Lake City onward to Boise. Now, I imagine this drive would be quite beautiful and tranquil if enjoyed during the daylight hours. However, it was already way past dusk when I took the wheel. It all started out okay.
Yet, as soon as we were out of the safety of city lights, it all went downhill fast. We were driving north on an interstate, and I began to notice that there were absolutely no other cars on the road. This seemed unusual since there are generally vehicles on most interstates at all odd hours of the day and night. But, nary a car. No worries though...it was really quite peaceful in the pitch dark. This sweet serenity lulled Justin to sleep at this point.
Shortly thereafter, I noticed a sign to 'Watch for Icy Conditions,' which as a Texas driver, this alone makes me apprehensive. (Repeat no other vehicles (i.e., emergency vehicles) traversing this same course...why??) I continue on definitely on edge. The next mile I get to has no less than 5 different signs warning me of a game crossing -deer migration ahead, watch for game, yellow sign with the huge elk antlers, etc. So, this is when I really get white-knuckled. I begin to think what if I see some type of animal and start to brake only to hit a patch of ice!!! I did not feel up to this task at all.
I questioned again why are we leaving the comforts of the perfect (albeit traffic-laden) roads of Texas. Don't most people want to bask in the sunny warmth of a Gulf State rather than the unknown of the Last Frontier state?? Why did we ever leave?!? Why did I think I could cut it as a mountain woman?!?!?
This continued on for miles with more dangers 'Frequent High Winds', 'Strong Gusts Ahead', and 'Watch for Dust Storms'. Would I ever wake up from this nightmare cross-country? It began to snow as the last element to endure as we closed in on Boise. I felt like I was the character Wile E. Coyote in a Road Runner cartoon with these nonstop dangers...like the Road Runner continued to thwart my attempts to reach the destination and capture it....beep, beep!
Once we arrived to our hotel (The Modern Hotel was AMAZING in case you ever find yourself in Boise.), I began to relax a little more. The past several hours began to hit me that I really needed a reminder of WHO is in control in my life. Why do I seem to forget that so very often? I know I said a lot of prayers that evening (as those types of circumstances seem to push me towards Him), but I still felt totally out of control, instead of feeling the protection of God surround me. I really hope with this next step in life that I will be challenged more and more to truly put my reliance in Him, and Him alone.
So, a little shot to the pride that I am not as tough (or as hardcore driver) as I think I am - in exchange for safety to Anchorage - I'll take that any day!
During these past two weeks, Fur Rendezvous (aka Fur Rondy!) has been the big excitement around town. Historically, it was the time of year that the fur trapper/trader dudes began to come back into the city with all of their hides, pelts, and furs. (Now, what is the difference between a hide, pelt and fur?) Anyway, they would bring them back and auction them off to the willing buyers. A bunch of other festivities have been thrown into the mix of this celebration too. And, then it all leads up to the Iditarod, which is this weekend (March 8)!! Don't worry....there will be coverage of the Iditarod to be uploaded to the blog shortly thereafter! But for now, enjoy some pics from Fur Rondy!
As you can see, there's a short sled-dog race the first weekend of Fur Rondy that is kind of a warm-up to the Iditarod.
I had never seen a sign like this before, especially in the middle of the downtown of a city.
I thought this picture exemplified the lifestyle of these dog-racers - sled on top, dogs in back - ready for their next adventure.
Brr!! A little cold for outside entertainment and dining...even with all the outdoor heaters!
We also decided to check out the fur market. 
We even found ourselves at the fur auction....and yes, we got some fur!! (When in Alaska, do as the Alaskans, right?) I would show you the gorgeous red foxes we bought for Ann, Justin's mom, for her birthday this month, but then it wouldn't be a surprise! If you want a pretty good idea of how beautiful these creatures are, check out an older post with pics of the red fox in our backyard.
