A road trip is so much more than just heading down the highway. For me, the highlights are the people I meet along the way who make the journey so memorable. Here are some of the unforgettable people I ran into:
Grace - Richardson Highway, on the road to Valdez, AK. There’s a saying here, "8 months of winter and 4 months of road construction!” We were in it! As we headed out of Valdez we ran into Grace at out first traffic stop. It was drippy and cold, so we offered her a pistachio muffin and a fizzy water. What a smile! She passed us on up to our next stop, Allison.
Allison - Richardson Highway, on the road to Valdez, AK. We followed a pilot car to our next traffic stop and met Allison … so kind and considerate about our being delayed; she updated us on the progress of the construction project. We gave her a muffin too!
Taylor, Kluane Museum of History, Burwash Landing, Yukon. This museum is a fascinating compilation of the indigenous plants, animals, rocks, minerals of the Yukon, in addition to an amazing display representing the culture of the Southern Tutchone people. And Taylor was an informative docent.
Emily - Kluane National Park and Reserve, Thachal Dhal Visitor Center, Yukon. Meeting someone who clearly is passionate about their work is a joy. We found that in Emily, just an incredible font of knowledge about the park and so excited to share it!
Ethan - Major Marine Tours, Seward, AK. Ethan made us margaritas with ice from a glacier … nothing better than that!
Sophia, Village Bakery, Haines Junction, Yukon. We met locals Dave and Lois at Kluane Lake Campground. The gave us a lot of good advice about the area. The most important piece of information was to not miss a stop at the Village Bakery. They were right! Sophia makes a fabulous latte. And the food is incredible.
David and Kath, Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center, Haines, AK. This brother / sister dynamic duo are the heart and soul of this museum. It houses a phenomenal collection of items representative of the Tlingit tribe’s rich history. It was an honor to spend time with them and hear their stories.
Tanna - Alaska Made Goods, Haines, AK. We were looking for some local salmon. We found it and Tanna, a local expert on what to buy.
Robert - The Beach Rose by Adventure Harvest, Haines, AK. Locally owned shop showcasing locally made artwork and handmade products from local ingredients. Try the spruce tip syrup … you won’t regret it.
Alicia ( on left) - Bamboo Room and Pioneer Bar, Haines, AK. A centerpiece of downtown Haines, this eatery has been serving customers since 1953. We ate here twice, and both times were served by Alicia, a lovely and charming Irish lass who was spending the summer months working and exploring the area.
Teri - Haines, Alaska Marine Ferry System. Our ferry had a engine problem which left our homeward bound voyage in jeopardy of leaving on time. But Teri assured us that all would be well … and it was. She also told us ferry food was great - it was; the showers were hot and refreshing - they were; the beds comfortable - true; and the voyage itself unforgettable … IT WAS!
Ferry Crew - Columbia, Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System. Bosun Wade (left) arranged a tour of the bridge for us where me met the ship’s Pilot, Erica, as well as other members of the bridge crew. Our ferry experience, through the Inland Passage, was a tophighlight of our trip. The seas were calm, the speed slow enough to enjoy the passing scenery, but the entire shipboard crew set a high watermark of service, kindness and just plain fun!