Alaskan Grandparenting 101 & Minde's Great Adventure 2016: July 31

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Rambler’s Blog – Alaskan Grandparenting 101 & Minde's Great Adventure July 8 - August 31, 2016

A word about this blog…. It has been our goal in recent years’ lengthier travels to record for posterity a diary of travel stats, pictures, and personal reflections. So, when we can no longer indulge in trains, planes and automobiles we may relive fond memories. We have invited a few friends and family to ride along through this travel blog (a combo of blather and log), risking exposure to bad puns, spelling errors and sore feet complaints.

This is our first trip to Alaska as Grandparents. We sure hope we do it right! There are majestic mountains and valleys, mighty glaciers and roaring rivers but they pale in comparison with the power of baby Dean. He has filled our hearts to bursting with love and makes us speak gibberish. He is very patient with us and we're sure he thinks we're 'special' already.

Another first born, niece Minde from Buffalo, is joining us during our stay. She is celebrating high school graduation and taking a break before starting at Erie Community College in the fall. We have assured her parents, Wende and Pete, that we will take good care of her. She is already refusing to carry the bacon on hikes. Way smarter than us!

We will blog off and on. You are welcome to join us as you will. Glad to know you're out there!
Grandma and Grandpa Simons

* We may not have daily access to Internet so updates may be delayed, but once they appear they will be in sequence
* The blog includes pictures based on the day’s blog, sometimes delayed depending on schedule and access.

Monday, August 1, 2016

July 31

Minde got in last night around midnight. We have darkness at that time now so she couldn’t see much. This was a very demanding trip for a first time flight and she did very well. She is becoming savvy about how to make the best of opportunities, like claiming better seats. Her luggage arrived in one piece. A quick sandwich and to bed! It was 5AM her time at home by the time we slept.

Minde woke at 7:30A, couldn’t sleep anymore, given the time difference. So we took advantage and set off for downtown Anchorage. We visited the outdoor craft market first and then headed down to Ship Creek. On the way we visited the Alaska RR depot for the gift shop and a stamp for Minde’s Ak passport book. We walked to Ship Creek where Chuck has been fishing and the silvers are in. We watch a fellow prepare his silver, it’s a pretty good size and just barely pink turned. Then we visit the ulu factory where we learn about this ancient tool. They have been used for well over 1000 years by the natives. The factory offers a free trolley shuttle back up the hill so off we go. Stopping off at the Anchorage Visitors Bureau log cabin for a stamp. And they allow each person to write a postcard and mail it for free – Minde sends some off. We stop off at the tourist shops and Minde finds bargains galore. No sales tax in Anchorage. Brenna and Dean meet us and we walk to lunch at F Street, Dean’s #6 lunch out. We walk next door to the federal lands management building. We have to go through security with x-ray etc. Dean’s first security checkpoint (he is not put through x-ray) We pick up Minde’s National Park stamp book and she gets her first stamp. Now she is stamping 2 books. There is an excellent display of Alaska animals including birds, info about the land and native cultures. Dean can’t take his eyes off the animals, he is really enjoying this. The ranger gives us yet another talk on how to avoid contact with bears. He’s not particularly supportive about the use of bacon…. Back to Brenna and Zach’s for a delicious dinner. It’s time for sleep we are all fading fast, busy day and Minde’s still jet lagged. Plans tomorrow for Brenna, Minde and Chuck to hike up Flat Top Mountain. Minde has been a busy girl since she got here. Cousin Chris did warn her about our busy schedules. Night baby Dean, you were such a trooper today. Glad we could share this special family day.