It’s Reining Deer (and moose)
Today is our last full day in Alaska. It started with another amazing breakfast at our B&B. We loaded everything back up in the SUV - it’s amazing how our load has grown over the trip. We even have a piece of art that I have no idea how Carrie thought would make it on the plane. So, we found a UPS store on our route today to ship it home (at great cost).
The art shipping ended up being our first stop, as we left earlier than originally scheduled. Normally, when I have used the packaging and shipping service at the UPS store, they have taken care of everything. This was more of a team effort. But, it took one stressor off of our plate for tomorrow.
From there, we went to check in at the Reindeer Farm. We had a tour of the pens, which had reindeer, moose, yak, elk and alpaca. We even got to feed the moose and reindeer. This was a source of stress for Pat, because last trip, they visited the reindeer farm on their way to the airport, so she got to enjoy reindeer slobber on her clothes all through the flights home. She was less molested today, and actually fed the reindeer, in spite of her numerous protestations otherwise.
After the tour, Les enjoyed the reindeer in a different sense - a reindeer hot dog. Another Alaskan treat - fire weed - flavored Emma’s shake. After we all ate, we left to go drive through Hatcher Pass. Normally, it doesn’t open until around July 4, but due to the warm weather, it opened last week. This is a long, mostly dirt-road, drive through this mountain pass. We got some amazing photos, and saw some small animals.
After we finished the loop, we ended up at our lodging for the night - the Best Western Lake Lucille inn. I can’t say it met the standards we have had on the trip, but it is right where it needs to be.
We went for a quick dinner at Wendy’s, but due to the labor shortage experienced all over Alaska, some very well-meaning, but keystone cops-ish employees were trying to fight their way through a dinner rush. We kept hearing “how do I do X”, followed by “I’m the wrong person to answer that, I don’t know either”. After showing them patience, and appreciation that they were actually working, we received our food, and ate.
We are back at the inn getting last minute preparations done - trying to load-balance all the suitcases to fit our purchases and clothing, while not being too heavy. Tomorrow is mainly driving to the airport and flying home. It has been an amazing trip, yet another that was masterfully planned by Carrie. I am looking forward to being in my own bed tomorrow night.
