Alaska Adventure- New Beginnings

July 31, 2015

"And suddenly you know: It's time to start something new and trust the magic of new beginnings" 
~Meister Eckhart

Cassie, Mom, and I have arrived safely in Anchorage, Alaska.  The weather has been incredible for outdoor activities.  It is a nice change from humidity of 80-90%.
We have been busy getting me ready for the final part of my move to Twin Hills.  Changing my phone service was necessary so that I still can stay in touch with the real world.  GCI is recommended because their cell, internet, and or cable services reach to most remote areas of Alaska.  I will admit that Florida cell number was with my for a LONG time!  The new chapter is really starting!  My dream is turning into a reality!
Food and supply shopping:
 I went to Sam's Club to buy things in bulk but also budgeted because everything has to find its way to Twin Hills some how, right?  So we have learned that when shopping make sure you keep in mind the weight of what you buy and how many shopping carts you use because that will determine the number of boxes needed and each box cost money.  Express Yourself is a local company that will deliver groceries to "rural" parts of Alaska.  They will be picking up my dried goods Monday from Sam's Club and flying it to Twin Hills.  Another available service but costly is a family operated company that will do the shopping for you whether it is groceries or apparel (meaning it could be Sam's Club, Target, Baby's R Us) and then deliver it to the village.  We really do take grocery shopping for granted!  Thank goodness for Amazon Prime!
Drama DMV:
Surprise! Surprise!  If you want to get your driver's license in Alaska, you have to take a written test! Focusing on Alaska laws, alcohol, and extreme weather driving.  Who knew this would be the case!  I have to admit I did not pass being that I was not prepared to take a test!  That is okay at least I was able to get a state identification card!  Next time I will definitely be prepared.  So if any of you plan to move to Alaska make sure you study the state driving laws!
We had the opportunity to visit the Anchorage Museum.  The native Alaskan's in the early 1900's had their own version of baseball using a combination of dodge ball and other games.  The exhibit on the explorer James Cook was amazing.  The man changed the view of geography in the 1700's!  Most of his explorations were South of the equator but yes he did make it to Alaska on one of his trips!  My favorite part of the exhibit was learning about the nine indigenous cultures of Alaska!  The different garbs and tools made of various materials such as whale husks, seal skins, bear skin etc.  I learned a little more about the Yupik Eskimo culture too.
Tomorrow we are spending a day in Whittier and then taking the Philip's Glacier Cruise.  Stay tuned for pictures and adventure!

"Not all who wander are lost!"
Lil' Adventurers