Hoofing it in Haines
Wednesday ( I think)
10.06.2009
TEENA
The Veendam, driven, Dad and I are convinced, by mad Dutchmen, made port at the teeny tiny village of Haines today. Clinging to a small spit of land, surrounded on all sides by water and snow-capped maountains, Haines is a jewel of an Alaskan town. A fairly steep jewel I found out, as I huffed and puffed Dad and wheelchair up the inclined main road into town center. A few gift shops, two hardware stores, a large, well stocked liquor store, three bars, the IGA, a post office and a tribal Alaskan interpretive center pretty much sums up what to do and where to go in Haines. Reminds me of the numerous small towns along the coast of Maine that swell with tourists during the summer months, shrinking to the local crowd the rest of the year.
The spectaular views of the fjord and mountains Haine-ites have must be compensation for the isolation this community expereinces during the non-tourist season. Dad and I are struck once again with admiration for people who choose to live in places like Haines where the population must be cut off from all civilization for months at a time.
We are seeing Alaksa in all it's summer finest-flowers in bloom, trees and shrubs bursting with foliage and abundant wildlife at every turn. I can't help but think what this place must be like in January when the sun only shines for 45 minutes each day. Not sure I can take THAT much ruggedness...
Dad is a bit knackered as he walked up part of the steep hill into town and around in the shops, as well as hiking back up the gangplank onto the ship. We are both getting lots of great exercise and that, combined with the brisk glacial air and good food, has given Dad pink cheeks and a good night's sleep. We both toured a bit of Haines in the morning, returning to the ship around noon to give Dad a rest. I returned to the town to wander and enjoy the views from the harbor; Dad stayed on board and attended a talk on the environment and marine life in the area.
Tomorrow we head to Juneau for the day. Larger than Haines and Anchorage, Juneau is the capital of Alaska and should be interesting in it's own right. Right now Dad is saying he may not go ashore, but he is tired, so will discuss it over coffee tomorrow.
I can see that Dad is missing Mom a lot - as I am missing sharing this experience with Timmer. We both talk a lot about our lives and loved ones and have written letters home (which will, most likely, arrive after we get home). We are finding that we also share a love of this Alaskan wilderness and it's untamed beauty. The spectacular vistas and sights we see around each turn and inlet keep us glued to the balcony or topside railing. I keep trying to store memories of the endless mountain ranges and wildlife and emerald waters we traverse so in the future I need only to close my eyes to bring it all back.
Tomorrow-Juneau...
Of course it's natural to miss your partners when you see so many great sights: you want to share them with your best friend! But you two will be back before you know it, and have stories to share for the rest of your lives. God Bless - Michael
11.06.2009 by myth