October 21-25, 2009

Days 45-49



Our “weatherman” (brother Jim) predicted sunny skies for Wednesday for our hike up Hurricane Mt. We were on our way to Elizabethtown by 11:00 AM and on the trail soon after.

The first 1.2 miles was easy going, but the last mile was straight up, over rocks and seemed like a lot longer. Fortunately, after 2 hours of hiking, we were rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view of the North Country.

We had a leisurely lunch before heading down. Another wonderful fall day enjoying the great outdoors and being with family.

On Friday evening, we met up with Bob’s cousin, Kevin and his wife Kathy at a local Mexican restaurant. We had a fun evening laughing about the fact that they were on the same cruise from Whittier, AK to Vancouver and did not know it. Next time that they come to Alaska, they promised to come see us.

Saturday was a special day for me. Bob and I took my Aunt Margaret, (my Godmother) to lunch to celebrate her 101st birthday. She not only looks amazing, she is sharp and witty.

Over lunch, she was telling us that at her last Doctor’s visit, he asked her what her secret was to her long, healthy life. She told him that, “every night before dinner, I have a bottle of beer. If dinner is late, I have two bottles of beer, and if dinner is god-damn late, I have three bottles of beer”. The same Doctor told her that she had very little wrong with her except a tired heart. She shook her head and quipped, “you would have a tired heart too, if you were 100 years old!”. She certainly is an inspiration. Bob and I were both struck by her positive attitude and how appreciative she was for her family and good health. She could teach us all some very simple lessons about living a good life.

Sunday was spent packing up and getting the 5th wheel ready for our next adventure. We did squeeze in a workout at the gym and a 4 mile walk with Jim and Sherry.

Since it was our last evening at “home”, we celebrated with a delicious dinner of barbequed ribs, baked beans, and Reagan’s yummy broccoli casserole. We finished the evening with raspberry wine from the Stone House winery and fresh raspberry and apple crumb pie. We appreciated being able to spend 3 weeks with our loving family and it will be hard to leave. However, we have many treasured memories to take with us.