Day 2
15 June 2006
Erika Earl |
In the first full day of the Alaska Great Lakes Project, participants were restless with only a few hours of sleep to the night prior, but that didn’t stop them from missing out on Alaska. It seems as if excitement was contagious on the second day of the project; with most students being in Alaska for the first time. With weather being a constant motif so far, the rain has not stop us from experiencing the “true Alaska”.
We
awoke to the sound of the junior leader voices telling us that it is
time to wake up. As one would have to assume, students are not really
willing to wake up earlier then they have to in the summer. For breakfast
we had bagels with cream cheese, orange juice, and milk. We cleaned up
breakfast and had a bit of free time until we had the grand meeting with
all the travelers. We discussed some issues with the trip, but then concluded
with a blessing from Tim, the reverend of the church we stay at.
After
packing up the vans, we made our way to Eklutna where we would set up
tents, and make camp for the week. After some tent setup issues, we were
on the road once again heading to Sam’s Club. While the food committee
shopped for groceries the rest of us enjoyed a free lunch period. Most
of us had some spicy Mexican food at Taco Bell. Then to top off all the
weather problems, Ishtar’s (Mr.Rosene) van had some mechanical issues
and were forced to stay behind while the rest of us returned to the church
for a taco salad dinner. We met up with Ishtar and his van back at the
campsite in Eklutna. After hug time everyone was exhausted, and were
definitely ready for a good nights sleep. Some went straight to sleep,
and some stayed up to chat with their friends. Nonetheless, it was nighttime
in the great state of Alaska, and our second day was now concluded.
All
in all, the first full trip of the day was a success. We had some mechanical
issues with Ishtar’s van, it was raining and wet, and we were tired,
but we didn’t
let that stop us from experiencing the real Alaska. This is truly a trip of
a lifetime, and the best is only yet to come.
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The Naked Van's Adventure
15 June 2006
Sara Reed |
We pull
out of the church parking lot with the rest of the twelve-van caravan
behind. We head out toward Anchorage with Sam’s Club on the mind.
The raindrops start falling down on Karla’s windows and then it
starts raining harder. Ishtar turns on the windshield wipers as we drive
up the winding roads on the Mountain. Oh no! The wipers are stuck! They
are the wrong size and go off the front window. They don’t budge.
So what else can we do except push it back down? Ishtar rolls down the
window as rain pours in the window and the wipers keep getting stuck.
More and more water splashes in, and the naked van decides to take advantage
of this wonderful adventure. Yes, it’s true: the naked van went
skinny dipping!
As we enjoy the swim, the AGLP caravan pulls into Sam’s Club and
the naked van must send Karla into the hospital. We all go on an amazing
adventure in Sam’s Club and get some van snacks. After we shop for
all this yummy food we decide to get some Taco Bell for lunch. We even
sing Happy Birthday to Katie Lampert in Taco Bell since she turned fourteen!
After lunch we all headed back toward our vans, however, Karla is still
gone at the hospital!
So now the eleven-van caravan heads off and the naked van members get left at
Border’s Book Store. We get some drinks at Starbucks and we wait for nearly
four hours while our beautiful van heals. After lots of fun pictures, Braden
nearly falling out of his chair, Sara with no “H,” and lots of funny
conversations our van bonded much closer. After we finally get Karla back we
venture out to the new house of Emily (Ishtar’s daughter).
Once we get to the house we go upstairs and play cards, then Ishtar brings in
the creature! It was furry, black, and white. They call it Spot. It is in fact
a guinea pig. We feed it a carrot and then decided to feed ourselves! Emily makes
us some pizzas that are delicious! After that Ishtar gets a quick shower, which
gives him the Princess of the Day award.
Then we start back to Elkutna Lake Campground for hug time and bedtime. On our
way back the naked van accomplishes a goal! We see a moose roaming in the grassland.
Then we pull into the campground after our daylong adventure and go to bed. Tomorrow
should be another great adventure in the beautiful state of Alaska. |
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