Alaska Is...
Alaska is…an escape from a life that is regular and predictable. Any turn on a road or path can put you face to face with a moose or bear, yet there is no fear. A state with such diverse cultures, interesting animals and majestic landscapes that it inspires you to explore and learn. A place where the shear beauty around you acts as an accelerant for personal growth.
Final Reflections
In anticipation of the Alaska trip, I felt it would be a time to build my relationship with my daughter before she leaves for college in two years, explore a beautiful state and if time permitted, try to catch some Alaskan fish.
What I didn’t realize was that I would watch my daughter evolve into an effective leader. I found myself feeling proud as she organized activities, delegated jobs, and lead participants on grueling mountain hikes.
Initially, I was somewhat worried that she had done the trip for the second time mainly for ME to experience Alaska. However, as I would see her walk past with a smile so wide it made her eyes squinty, or hear her heart-warming laugh from across the campsite, it made me realize that the experience was for BOTH of us. The trip helped us grow as individuals, but also strengthened our father/daughter relationship. We were often separated into different groups, but we found time to find each other at the top of a mountain, end of a race, or for a great photo opportunity. Together, we viewed majestic mountains covered in wild flowers; dipped our heads into a fast moving, boulder filled river; and pushed ourselves to complete the 10K midnight sun run in the rain.
The part of the trip that I did not foresee is that I would make so many meaningful relationships with the participants, junior leaders and the drivers. It was amazing at how such a large group can function as a unit, and that you can interact with so many people in such a short time. It’s also hard to believe that with all of the activities that we put into each day, I still managed to find time to go fishing.
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- John