Denali

The mountain (McKinley aka Denali) has been out almost everyday since we've been here, it's so beautiful! I will never get over this view I have the opportunity to wake up too. Pictures don't even do it justice. The Alaska Range is Majestic.

Alaska Commercial Drivers License

I DID IT! My training paid off, and I am now a Professional driver:) It was a real stressful training process, a lot to retain not only for my CDL drive but for the Holland America Princess Alaska Yukon test, there was a lot more riding on my shoulders. But it has paid off, and I couldn't be more relieved. Yesterday I even got to help move the McKinley coaches to the lodge:) I love driving and am so excited for this summer to begin. Above is a Princess decal bus and a Holland America coach. What we trained in.

Mom and Dad come to Fairbanks!

This past week, I was stressed out beyond belief. I called mom and dad and vented to them and they asked me if it was time for them to come up? Well, needless to say - they showed up! I was pretty excited to see them at a time of such irritation, confusion, and stress. Dad made it just in time to give me a blessing before taking my CDL drive test. I was so nervous, but luckily the blessing helped calm my nerves and reflect the information I have been taught in training. I only had one day to really spend some time with them, Fairbanks training was crazy unorganized, but a blast meeting new people and getting acquainted with individuals who work in different divisions in our company.

I only had Thursday to spend with mom and dad. When I asked them what they wanted to do, they told me they wanted to go to North Pole, Alaska. North Pole is about 15 miles from Fairbanks. Then mom also wanted to see the University of Alaska Fairbanks Muskox and Reindeer research station. Here are some photos from our day together.

Pregnant Reindeer

The biggest Reindeer in the pen

Baby Reindeer

Missing one antler

Me and a Muskox:)

Mom and Dad and the Muskox

NORTH POLE, ALASKA:

Santa Clauses house

Me riding shot-gun in Santa's sleigh

Mom and Dad

Santa's Reindeer. A different type of breed form the UAF reindeer. These are much stronger - probably to contribute to their job in December:)

Pioneer Park

Saturday was Jenni Merkley's last night here in Fairbanks, AK. For her last night in town she wanted to go walk around Pioneer park. It sounded excellent as it was a stressful day of training (long) and also cause it was so nice out.

Alaska's make-shift milepost sign.

Jenni and I partaking of Alaska's state sport! It's part of the Alaskan experience!

I had to ride at least 8 seconds:)

There's something boys like about a country girl.

After walking around, and climbing on all the equipment specifically marked DO NOT CLIMB, we went over to the playground. So much fun! Alaskans have the best toys. Not sure these would be considered safe in the lower 48. But it's basically a bench seat, and it teeters on giant springs. My parents have to get one for the grandkids....or just us kids. It was such great fun, I couldn't believe it!

We also walked around the train tracks. Almost the whole way around the park. The boys wanted a ride, they got tired of walking.

The original engine that carried the miners to the dredges.

Fairbanks was founded in the early 1900's. Once gold was found, prospectors from all over migrated to the Fairbanks and surrounding areas to seek employment and gold. The one room cabins they built were relocated to this pioneer park and restored for viewing. In the summer, they put gift shops inside. They are awesome. Not sure I could live in a one room dry cabin for long though.

The park had a big stinky dog walking around, he was so smelly....but...he was still....

Irresistible:)

Walking the tracks.

The old downtown Fairbanks!

The boat!