Transpo Vs. F&B

So we had our first game on July 3rd. We beat F&B 26 to 5. It was a shut out lets just say that. And they still had guts to talk smack. My most memorable moment at the game was Nate Pollard and Matt calling out to me saying that I just needed to wait till we play Bell staff when that too will be a shut out game we'll just be on the opposite end of the spectrum. Every fair call they'd favor with the opposing team to get us all riled up! What a game:) It was so much fun I loved it and I can't wait to play another!

Watching the game

The cheerleaders and I

We love softball games. it's amaing how much improvement the 4 of us went through over the passed couple weeks. The first practice was a disaster haha

The group

Becca and I. I love her:)

Me Playing Catcher for the first 3 innings. After that I moved to 3rd base.

Remembering Those Lost

This passed week I have gone through a lot. Frustration set in and I regret that I was actually angry at others when I should have just let things go and mourned on my own. I expected others to be there for me in a time of need, as I have been for them. Unfortunatly you can never predict those individuals who pretend to be something they're not. Going to work the following day was one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do. I woke up and called my boss and asked if I could come in a couple hours later-as I only had about 2 hours of sleep. Since I was driving to Talkeetna anyway it didn't appear to be a problem. As I drove passed the scene and saw the skid marks I could help but cry. It was a tough drive alone...I've never lossed anyone that was personally close to me that wasn't family. It's was even more difficult knowing how far I was from any comfort. I probably was not in good enough shape to work, but I knew others were in the same boat as me and I had to suck it up for a few hours and get the job done. I walked into the Guest Services office and everyone starred then looked away quickly. No one asked questions-they knew. I recieved the most meaningful hugs that day. I feel so fortunate to those 4 people who took personal interest in my feelings and emotions. I deal with my own problems I'd like to thing quite personally and it hurt that I wasn't able to express how I was feeling to those who mattered. The only people I could tell was Del and my Mom. I miss so many things about Nate Pollard. I deleted his number out of my phone yesterday...I figured it'd be easier on me to not see his name everytime I scrolled down to send a text to one of my family members (noble).

• I hate that one night you told me you wanted to talk but I was too busy to come over


• I miss the fact that we would talk to our mom's together.


• I miss your hugs that you'd give me as you'd pass by


• I miss the "comment" cards you'd give me at the tour desk.


• I wish I really would've taken time to walk over there on wednesday when you were saying "come here" but I refused because you were with someone I wanted to avoid seeing.


• I miss that times you'd text me for advice.


• I wish I would've had the opportunity to smoke you boys in a softball game.


• I hate that the times you were around I didn't spend more time with you.


• I hate that you were the only one out of the group in the car that i really knew personally and actually had a relationship with.


• you meant so much to me- and many others. Your humor and love will always be with us.


• It's so hard to walk passed your room, and not have you taunt me about shaving my head while giving one of the boys a hair cut.


• It's difficult to know that you're not here.


• It's even more difficult to know I'll never see you again.


• It's harder to know that I saw it coming that afternoon :(

3 lodge workers die in car crash on Parks Highway
21-YEAR-OLDS: Men were returning from Talkeetna; 2 others critically injured.
By SEAN COCKERHAMscockerham@adn.com
Published: July 6th, 2008 12:17 AMLast Modified: July 6th, 2008 02:33 AM

Three workers at the McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge died Friday night after a car wreck on the Parks Highway.

William Bradley, Nathan Pollard and Jerry Luzzi, all 21-year-olds from California, died when their 2003 Infiniti rolled several times at about 8:33 p.m. Friday.
Friends said it was their third year working the summer in Alaska.
Two others in the car, 20-year-old Matthew Holmes and 19-year-old Christopher Niles, both from Michigan, survived but are hospitalized in critical condition, according to the Alaska State Troopers.
The men had been in Talkeetna for the Fourth of July, and troopers believe they were returning to the McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge when the accident happened near Denali National Park, at Mile 131 of the highway.
"They were only two miles from the lodge when they crashed," said trooper spokeswoman Beth Ipsen.

Ipsen said it was a one-vehicle accident and there were no witnesses.
Troopers are still trying to piece together what happened but said all five men were thrown from the vehicle.
None were wearing seat belts, Ipsen said.
Pollard and Luzzi died at the scene, and Bradley died on the way to the hospital, Ipsen said.
Niles was taken to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center and transferred Saturday to the critical care unit at Alaska Native Medical Center.
A LifeGuard helicopter flew Holmes to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage.
Three of the men had been at the West Rib Bar in Talkeetna earlier in the day, but only Bradley and Pollard reportedly drank there, and only had a beer each, said Ipsen.
At least some of them were later seen at the park in downtown Talkeetna, "partying with others the same age who may work with them," Ipsen said.
Because of this, troopers say they suspect alcohol may have been a factor in the crash.
CLOSE FAMILIES IN CALIFORNIA
The three dead men had all attended La Habra High School in California together, said Edna Salazar of La Habra, whose son was friends with all of them.
"There are a lot of families that are close to these families," Salazar said. "They were very outgoing, very outgoing, happy guys,"
She said this was their third year of summer seasonal work in Alaska. In the wintertime, they worked at Mammoth Mountain, a California ski and snowboarding resort.
"They were outdoors types of guys. Snowboarding was their thing when they were at Mammoth," Salazar said.
She said Luzzi lived in La Habra, while Bradley and Pollard were from Whittier, Calif.
Some of the men's friends were at Salazar's home Saturday night, gathering together as details about what happened slowly came out.
Salazar said the parents of the men had already gone up to Alaska to make the necessary arrangements, while the shocking news spread through the community.
Troopers said they believe Bradley was driving when the men left the park in Talkeetna at 7 p.m.
"We don't know for sure who was driving, but based on (reports that) he never lets anyone drive his car, he was probably driving at the time," Ipsen said.
Troopers haven't been able to interview the two survivors because of their severe injuries, Ipsen said. The state medical examiner will perform autopsies on the dead, and the car has been impounded for the investigation, Ipsen said.
Salazar said her family was especially close to Luzzi. Her son knew him since elementary school. He "loved to be around people and people loved to be around him," she said.
"They will be missed terribly," Salazar said.

My Alaskan Birthday!

My birthday was absolutely amazing! It started off by waking up at 5am to catch the 6am shuttle to Anchorage for the train. I was going to be working with Rebecca and Sadie! Sadie had bought me a self heating hot cocoa because she knows how much I love my hot cocoa. It has to be the best invention in the world I think:) So after getting on the train I had cars 1, 2, & 3 and they all decided to sing me happy birthday. It was a pretty easy day which was really really nice. We had to work with a girl who deserted out dept. and went to front desk named Christina. She was taking dinner reservations for the Mt. View Dining room at the Lodge. She has to be one of the stupidest people up here which really isn't that nice but she's pretty lame. It was definatly a birthday ruiner that she had to come with us. But I was really nice to her, she's just a pain to work with for sure. During lunch the on board manager La Vina brought me a free Chocolate SMOOTHIE! I was so tickled. After getting off the train I helped Ommie find this ladies camara who ended up giving each of us a 5 dollar tip...I tried to tell her that I couldn't accept a tip for walking down to another coach to pick up something that she simply just left behind, but she insisted. Since I didn't feel right about not doing anything I decided that I would donate the $5 to the transportation department for our 4th of july parade fund. That way it was going back to those who actually made more effort behind the scene than I had in the situation. We rode with Kaynie from the Mex Depot to Talkeetna where she had everyone on board her coach sing me happy birthday. Sadie, Becca and I helped in the shuttle stop where STUPID skip started screaming at me telling me "You don't know what you're doing" and "stop ruining my operation" He's really dumb though and no one listens to him. He's one of those guys who is given a little power and runs with it. The thing is he had no right to even be in the shuttle lot barking orders to drivers OR ME none the less. He has no say in what goes on in the parking lot...So I was so mad that I decided i'm not even going to help me with his parking catastrophe. The 3 of us girls then caught the first coach out of the lot which was Andrews coach. I listened to my iPod and took a much needed nap on the way home. Sadie and I got home and we took another long nap. After sleeping through dinner at the EDR everyone insisted that I eat at a resteraunt. Being that it was a Ship day (McKinley Express, which is people coming straight up from their cruise to our lodge) All the restaurants were pretty full. We ordered take out and drove down to get it. When coming back to my room I stepped inside a room of like 15 people. We ate and talked for awhile when then they showed up at a huge chocolate cake! Haha dear friends even had a lighter for me to blow out that they held on top. I opened a few gifts from them and then we took some pictures. After that we played apples to apples and it was an all around good time. After a long and tiring birthday I went over to Joy and Kaynie's room to unwind and just relax for awhile before bed. Before actually going to sleep that night I was reassured that they had left the lights on all night to "charge" my glow-in-the-dark stars above my bed so that I could star-gaze. Everyone up here knows how excited I get when my stars are charged enough to shine brightly. Chris insisted that he spend my birthday with me ALL THE WAY up until it was no longer my birthday, so he was able to star-gaze with me. It was an awesome day and I couldn't have asked for a better Alaskan 19th Birthday. Although I missed my family and friends back home, I couldn't be blessed with better friends here in Alaska who poured their hearts and soul into making my day absolutly wonderful. Also-Thanks to all those who sent me Text messages and sweet phone calls throughout the week/day. It is greatly appreciated to know i'm remembered and you care:) Sorry for those I was unable to talk too, as you can tell it was a busy day and I just didn't have the time to answer every call. After all this- I love you all, and thank you for the most wonderful day:)

Sadie is the Best Roommate!

This is my bed. Sadie Beth and Carissa Decorated it for me!

These are the best friends in the whole wide world! I couldn't ask to be associated with more pleasant people:)

Chris and I

Our Alaska Shirts

My sisters Birthday Balloon that made the party what it was! Thanks stephanie:)

Transportaion Department

We're preparing for the BIG game. Between Transportation department and Food and Beverage. We had a game scheduled for last thursday, but it had to be postponed due to a severely late train. We playing our game this coming thursday and tonight we get to scout them out as they play their first game against bell staff. We spent a couple late nights making out shirts. It was a lot of fun with a few close friends who mean the world to me. So while spray painting in the back of the luggage truck-we all got a little light headed, being misquitoe bate, yet all at once having a great time!

Joy, Ommie, I

me, Andrea, Joy, Kaynie,Ommie, and Chris

Mt. Foraker

4-square

We started sidewalk chalking outside our door, and decided it'd be fun to play 4square...hence the past couple nights we've had intence matches where as many as 20 people (of all ages) show up to play. The other night they had to cancell BINGO night because everyone who went to play saw us down the raod a little way and came to hang out with us instead haha! Suckers. Anyway so I'm still having a blast! Time of my life really:)

Sadie's Cow

Me, Bethanie, and Austin

Honna, Ommie, Bethanie and I

Playing 4 Square

Our Horse Back Ride. Carissa, Chris and I

Byers Lake

Byers Lake

Last night Chris, David Stilwell, Tyler (sometime), Carissa Mahon and I went 15 miles up the road to byers lake. It was so pretty. When you get there the first sign you see is "kids don't float" haha i was laughing so hard, and thought that would be the perfect sign for the cabin. How funny would that be. Unfortunatly, unlike Alaska someone would probably come steal the lifejackets. (which is sad) These little things just make me smile, it's what I love about being here. Everything is on the Honor system. Who could steal a lifejacket with such a true sign hanging above it...Kids don't float, and if you take the lifejackets there won't be any for those children who'd like to swim. Then we walked awhile around the lake. Trudged through mud and snow to get to the suspension bridge. It was by far the funnest thing I've ever been on. Chris was hoping across on one foot, not holding on. I was laughing so hard. Then we went the .3 other miles to get to the waterfall. The misquitoes were ridiculous:( I got bit a few times, but i was covered up pretty well. We took lots of pictures then headed back towards the car. It's always so amazing to me how quick the way back goes. You've already seen everything, and the anticipation and excitment of almost being there is gone. On the drive down the Parks highway chris and I thought it would be an excellent idea to hang our heads out the windows and take pictures. haha. It was a lot of fun, something everyone should try once in their lives. A bug hit chris's face, and it was really hard to breath, but i'll probably never do it again. One of those "i've tried it once" things. After that Chris and I went to Joy's. Talked with Conrad, Joy and Kaynie for a long time, had otter pops, and then went home. Del's camping this weekend, it's sad because I might not be able to talk to him till monday or so. Luckily I have the hugs and kisses chocolates he got me last summer... to help me not be sad he's gone. We hardly get the opportunity to talk since i've been here. We probably average about 45 minutes a week. that's not much considering most of the talking is done within two conversations! Anyways, chris is waiting to hang out with me I think. It's one of those Alaskan rainy days so i'm going to go back to my room, and clean a bit. I'll try to update more often, but the internet sucks:(

Funny Faces after a long "walk"

Carissa, Christopher and I

Our hoodies protect us from misquitoes

Carissa and I (she's my suite mate)

Hanging out the sunroof 70 mph down the Parks highway

I'll never do this again

Our Hiking group!

Chris and I

A sweet old cabin...that Chris ignored the sign and climbed inside.

Alaska!

Welcome to Mt. McKinley Lodge

Some friends I've met. From Left to Right is Sadie, Beth(From spokane) Me, Matt(from Lehi, UT) and Tanya(From Denver)

Pictures Down By the River

We got to try ANYTHING on the menu on our train ride up to the Denali Lodge

The Princess Train

Sadie, Andrea, And I sitting at the Music of Denali. The show was pretty boring, but if you were old you'd probably enjoy it. First you have dinner which was okay (but after eating on the train you just couldn't compare the meals) and then they started the show.

I keep trying to write a stupid blog, but the internet here has sucked so everytime I'd try it'd kick me off, and not let me post any pictures...So i'm going to briefly write what all has happend up until this point. We arrived on the 6th. At the airport we met some really nice people, who I still hang out with. Bethanie from Spokane is here with her brother and sister-in-law. And then Tanya was on Sadie and My flight from Denver, as she's from there. We talked for a long time about our families and what exactly brought us to Alaska. After the coaches arrived we placed our luggage underneath and boarded. Sadie I think was a little timid but probably just really tired as she hadn't slept since for 48 hours. I don't remember what all happend the first day just because I was exhausted. The second day was a long day of orientation. It was in the 20320 but it was really boring. That night Sadie and I went on a walk and took some pictures of the mountain but we couldn't really get a good view from the Employee houseing, and we didn't really feel like walking really far. On friday we went into Talkeetna after being introuduced to some of our tours. We watched the Don Sheldon movie in the Don Sheldon hanger in Talkeetna. Don Sheldon is a guy who used to transport people from Talkeetna to wherever they wanted to go. He's most known for taking climbers up to Mt. McKinley, and a few rescue missions. He has a pretty amazing story. Then after that we heared a powerpoint presentation Colby Coombs. He's an experienced Climber that has experienced the most cruical trials on the moutain. He's climbed it up that 15 times and I'm not sure how many times he's summitted. If you have time you should Google his story it's awesome.

Yesterday I had the amazing opportunity go to to talkeetna and fly up to a glacier and land. We started out day in K2 where they gave each of us outfitters a free shirt of our choice. Mine is so adorable! Then we went on a walking tour around Talkeetna waiting for our plane ride. After boarding we flew over the lodge where I got some awesome views of the property. Then we flew up all around the glacier and around the tip of McKinley/Denali. It was the most beautiful and thrilling thing i've ever done in my life. The fact that I have these opportunities for free is the chance of a lifetime. I love it here in Alaska, and I love being able to work up here...it's awesome I can't wait to start working with actual customers...that's right up my alley:) After we landed the plane we were picked up by A&K where we launched the Jet Boat in the Talkeetna river. This boat only needs 3 inches of water to operate, and there is only 4 of it's kind. They used this very boat 2 seasons ago on the Amazing race. The bottome of the boat is completely flat, which allows it to basically go up any stream. That's been my past couple of days. I don't have time to really update much, and I have tons more pictures to post, but the internet it being iffy again. Right now I'm over at chris's and I should probably pay a little attention to him since I still his room to snag a good internet connection;) haha. Well until next time, see ya!

Ps: there are more pictures on my MYSPACE. Feel free to check them out at www.myspace.com/deanna1507

North to the Future

• state motto: North to the future



• state flower: Forget-me-not



• state fish: King Salmon



• state #: 49th



• state gem: Jade



• state tree: Sitka Spruce

Another Day

Another day out on the trials. We had a lot of fun...more than yesterday I do believe! The things we saw were amazing. I love the rock (structures) out here. It doesn't get much better:) Here's some more pictures from today. Tomorrow I'll spend the majority of the day doing laundry and rounding up the rest of my stuff...Around 8pm Sadie's dad will takes us to Ft. Collins and we'll stay at his girlfriends, where we'll get up WAY early and catch our flights at the Denver Airport, putting us in Anchorage around Noon. I'm so excited, but it's terribly sad to say goodbye to the person I love most...September couldn't come any sooner!

Our Faces are really dirty:)

Nate and I

Nate giving me a hard time

Pretty Rocks

Nate and I riding up the trial!

SURPRISE

On april 14th I bought a southwest ticket to come out and see Del before I head up to Alaska, only I never officially told him that I was buying it. The idea came up, but I didn't disclose me purchasing a ticket. I talked to Nate (Del's roommate) And Sadie about coming to pick me up in Denver without him finding out. So last saturday I had him convinced that I worked a double due to the movie theaters managerial problems. When we arrived in Laramie, i was so antzy. We decided to have him meet us Applebee's for dinner. I hid in the bathroom until he arrived, and then walked out. It was the cutest face ever, and I regret not being able to catch it on camera. He was so surprised, & all his friends knew about so i'm surprised he never found out. So now i'm here, and i've been in Laramie for a week, and sadly i'll be gone in 2 days:[ Today Nate, Del and I went riding up a trail called Happy Jack or something. It was a gorgeous day out, perfect for an afternoon ride. Del and I shared Nate's 4-wheeler, and Nate rode Del's new Honda CRF-250x. Plowing through snow, mud, streams...we had a great time! I loved every minute of it. I asked Del to try and find a trail that lead to this amazing mountain or stacked rocks, so he did just that. The pictures that I post are from our hike up the rocks. I was in some flat Vans shoes that were SOAKED all the way through, and Nate and Del in their riding boots. It was funny to watch all 3 of us, not in hiking atire, climb up a rock face. ha-ha-ha good times. Here are some pictures:)

Del's CRF-250x


Check out the Idaho Spud on top! haha (made us laugh)


A rock wedged between two other.
This was a little window looking out.

Del Rock Climbing