The past 365 days have just flown by. The saying goes, “Time Flies When You’re Having Fun!”; and we are!
Our big adventure this year was our trip to Alaska. “Did you go on a cruise, you ask?” No! The Van Pelts drive everywhere (well, almost everywhere). We drove 10,276 miles, the trip lasted about a month and was filled with fantastic sights. It was a phenomenal experience!
Here we are standing on a glacier!
On day six of our drive we left Montana, crossed the border into Canada, then on to Banff National Park. The scenery in the Canadian Rockies is awesomely beautiful. Words and pictures can’t do it justice; you have to experience it in person.
Dawson Creek, BC, Mile Marker 0
Next stop Dawson Creek, BC, Mile Marker 0 where the Alaskan Highway begins. As we drove along that historic road we saw artifacts from when it was build during WWII. What a monumental task that must have been. Wildlife abounds – Bison, Elk, Moose, Dahl Sheep, Mountain Goats, Porcupines, Fox, Eagles, and Bear. Much of our time was spent in the Yukon where the Gold Rush took place. We stayed in some “interesting” motels and cabins along the way including a former Air Force Barracks with shared bathrooms/showers. Things are a bit more rustic in the northland. Food and gas are very expensive.
We spent several days in Dawson City which is so well preserved it’s like walking back in time with dirt streets and many old buildings. Then we took a Ferry across the Yukon River and drove along the Top of the World Road – not as bad as advertised – crossed the border into Alaska to see more Gold Rush era sites and beautiful scenery.
Plane Ride over the Glaciers in McCarthy, Alaska
The highlight of our trip was a plane ride over the glaciers in McCarthy, Alaska. I mentioned we drive everywhere, but this was a wonderful exception and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. “Totally awesome” as we used to say.
The rest of the year we kept busy spending time with family and friends. It is always good to have visitors.
Family Updates:
Kim and the girls are doing well. Kim was promoted to Manager in her job at Shop Rite. Nicole graduated from Seneca High School and is presently attending Burlington County Community College while holding down a waitressing job. Rebecca was selected as Student of the Month and has her learner’s permit to drive.
Donna and Greg are “almost” empty nesters. Sarah and Mike are remodeling a 100 year old house in Collingswood, but don’t have a working kitchen yet, so they “visit” for dinner frequently. Donna gave us a scare several months ago when she fell down the basement steps and broke her wrist. She had surgery, now has a metal plate and screws in her wrist and is still going to physical therapy. Greg is “Nurse Ratchett” and doing a fine job.
Jim, Sarah and crew are busy, too. Stephen is doing well in school and participates in Cross Country among other things. Grant is participating in various sports. Katie is playing piano and enjoys gymnastics and being a girly girl.
Our Backyard Fireplace
We have been working in our yard and doing little projects on our home. Fred missed having a “real” fireplace so he constructed one in our backyard. It has been great fun building fires, roasting hot dogs and making S’mores.
Where will our next adventure be? Still working on that one. We do plan to visit friends in Texas in the Spring so I can see the Blue Bonnets.
We are so thankful for all our blessings and wish you a Blessed Christmas and Happy Healthy 2014!