No Sleep Till Texas

So I (possibly) lied, the last one wasn't the final blog before the end of the season.

Early early morning on the 30th, I plan to depart Skagway for Whitehorse in order to get an oil change and to pick up supplies and gear before heading out. It's looking like I'll be exploring the interior of Alaska before making my way south.

Two ship days left, and the 2010 cruise season closes out, paving the way for another quiet and cold winter to return. A chance of snow on Friday is pretty exciting.

I originally set a meeting date with Holiday Vacations (a tour operator based in Eau Claire, WI) for October 22nd to discuss possible employment as a part time Tour Director, but I'm hoping to change that to the 29th of October. If that's the case, I have a full month on the road in Alaska and Canada. I'm hoping to be in Houston by November 18th (Social Distortion show the next day!), which could be my final stop before the homestretch to San Antonio. After Thanksgiving, is it possible I may fly out to Las Vegas to meet with some of my new Alaskan friends? Hopefully so! Between those two dates, everything is flexible and in the air, which should make the adventure home that much more exciting. No sleep till Texas...just the way I like it.

The bittersweet countdown continues!

Last Guide Standing

This past week has seen my 26th birthday come and go, two spectacular nights of the Northern Lights (including on my birthday!) and more goodbyes. Officially, I will be the final Tour Guide to leave this season. Vick and Deb departed for Juneau to catch their flights this afternoon, Dane and Dusty depart this Monday and Slim's final day is this coming Friday. I have at least one train tour lined up for each of the remaining four ship days in the season. I find myself anxious, saddened, excited, and nervous. I'm finalizing the route home and when I hope to be in certain places to visit friends, family and even talk with other Tour Operators. Do I continue the roadtrip by heading for the Alaskan interior or straight down the Alcan and subsequently into Alberta? I still don't know the answer to that question yet. But what is known for sure is that I will be the last guide standing for the 2010 cruise ship season here at the Klondike Gold Fields. My next blog will most likely be the final one of this summer before the roadtrip continues.