Would you like Coffee or Tea?

There are things that probably should not be discussed while walking from a Museum to a State office building. One of them is probably funeral and last rite's arrangements that include taking the cremains of the deceased and adding them to the tea and coffee of those who are attending the festivities.

Well that is just what happened as the three merry travelers were walking briskly on one cold Alaska day in October. The story goes that I (Ray) had suggested to Sheila that when she passes we should have a grand wake and of course every grand wake must have a grand tribute.

So we would have a recount of her life and a showing of her great masterpieces that she painted and of course I would come up and say that Sheila was such a part of each of us that she wanted to continue to be a part of us even after she passed on. So we have mixed her remains in with the tea and coffee that you have been drinking. So now there is a little piece of Sheila in each of you.

So the three of us are having this wonderful conversation. And adding to its uniqueness. Like Rogers suggestion of having a Bunt cake with addings in it. And Sheila thinking that a each person should get a little vile of Sheila to take home with them as a souvenir of the occasion. And of course there should be Sheila coffee grounds and tea bags to go.

All the while walking in front of us was this person of color who at the first opportunity darted up a side walk to get away from these crazed people who were talking about cremain coffee and tea. He glanced at us as we passed with this look of horror that we would even consider such a thing, much less be discussing it while walking along on a rather cold and brisk day in Anchorage.

So there you have it. Would you like Coffee or Tea?

Lessons learned

As we were finishing up our adventure people were saying, you didn't see this or that or you didn't visit a jade shop etc... I sort of felt bad for a second. But then remembered that not only were we on an adventure, but you were along for the ride. Anyone can open up a book and see the traditional tourist type of things.

Adventures are not about cramming in as much as you can into a given amount of time. Adventures are about experiencing the moment and finding the uniqueness in what is encountered. It is also easier to have adventures when the traveling partners travel well together. Roger, Sheila and I traveled very well together.

The Great Alaska Adventure had around 3 dozen people take advantage of the Post card/painting offer that Sheila Wedegis offered up from as far away as Australia and Germany. And everyone who read the posts on this site and on Sheila's site. Obviously, there were a number of people who followed the blogs who lived in the USA but also a number who followed from Japan, Korea, Iraq, Indonesia, and a number of other countries.

We hope that each of you enjoyed coming along for the adventure. We will be going on future adventures and will be inviting you along on those as well. Through options to get wonderful paintings of the trip or through just following the blogs.

While we were in Alaska we were privileged to encounter the 8th coldest October in recorded history of the state. We were also fortunate to be in Anchorage while the Alaska Federation of Natives were having their conference.

Things that I will remember most is the Alaska Federation on Natives conference. The part that I particularly enjoyed was hearing people speaking to each other in their native languages. And sadly in languages that are fastly becoming extinct, January 2008 the last native speaker of Eyak died.

As we wandered around the trade show part of the AFN I will remember the pride in listening to people tell us that the wonderful piece of art that we were looking at was made by their Grandson or Grandmother, etc... The pride that was so obvious. That is what I will remember and that is adventure.

Making use of the Alaska State Marine Highway to travel from Whittier to Valdez and being able to see glaciers, mountains, ice bergs, etc... And driving back to Anchorage from Valdez with one of my best friends Matt Pauli playing tour guide. He was obviously having a good time pointing out things and explaining things as we went.

We went to out of the way places like Hatchers Pass, where I spent many years doing early season training for my Nordic skiing career. Stopping at the Iditarod headquarters and seeing all the pictures of the various winners.

So the Great Alaska Adventure was a success in our eyes.

So the next time you go out traveling. Look for the uniqueness in your surroundings, don't overly stress out when plans do not come about exactly as you envisioned. When you take a wrong turn don't look at it as a wrong turn, look at it as an opportunity to see something that you had not planned on seeing.

The Trip Home

The Trip home.

We got on a plane at 9:30pm, we went to sleep, and we arrived in Orlando at 11am the next day.

The End.

Fooled ya!!!

After having the last supper we were escorted to the Airport in style. Deposited by Matt who we could hear yelling out in the distance. I'm FREE, I'm FREE.

We then proceeded through check in where the lady helping us to negotiate the automated check in was a delight. After making our way through security we proceeded to our gate where we met the most nervous person we have ever seen waiting to get on the plane. He paced for a good hour and made us tired.

So we get on the plane. Ray goes right to sleep and sleeps right through the call for a doctor on the plane as one of the passengers was getting violently ill.

After arriving in Minneapolis we wandered around aimlessly until we found our gate then proceeded to Orlando where we made our way home laughing all the way as we recounted all the hilarity of the last week.

Roger had Caribbean music blasting on the radio and we were enjoying the sunshine and looking at palm tree's.

Upon arriving in beautiful Palm Bay we were greeted by wild Labs. Much licking was had by all.

So in all a wonderful trip with wonderful people doing wonderful things.

Ray & Roger & Sheila (or as we call her "Money")

Next will be lessons learned on the trip. What to do and not to do. What to wear and not to wear. (hint do not shave your head and walk out doors without a hat on)

Atonements and the search for Reindeer Sausage

Day 5 Atonement's and the search for Reindeer Sausage

Thanks to the adventures of day 4 we knew how to make Coffee. So we were ready to go adventuring and were jacked up on Coffee to boot. So off we went.

Dogs loaded up, People loaded up and away we went. First we went down to Lake Hood to see the Float Planes, which of course due to the slush they were not flying. So we drove around looking at planes. We found Otters, Twin Otters, Beavers and the find of all the Lockheed Electra. The Lockheed Electra was the plane that Amelia Earhart used for her last flight. Then to bring excitement to the whole part of the trip Ray found himself on the taxi way for the planes. Much excitement.

So off we went to have lunch at an Anchorage institution. Arctic Roadrunner, for burgers and fries. After a hearty lunch it was off in search of Reindeer sausage for Jamerson. Ray thought he was being smart so he of course Googled Reindeer Sausage and came up with a place that claimed to have Gourmet Reindeer Sausage. Upon arriving thinking that one of the prime missions of the day was soon to be accomplished our hopes were dashed when the lovely lady helping us said “Oh we have Reindeer Sausage mixed with meat and pork by products” The horror in Sheila's eyes and my stomach churning caused us to flee as fast as we could. All we could think of is the words. By Products. Visions on snouts and fingernails and such. At which time Roger said. “sounds like a hot dog to me”. I will never look at a hot dog the same again.

So how to recover from this mis-adventure? Well you call someone in Austin to look on the Internet for another option. That person was the ever dependable Joe. And of course we are calling from Anchorage to Austin so there are a lot of connections that need to be made to go from Cell phone to Cell phone. At first I thought I heard “I have found a company in India” Roger, Sheila and I were rolling on the floor. Joe then said he had found one in Indian Alaska. Then he said he had found several on 4th Street and D Street. So off we went.

While proceeding a spot flaw in the whole logic was uncovered. After gathering said Reindeer Sausage we had planned to go to the Anchorage Heritage Museum. Hmmmm. Tollers and Reindeer Sausage in the same place did not seem like a good idea. So an about face was conducted. Tollers were dropped off at the Chateau Pauli and then a peaceful ride to downtown Anchorage was started on.

But not until Ray had committed a sin of all sins. Needing something to write the address on he had grabbed a note card. But not just any note card. A Sheila personalized note card meant as a gift. So of course Ray offered to replace the note card with one that Sheila had given him early in on the trip and that had been carefully placed in a book to insure that its pristineness was maintained So off Ray went to get said card. Only to discover that he had been given a defective note card. One that had a slight crease in its spine. Me!!!! the proprietor of the whole trip had been given a known defective product. My heart sank, not so much because I had used a fresh and pristine note card but that I had been given one that had a known defect.

So feeling bad Ray loaded everyone back in the car minus Tollers to hunt for Reindeer sausage again. We were lucky. The address on the pristine note card produced the winning place. What made it even better was that we could sit at the sister restaurant across the street and have a glass of wine while our order was processed and brought over.

So next was the most important thing that had to be done on the entire trip. Make a special call to Erin at precisely 2:32pm local time (6:32pm in New Hampshire) to sing Happy Birthday. So off we trudged to the Anchorage Heritage Museum to await the momentous moment. So in we went, toured a couple galleries then headed to the atrium for the big event. Of course while singing we were watched by the fine security guards of the AHM. As we continued along our tour I noticed that a security guard seemed to be close by at all times.

Afterward we headed over to Judge Pauli's chambers on the 16th floor of the Attwood building. We viewed the wonderful scenery. Got to see Mt. McKinley as the day was crystal clear.

Next came the decision for dinner. Picking up a Pizza. So the next question that was asked was is there any beer at the Chateau? Ray assured everyone that he had indeed seen Beer. So off we went to get wonderful Pizza and proceed back to the Chateau. Only to find that Ray cannot tell the difference between a can of soda and beer. Oh the humiliation of it all. It is all I can bear just to write this.

Next comes the trip back to Orlando. What adventures will our merry band of travelers encounter?

Making Coffee in Alaska

Howdy all lets see Day 4 of the grand adventure.

Our adventurers woke up and decided to have coffee. Well making coffee in Alaska is much different then making coffee in the lower 48. The lower 48 we stand in front of a bio mechanical machine and say things like Double Latte with 2 shots of espresso and a sweet and low. A bio mechanical machine was not available so we stood in front of this mechanical machine saying such things as coffee with half&half. Nothing came out, so we tried telling it black coffee. Still nothing. So we called Rebbecca who was involved an important case (she is a Judge) and pulled her out of court.

She informed us there was such a thing as Mr. Coffee and you put water and coffee in it and it makes it for you. Amazing!!!! The wonders of the modern age we live in.

After a nice waking up we drove up to Hatchers Pass which has incredible views (see Sheila's blog for pictures, I'm to lazy). As we were hiking up to Independence mine we were informed that there were "Olympic skiers" ahead. After I stopped laughing (It has probably been about 20 years or more since an American has scored in the top 20 in the World Cup) we continued to Hike a bit further, before Ray asked Sheila if her Telephoto lens would capture the mine from where we were as if we were there. She informed me it would and so we headed back down for a nice lunch at the lodge.

After wards we drove through Wasilla, not seeing any Obama signs we decided not to stop for fear the we would be skinned. Even though we desperately needed a post office. So we quickly drove down to the Iditarod headquarters. Where we viewed Iditarod facts, including the pictures of the mushers and such. It was a grand time.

And if that were not enough we then proceeded to tour downtown Palmer in search of a Post Office. Which was eventually located. Thanks to my years of knowing Bob I knew how to find a Post Office. First you drive around looking for Flags then you see if the building with the flags in front of it has a post office sign. Walla how you find a post office.

And if that were not enough excitement for our 3 adventurers we drove back to Anchorage to visit an honest to god washed up Iditarod sled dog that a friend of Judy's had adopted. After a wonderful visit with Marco Polo we got to listen to a Singing Bowl.

Next it was back to Chateau Pauli for a nice dinner and conversation. Where we learned that as long as you don't throw the coffee grounds down the disposal all is fine.

Now it is time for our last day in Alaska. So stay tuned for more adventures.

The real history of Tollers

Here is what they want you to believe about Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Tollers.

The Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever is one of the most unusual breeds of gundog, at least in terms of how the dog works. The hunter stays hidden in a blind and sends the dog out to romp and play near the water, usually by tossing a ball or stick to be retrieved. The dog's activity and white markings pique the curiosity of waterfowl, who swim over to investigate. The act of enticing or luring game to approach is known as "tolling".

Now it is my belief that this a fabricated story to cover up for a Canadian experiment that went drastically wrong. It is a cover up of a plan to build Toll roads all across Canada and have the Toll booths manned by a super breed of dogs. For some reason the experiment went wrong and to cover up mistakes the Canadian government created a story about the breed and then paid off various breeders to enforce the story.

But in the end what came out was a wonderful dog who loves to run from person to person to person. We of course are led to believe that it is for affection, but what they are really wanting to do is take money from each person. It is a Tolling trait that will probably never be fully eliminated from the breed.

The only way to see Alaska

Day 3 (written on Day 4 for reasons you will find out while reading on)

When last I left you hanging we had landed in Valdez and were overnighting there. We woke up to a wonderful morning with a brisk walk with the Tollers followed by a wonderful driving tour from Valdez back to Anchorage.

Wonderful sights were seen. A stop for Brunch (you know that meal between breakfast and Lunch) in Copper Basin. Where we learned that it is not a good thing to give coffee to already over stimulated Tollers.

Matt was a wonderful guide having driven the are numerous times before and actually knew much of the surroundings. So while he is capable of saying what a particular mountain's name is I would have just called it a mountain.

Having caffeine stimulated Tollers required a pit stop to let them do some tolling. At which time our happy travelers went crazy taking pictures. Of course Sheila and Roger were intently taking pictures of one particular spot so I went over to do the same only to discover that they were just taking pictures of the trees. I figured with that intensity of picture taking there must have been a Rabbit or squirrel or something of interest but nope just a bunch of trees.

Next the adventurers decided to walk a couple hundred yards up the road to where a stream was to take pictures. Of course on the Glen Highway in the winter time there are very few cars but as we were trudging up the road a whole herd of cars came at us. I immediatly sprung into action and put Sheila at the front of the group. Figuring that they would either not hit a girl or if they did she had enough layers of clothes on that she could pad the impact for the Roger and I. So we got our pictures and made it back to the car.

Matt pointed out this glacier and that mountain and this lake and that river etc... Wonderful guide. Rebbecca and I were in the back seat taking it in and having wonderful conversations about all sorts of things.

Then coming into Palmer, which is about 30 miles north of Anchorage. Matt decided that we needed to treat Sheila and Roger to truly Alaskan experience. Fred Meyers. It is sort of a Target/Wal-mart/K-Mart type place, but all Alaskan owned. And of course they had a liquor store so Ray felt so much better.

After a wonderful last few miles drive back to Anchorage we arrived at Chateau Pauli where we quickly jumped into our dinner attire and sank in for an evening of wonderful relaxation.

Of course I am writing this post the day after it happened because as is often the case Ray got more relaxed then the others.

Posting from the MV Aurora -- I'm the King of World

Wow we are leaving Whittier on our way to Valdez on the Alaska Marine Ferry System. And they have internet service. How cool is that?

Day 2 started with Ray getting up early to take the car out to fill up with gas and then back up to Chateau Pauli to pick up the gang. Our chauffeur Matt provided an excellent ride down to Whittier with stops here and there to take pictures of the scenery.

To get to Whittier you have to take the tunnel which is exciting in its own way since it is a one way tunnel with rock on both sides. None of that fancy lined concrete tunnels here. And just enough room for a car to fit.

Upon arriving in Whittier we took in the site and of course stopped at the only bar in town to have the obligatory Rainier Beer. And then load up the car on the ferry with Dash and copper staying in the car while Roger, Sheila, Ray and their host Matt & Rebbecca make their way around the ship.

Well more to come as we have just left the port and will be cruising the Prince William Sound all the way to Valdez.

We are half way through the ferry journey to Valdez and the weather is clearing up. The mountains are wonderful and so incredible. And of course we just passed the Columbia Glacier and are moving around ice bergs. Sheila is looking for the life vests. Images of Titanic are going through her mind.

Roger is at the front of the vessel screaming "I'm the King of the World"

Arrival in Valdez

Ok we are here. Weather is cold but we are making the best of it. Matt suggests that we walk over to Mikes Place only to find out that it is closed. And we are cold. So we end up having dinner at the Best Western where we are staying.

Dash and Copper are staying with us tonight so that Rebbecca and Matt can do the wild thing.

So we are off to bed to dream pleasant dreams and wake up and do the whole adventure all over again with a drive to Anchorage from Valdez, through the southern interior of Alaska.

Stay tuned for more wonderful and wild adventures of our three wild adventurers and their host Matt & Rebbecca.

Ray

The Adventure is here

Well the actual Adventure has started. After our adventurous trip to Alaska we arrived in Anchorage and had our first day.

The start was with the delightful Copper Scream. Copper is a Nova Scotia Duck
Trolling Toller who when Matt & Rebbecca leave throws a temper tantrum to match no other.

After the delightful wake up of the Copper Scream (it was not exactly the pleasant live violin that we had requested. Came the coffee. Which delightfully was made, however Ray had to figure out how to get it out of the pot.

Then came a wonderful cereal breakfast. Being that it is the Pauli Chateau Bed and Breakfast you would expect nothing less.

Next came the trip downtown complete with map on where to park, which Ray did not read properly causing wonderful adventures to spontaneously erupt. Such as a visit to Ship Creek which is the place where Anchorage got its start and a walk with Copper and Dash (loaner Tollers) along the creek. After an adequate walk where all three of us decided we were cold as heck. We headed up to the new Convention center for a tour of the Arts and Craft expo at the Alaska Federation of Natives conference (AFN)

AFN is a conference where the various Alaska Native's groups gather to discuss things. But a wonderful part is that they have a arts and craft show to show off the talents of the various artist The array of things was wonderful. From Muck lucks to paintings to hand carved ivory etc... But the fun thing was watching the folks working the booths talking to people in their native tongue. Inuit, Yakut, Athabaskan, etc... all languages that are very interesting to listen to. But are rarely studied or understood by westerners. So we spent time lurking around booths listening to people talk to each other.

After much touring we wandered over to the Dark Horse Coffee House for of all things a wonderful cup of Hot Chocolate to warm our chilled bones. The right honorable Judge Rebecka joined us for a cup of tea and to gab a bit.

In the true spirit of adventure we started off on our next journey not knowing exactly where we were going. But after ending up on the Glen Highway going north we turned off to head up to the Arctic Valley Ski area. Where we stopped at pull overs along the way up to let the kids out to run and play. And of course to let Sheila take pictures to inspire her paintings. On the way down Ray pointed out where his brother had rolled Mom's 67 Camero. Then came the tour of Rays living arrangements in Anchorage, including the fabled 4110 Debarr #22F and of course other great haunts.

Afterward was a trip downtown to pick up Rebbecca and then off to a dog session with a specialist who evaluates dogs and what they need to do to become even more neurotic then they already are. While Sheila and Rebbecca were off to study how to make neurotic dogs even more neurotic Roger and I hit Guidos for a glass of suds.

On the way home it was learned that Dash needs about 6 months of quiet time to make sure that she does not over stress a rear leg that is showing signs of stress and that Copper needs to strengthen her front end.

Upon arriving a Chateau Pauli a few bottles of wine were served along with Moose sausage and goats cheese. Followed by a wonderful soup and salad topped off with a dram of Dooleys, the original Toffee and Creme Liqueur. and then off to beds for the lot for the adventure to come on day 2.

So Stay forward for the ferry ride from Whittier to Valdez. And the wonders that it will uncover. Who knows what will happen. I refuse to speculate as we will let the adventure take its shape. But adventure we shall and you are along for the ride.

Ray

The Adventure begins

The Adventure begins

First we get to the Airport in Orlando 3 hours early so that Ray can flirt with Tommy the check in guy to get Roger upgraded. Despite all of Ray's abilities it was no go. But never fear there is always the guy at the check in counter. So success the three adventurers are in First Class.

And of course to celebrate the occasion we attempt a team picture using the mini tripod and Sheila's fancy camera but after several attempts a fellow traveler comes to our rescue and takes the picture.

In Flight

Sheila and Roger are having a blast. Drink cart comes by drinks are served in nice glass of wine and then comes the food cart. Ahhhhh this is the life. I highly recommend Bose noise canceling headphones.

Bummer is that Northwest does not have power ports on its domestic planes. Bummer.

Arrived in Anchorage. To nice brisk weather. Our personal chauffeur was on time to pick us up. When we arrived at chateaus Pauli there was a nice bottle of chilled wine along with freshly popped pop corn.

Roger and Sheila have personal Tollers to keep them warm. I am left to sleep by myself.

Ray

To Spacebag or not? That is the question.

How to get everything from 3 people into 1 bag?

In these days of having to pay f0r checking a bag it has become an art form for travelers as to how to get the most for their dollar.

Spacebags have become an indispensable item in the world of thrift packing. The problem comes in that to get the most out of your spacebag experience you need to have a device for sucking the air out of the bag on both sides of the journey. Also known as a Vacum cleaner.

Now they do make the "travel spacebag" which you can roll up and squeeze air out, and they do have their place in the whole packing for a trip experience. But if you are bringing three nuts to Alaska you need professional sucking power.

So given that we are going to a place where it is seriously cold there is a requirement for sweaters, coats, insulated bras, fur lined jocks etc.... All of which take space.

So the resultiing use of professional quality spacebags and of course confirmation that on the return portion of the trip that the person that you are utilizing Ray's Theory for having fun while travel rule #2 has an adequate sucking device. (see previous post)

So there you have it. The next blog will be actual traveling experience blog. Reviewing items like how to get three people through the Orlando Airport without killing every screaming child who does not want to leave Disney World.

So stay tuned as Sheila, Roger and Ray adventure to the Great White North.

Ray’s Theory on having fun while traveling

Rule 1: Get someone else to pay for the trip (thank you Gateway for flying me all over the world while I worked for you all those years ago, and to Northwest Airlines for forcing me to finally use them or lose them by the end of the year)

Rule 2: Find a friend to mooch a place to stay off of where you are going (Thanks Matt & Rebecca as well as Jorge & John, Marnie & Greg, Terry & Frieda, etc….)

Rule 3: Get to know a local pharmacist.

There that is it. Find someone else to pay for the trip, mooch off of friends and get to know the local pharmacist.

So you are reading this and thinking. I can understand 1&2 but what is up with 3?

Well it is the secret of international travel. So you are thinking aaaaahhhhh he is going to tell us how to remedy Montezuma’s Revenge. Wrong, Boy Wonder. The international language of drugs is English. Thus, in just about every country that I have been to I have found that pharmacist can at least understand written English if not spoken English.

Writing things out works great when you are trying to communicate with someone who understands a bit of English. Heck, half the time I can’t understand a word that Sheila says since she speaks Bostonian. She called my Shaq SHAAARRRRKK for the longest time. So I’m listening to her and thinking whom the heck is SHAAARRKK. Finally Roger translated for me. I have been steadily learning Bostonian but it is a darn hard language to learn. You have to have large lung capacity to pull it off. In English we would say Bar in Bostonian they say Baaaaaaaahhhhhhhh. I found learning Russian, Japanese and Chinese much easier.

Oh and the final rule is be gracious to everyone. Even if things are going wrong, the sun will still come up in the morning and as Scarlett O’Hara said “Tomorrow is another day”.

Now for the stories (nooooooo not the stories)

If you find yourself in Rome and you are trying to cross the street (first off I would question your sanity) you have to make eye contact with the motorist. If you do they will stop for you. If you think for a second that just because you are at a crosswalk and you step into the street that people will stop for you then you are sadly mistaken.

Ok, one more story. (You will find that Ray has lots of one more thing stories). Poland was “occupied” by the Soviet Union for several decades. As a result most everyone had to learn Russian as well as their Polish. So I go to Krakow a couple of months ago. I am a bit lost so instead of using my patented find a Pharmacist rule I stop someone on the street and ask them in Russian. They ignore me and walk on, so I stop another person and ask them in Russian same result. Later on I find out that they probably understood me perfectly but they consider speaking Russian to be an insult as they consider the only reason that they learned it was because they were forced to during the “occupied” years.

So there you have it. Useful information that you can use on your next trip. Get someone else to pay, mooch off of friends and become friends with a Pharmacist, make eye contact with the driver before trying to cross the road and for heaven sake if you find yourself in Poland do not ask someone a question in Russian.

We hope you enjoy our adventures which will start on Oct 22 and be updated daily. So instead of getting a long-winded email from Ray you will get a brief little note saying to go to the blog and see what has gone on. This way everything will be in one place and you can go back and read the postings over and over again and share them with your friends and family.