Back from the Fly-In

Well, we are back (in Palmer, Alaska) after flying in to the Takeetna mountain range on a little two seater plane (one of us and the pilot at a time - so he had to make three trips). The plane had huge bouncy wheels so that we could land on the tundra. Exciting or what? The plane....

The view from the windows....

The camp....


We were 160 miles from the nearest settlement, no communications at all, and grizzly bears everywhere (although we didnt see one). We had pepper spray/mace in case one approached us (and was downwind) otherwise we were meant to pretend to play dead so it wouldn't think we were a threat. The plane came back two days later to pick us up but was late because there was a bush fire (miles away from us) and the smoke prevented it taking off. Some people had apparently been waiting over 24 hours to be picked up. Went hiking out there and the weather was glorious sun one moment and then hail and thunder and lightning. It was mountains, gorges, and flat tundra all mixed up, with lots of bogland to tramp through (and get our feet wet in). Camp food was excellent (especially the Baileys and hot chocolate to finish with), sleeping in a tent moderately comfy, and keeping our kit dry very difficult since the relative humidity was so high. We had a fantastic time and some excellent fresh air. Thinking of buying a tent for use in the Rockies!

It was wet.....
Im currently in a Laudromat washing all the clothes before starting the three day kayak trip tomorrow in Prince William Sound. Didnt expect to find a computer here so have no camera to upload the photos... but will do soon. Alison trying to wash off the hiking grime in the hotel before we swap over duties. Dinner tonight will be in the hotel (looks a bit like a motorway cafe to me) but we are famished and tired.

Well we have time to blog this morning. Alison left her phone on Canada time (although we are now not in Canada) and set the alarm an hour too early. We went to the movies last night and went to this cinema where you eat at tables in the main auditorium. Ate truely enormous burritos.....still not hungry. Packed and ready to go on our fly-in hiking trip. Simon hoping that it will be a sea plane as cant imagine many landing strips out in the national parks. Very excited.

Will edit posts and upload photos in a few days when we return (unwashed, unshaven, and generally grubby) from our trip but not encountered a computer with a USB port yet to connect the cameras too (and this is the United States of America!)

Already in Alaska

Well we have made it to Alaska already... Seems to be whistling away the trip.

We met up at Vancouver airport suprisingly easily, and hired yet another massive "micro" car. We then caught the ferry to Nanaimo on Vancouver island and drove to Ukuklet (we didnt make it to Tofino on the first night as accomodation was hard to get hold of) and stayed on a rather basic (to say the least) old ship.

A quick drive to Tofino (most Western part of Canada served by paved roads) and a trip out to see some whales (2 humpbacks and 1 grey) and a visit to some hot springs. Simon missed every single whale on camera. Went out in a boat called a zodiac which was basically a dinghy with two enormous engines on the back, we even had to wear special protective suits as it went so fast the wind would have frozen us. The boat trip alone was worth the money.

Since driven back to Vancouver via Victoria (nice, meant to be very English but seemed a little fake to us) but we had some glorious weather, not managed to burn like in Spain, and wandered around the harbour.

Three hout flight up to Anchorage (we didnt realise it was so far) and a very bizarre place - flat surrounded by mountains with snow on the top. Still really sunny and hot - it was meant to be cold and wet here! Simon a little anxious about the trip wondering if he is going to be fit enough and have the right kit.

Currently in a coffee shop - Alison finishing off the Da Vinci Code and Simon finishing off some stats so he can ignore them for the rest of the trip.

Basically having a brill time.

One day left in Nelson and then I fly back to Vancouver to meet Simon - I'm VERY excited. I can't believe how quickly the time has gone. The last couple of days in Emerg have been quieter but still interesting. I took this photo of a couple of the nurses (Louis and Maralyn) in a quiet moment.














I'm really shocked that there were more bombings in London so soon, at least nobody was killed this time - lots of love to you all.

Well, just call me Little Miss Sewing Machine - I've sutured 3 fingers, 2 heads and 1 hand. Luckily for me the people of Nelson are an active lot and keep on going out in that sunshine and hurting themselves.

I rented a bike on Saturday, the hills here are a complete killer, much to my embarrassment I actually had to get off my bike on one road and push it the last 20 m, which wasn't much easier - at least I've seen others doing the same thing and no they weren't all grannies. The trip back into town was easy - I literally didn't have to pedal once.

On Sunday I went for a stroll with James, a nurse in the 'Emerg', his wife Sasha and their very cute little son, Sam.

Then, I discovered Dairy Queen ...MMMmm!

As promised I wondered up to Pulpit rock, a trip that was made a good deal longer by me missing the turning TWICE! But it did afford some beautiful views over Nelson. Whilst it was glorious sunshine in London it poured down with rain here on the way home - which tested out my waterproof jacket a treat, I just wish I'd been testing out my waterproof trousers as well. In the evening I went to a fundraising dinner with the neighbours who help fund a sports scholarship. Sunday was dominated by finding out that Grandad had broken his femur when he tripped down some concrete steps - an accident that would have left anyone with broken bits, he's now in traction waiting for his operation on Wednesday. I had another walk on Sunday this time along a disused railway track which is now only used by walkers and mountain bikers and again some disappointing views.

Well, all the big news is in London. I was really pleased about the Olympics and completely shocked by the bombings - it doesn't seem quite real from this far away. As far as I can tell everyone I know is fine, but poor Ron was apparently on the train behind.

I plan to go for a couple of short walk/hikes over the weekend which I am assured are quite do-able for the chronically (?sp) unfit and are very popular so hopefully I will be able to post more pictures on Monday.

Big hugs to everyone.

More pictures to make you jealous - the hospital and the view out of the back of the emergency room - both pretty dreary I think you'll agree. Everybody is so fit here, they all mountain bike, run, hike, kayak and anything else you can possibly do outside. The nurses don't go for a smoke at breaktime, they go for a run, and these are 50 year olds and it's hot outside and there's a hill in every direction and yes they do 12 hour shifts. All in all they make you feel like a great lump of a couch potato that's never been outside before! By the way, if you want to add a comment you just click on comments.

I arrived safely in Nelson on Saturday after my epic journey and was immediately invited to dinner with the neighbours, who also had me over for breakfast the next morning and took me on a shopping tour of Nelson. Nelson is beautiful, the countryside reminds me of Switzerland but with lots of huge American-style cars roaming around. The little house is very comfortable and Oscar and I are getting on really well. Although, he was sick in the lounge yesterday evening (and then just hopped out of the window without making any attempt to clear it up, which I thought was a little rude.) I spent my first day in the hospital today, the 'emerg' has about 6 beds and one doctor - but it was more interesting and busier than any of my time in A&E at Welwyn Garden City I've already seen a chainsaw injury, an OD and lots more. I will try and keep the blog updated, please add your comments. Love to you all.

She's there... and already off to meet the neighbours for some wine. Meanwhile, we've all been watching the tennis and Live 8. A weekend of television has limited the work somewhat. I wanted Roddick and Davenport to win. neither of whom did. Robbie, Madge, REM, and The Killers were the stars of Live 8 for me. Needless to say Im behind on the work now....

Simon

Well, the blog starts today… Alison left Heathrow at 08:40 this morning destined for Vancouver, Castlegar, and ultimately Nelson in British Columbia. Oscar the cat is waiting nervously….

Simon