Topeka

Bear in mind, some people have asked for pictures of this soon to be infamous week end. This is Robert and me, at an old speakeasy, north Topeka. Goes back to Prohibition days. Excellent Rib-eye.

Kansas Trip

Well, all fools are definitely not dead yet...more about that later.

Up-dates:

First, had a great week-end last; great visit from U Ken/A Susan at our Tucson home, along with Ash and Paul's family, and Jeff and Erica. Watched the younger Dickson sisters get inducted into the Sabino High school Sports Hall of Fame! Tennis prowess! Good Job Battling Dickson Sisters! Very proud.

 I've now just landed in Kansas City en route to Topeka and then Manhattan for various reunions. My 50th high school graduation, and then on Sat a trip to Manhattan for a college fraternity reunion and a Kansas State football game. This is good, since I'm pretty sure the state is down to only two universities fielding a football team this year! (K-State and Wichita State..)

 Now, as I've said all along, it's Good to have old friends. My flight was fine, but when I got to the rental car counter, no matter what I said or pleading, they simply would Not rent me a car. Something about a mistaken identity and, a small thing really, an expired license...good grief. They wouldn't take my pilot's license our even my Senior Nat'l Park pass. Soooo, long story a little shorter, here I sit in the airport. :-(..But! After I got a shuttle reservation, and called a good old buddy that I was to meet for dinner, he's driving up to pick me up and loaning me a car. Some start to a reunion week-end! I'm a senior citizen, no other explanation required!

 Could be worse...I'll keep in touch.

Love to all, UR/Dad

Sabino High Sports Hall of Fame

Interesting half time induction, Sabino High Sports Hall if Fame...fun!

Alaska

 We are all packed up and ready to head south after a wonderful journey all the way north up to Fairbanks. While it's been a great experience, we all feel it's time to return to Arizona and, from what we hear, to buy a boat!

 The Alaskan people seem to be really friendly, enjoy contact by "outsiders", and are definitely a different breed up here.

 The only thing we did not get to experience was the Aurora  Borealis...next time. We even got to see Mt McKinley/Denali on a beautiful cloudless day,  albeit from about 100 miles! Incredible, but really too far out for good pictures.

 Love to all,

UR/Dad

 

Anchorage

Anchorage, in the rain, but heading to train station for long journey up to Mt McKinley and Denali Nat'l Park!
So far,..., So Good!
Love, UR/Dad

Trip update

Greetings all!

 Now we are in the middle of pretty rough seas, about 10 hours out from Seward, our departure terminal. We've had a wonderful time although I feel like a bloated pig...continual deserts and the occaisional beer and that does it..

  Yesterday we had a great day in the Glacier Bay Nat'l Park, getting up close to the various glaciers and seeing wildlife. Today, however, a different story with wind, rain, fog to the surface, and waves to 11 feet as per the announcements. I'm thinking more like 100 feet, but we are fine!

 Tomorrow is docking at Seward, the domed car train to Anchorage, and spending the night there. We then take another dome car train up to Denali Nat'l Park and spend a couple of days there, then on to Fairbanks.

 So far the trip has been really really fun. Seeing the bears that close a few days ago was special, and the dolphins around the ship is fun too.

 The past week has really gone fast, and I hope you've all had a good week too.

 Love,

UR/Dad

Evening in Skagway