Back at the hotel, we enjoyed a nice lunch at The Happy Husky and around 1:30, the airport shuttle picked us up. The Fairbanks Airport is delightfully small and compared to Cleveland, a real delight. Tagging our bags, dropping them off – easy peasy and Nora and I got through security on the TSA Preck – they automatically gave it to her since her reservation was tied to mine – didn’t help an awful lot since we had to wait for Devon and Lia anyway but there was no remove laptop, off with shoes etc. etc.
We sort of knew the trip home would be difficult and probably exhausting but such is life. Our flight left Fairbanks about 4:00 pm, arriving in Seattle about 8:30 p.m. – we lost an hour there. We had a short layover and boarded the next leg about 9:15. On the first leg, Nora and I were in row 31 (out of 32) which really only meant we were among the last to board and the last to get back off the plane. For the Seattle to Cleveland leg, I found out we could upgrade our seats for a very reasonable cost so we moved up to row 10 with a bit more legroom and better on/off times.
Nora and I had dinner on the first leg – scrumptious macaroni and cheese! – but by the second leg I could tell I was fighting something respiratory and during our brief layover, I found some stupidly expensive Dayquil/Nyquil and hoped I’d get a leg up on fighting it off. I actually slept on the Seattle-Cleveland flight but was still dragging by the time we landed and went to baggage claim. Happily, all luggage made it and Devon remembered exactly where he’d left the car. We hit Willowbrook Court about 7:30 a.m. and I had to decide if I was going to stay and sleep or start the journey over to see Bec, Dev and the boys. I opted for the journey which, in Devon’s words, may have been the “bold” choice but probably not the smartest. I made the 6 hour drive with a great deal of snacking and a lot of phone conversations to pass the time. I truly don’t think I’d have made it without the help.
So, the adventure comes to an end. What great memories we shared. What incredible sights we saw. What experiences we will remember for years to come. And we have a deeper appreciation for the magnitude of the state of Alaska – a different culture, a hardy people living and prospering in a harsh environment, a state filled with wonders that cannot be found anywhere else. Day after day we were told and shown things we could not imagine. What a wonderful trip!!
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