Day 76: Anchorage, AK (rest day)

We're all a bit tired today. The team has been working a bit to spread the news of our arrival. After lunch, we headed back to The University of Alaska Anchorage to be present for a welcoming ceremony. And other then we being the honored guests, the Lt. Governor showed up and presented us with gifts. He introduced himself and spoke of the tragedies of Alaska being a state where suicide is common, and that there needs to be more young people standing up for the cause. We felt humbled. Alyson said, "I think the trip is starting to sink in," keeping the tears from rolling down her face. I'm not at the point of fully realizing the impact of the trip but I know what she means. Meeting all these people, has put some added value to what we've accomplished.










We toured some more areas in Anchorage, and found ourselves in a theatre, where a man gave a old fashioned story telling of the Alaska legends. As he began to tell of the Gold Rush, that took place about 100 years ago, we felt a kindred to the story. We have traveled the same trails of the adventurers searching for gold. Because like them we were on an adventure searching for riches, not the material kind, but we were searching for the riches that can't be bought or sold, we were searching for meaning.





Nathan is saying "Goodbye" to his parents right now. They are leaving on a plane tomorrow morning leaving us on our own again. Seeing them was like a touch of reality, reminding us that this trip has to end, but now that they're gone in the back of my mind I swear I feel like I'm going to ride again tomorrow. I guess it has become a habit. But this trip has to end. Being with Nathan's parents also reminded me that I have parents awaiting me at home. I can't wait to see them.

p.s. Moose are everywhere!!






-Justin Brown