LIGHTEN UP DAY 27 - Alaska Travel

My TINY CONDO is in Anchorage. I never meant to live in it. I bought it for a quick stop over and for the garage. The garage is about the same size as the living area, ergo - TINY. I leave my car here, so when I come "North to Alaska," I have a place to recover from the trip, spend the night, pick up supplies and head to Talkeetna.

But Talkeetna is snowed in until April/May, and we wanted to see the Iditarod - "I did, I did, I did the Iditarod trail." (Thanks to Hobo Jim - I can't get that song out of my head.) What an amazing adventure this has been. We wish everyone could experience the Iditarod.

Now, the event is over, and we are back in Anchorage - but most of our patients and clients are north of Anchorage. Did you hear what happened?

Two days ago the Anchorage Police Department redirected area traffic routes, following an 18-wheeler overpass collision. While inbound to Anchorage on the Glenn Highway, this area is still closed at South Eagle River. No one knows how long it will take (if ever) to repair the overpass/bridge.

Many people commute from Palmer/Wasilla to Anchorage, every day. They have been rerouted through Eagle River - a beautiful village that isn't prepared for the massive traffic detouring through their boundaries. It is interesting watching how locals and natives are handling this inconvenience.

Most people don't mind the detours, it's part of the Alaska way of life: "It is what it is." The fun nature of Alaska residents shines through, as one resident wore a dinosaur costume and held a sign that said “You're almost there” to backed-up traffic from a pedestrian bridge over Eagle River Loop Road. “Just easing the tension." she explained.

A few years ago, a storm knocked out the Montana Creek Bridge off Parks Highway in Talkeetna. For months, residents who wanted to travel ten miles to Sheeps Creek, or twenty plus miles to Willow, Wasilla or Anchorage had to travel north to Fairbanks and then south through Glennallen to Palmer - over a hundred mile detour. This is why many residents of Alaska travel by private planes.

Yesterday, we made a wrong turn and came upon a huge moose standing in a snowy field, watching us watch him. My neighbors taught me to chill out but be prepared. To carry blankets and water in the car, for emergencies or unavoidable travel changes. (https://www.alaskacenters.gov/trip-planning/travel/road)

By Road Know your Alaskan highways | Know the Conditions

6 Things to Know About Roads in Alaska:

Summer is construction season.
Weather is unpredictable.
Roads conditions are rough.
Most rental car companies won't tow a car if it's broken down on a dirt road.
Some gas stations only operate seasonally.
There is a 92 mile stretch with no gas stations between Alaska's two largest cities, Anchorage and Fairbanks.

Call Alaska 511 Department of Transportation for traveler information and up-to-date road conditions. Alaska State Highway road map and distances chart:

To live in Alaska, you have to be tough and patient. It helps to stay lightened-up.

BE SAFE. BE WELL. BE HAPPY. LIGHTEN UP.

TAKE TIME TO SMELL THE FLOWERS AND SEE THE WILDLIFE.

ROLL WITH THOSE PUNCHES.

Love Lynne & Deb