Thursday, May 24, 2012

Ohhhh, That Train Ride To Denali!

Okay, so we took the train ride in the bubble top train to Denali -- Alaska Railway's McKinley Line sponsored by Holland America.
It was w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l
As soon as l'm able to upload some pictures I will post them here. The ride was delightful and the scenery was spectacular.
Alaska is truly incomparable. But let me see if I can compare it to the place (or places) that are most like it.
It's like Wyoming for its vast emptiness and open, rugged terrain.
And it's like Colorado for it's majestic mountain ranges and grandeur.
But even those comparisons are not fair.
Because Alaska is wilder, more untamed, freer and in many ways more awe-inspiring. Alaska encompasses so much that it simply cannot be put alongside any other state.
And the people are friendly, distinctive and fascinating.
Alaskans say that they are welcoming of everyone -- of every race, religion, age, gender, etc. but (and this is major) you must be able and ready to pull your own weight. You must be able and willing to pitch in and help out. In this land of rugged individualism people say they don't usually have to ask for help (and they're not inclined to) but others just naturally roll up their sleeves and apply assistance when they see (or hear of) neighbors in need.
That's the Alaskan way.
And one other thing: This is a very patriotic state. Alaska prides itself on its statehood and the people are not shy about showing their love for America.

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