I Had a Dream

I had a dream, a weekend long one.  It began with an incident-free Cessna flight off the island to Ketchikan International, which is not sure thing, weather being what it is across the Dixon Strait.  My flight to Seattle and transfer to a plane for San Diego went without a hitch, too.  The sun shone the entire trip from Seattle south (It continues to surprise me how much I miss sunshine.)  

Once in San Diego, I walked out into the warm sun, now getting to feel it as well as see it.   Ahhhh, how nice it felt.  My luggage in hand, I wait on the curb for someone to pick me up, and here comes Brady driving a white Mustang convertible with the top down!  What a perfect car for a weekend in San Diego! 

Coming home, over Gravina Island, site of the infamous proposed  "Bridge to Nowhere," which would have connected this Island and the Ketchikan Airport to the City of Ketchikan.

It was a quick trip from the airport to our Courtyard Marriott at Liberty Station.  Kelli was there already, having flown in from Maine in the morning.  This was her first trip away from Henry.  Fortunately (?), she had stopped nursing just two weeks ago, so this was not a big issue.  His Mom and Dad explained that she was visiting California, with Bumpie (me), Uncle Beadie (Brady) and Aunt Faith, and he seemed fine with this explanation, the whole weekend (don't ask what happened when she got home!)  Also, there was a surprise waiting for me in our hotel room, besides niece Kristin:  amazingly, Mitt Rmoney had already arrived, and was taking a nap in my bed!  

It was so great to see Kelli and Brady.  Our third floor room was really nice, with a view out over the channel and a huge green grassy park.  

The wedding of Mary and Jay was beautiful!  There were over 200 family and friends, and the air remained tranquil as they said their vows on Sunset Cliffs.  I love weddings, especially outdoor ones.  The only thing missing was my lovely bride, who did not make the trip south with me, unfortunately.  Mary and Jay were radiant, as were all the parents.   They were married by Jay's pastor from Minnesota, a fun connection to his life growing up.

It was great to see everyone I did get to see.  I had a nice long visit with my Dad, and a short conversation with my Mom, who was more lucid than she has been for a long time, a special treat.  I usually detest making long trips for short visits, but this was really nice, and seemed longer than a long weekend.    

View of our neighborhood.  We live just north of the white roof-hoofed cabin, about mid-photo on the left.  The water to the left is one of the arms of the Klawock Inlet, part of the Pacific Ocean.  About 500 yards to west/left, is the main part of Klawock.  

See the Klawock Log Sortyard, a deepwater port on Klawock Island.  Klawock proper is on the top part of the picture.  The Klawock Cooperative Association Cannery, docks, and buildings are at the top left.

Our car, which we ended up sharing, had MORE THAN TWO RADIO STATIONS!  I had forgotten the fun of having audio choices!  It does exist!

Most of main Klawock, with the Klawock Cannery under the red roofs on the water, and the dock just below.  This is where I worked until the Tribal Transportation Department moved the first of October.

Klawock Airport, the only landing strip on all of Prince of Wales Island, although there are several sea plane ports.  Along the west side is another arm of the Klawock Inlet, leading north into the Big Salt Lake.  We live about three miles south of this pictures.

Back home, and it still feels like it was a much longer break from the Island.  I'm so glad I went, so glad I got to see Brady and Faith and Kelli, and other family.  I will be re-living this trip for a long time, probably all through our Alaska fall and winter, at least.