Vacation!

I ventured out of Alaska down to San Francisco for a little relief from the stress of the summer, and to see killer Bluegrass and hang with pals.
The drive down from Skagway, AK to Seattle was pretty epic, vistas of orange and red alpine hillsides and towering mountains already dusted with snow.
Julie Jackson and I played "wildlife bingo" tallying the buffaloes, caribou, elk, bears, and moose along our drive through the Yukon, and down to British Columbia.


Arriving in Seattle I spent some quality time with the Chisholm Grandparents and really enjoyed seeing them on the West Coast and caught up on whats been happening in our lives for the last few years.

San Francisco started out wonderfully! I ended up sitting next to a woman, my age, who had worked on an organic local farm in Fairbanks for the whole summer. Turns out that I know the family who runs the farm! George is active in the Bluegrass community, and his partner Kristi and their gorgeous children came to the Solstice Fest in Cantwell, AK which I also attended this last summer. We chatted about Alaska, and her long summer (she was gone for 9 months) away from San Fransisco. She offered me a ride to my friend's home in the Park Presidio (which has no direct public transit) which I was so greatful. Her roommate showed me the Ocean Beach neighborhood and graciously dropped me off at the front door of Chase Christie and Kate Hamre's home.
The troops from all corners of Alaska poured in over the next two days: and among them those who have relocated to the lower 48. It was so great to see everyone, some I haven't seen since Folk Fest in Juneau, last spring.
We listened to amazing music, both in the living room/kitchen jam circles, and at the Hardly Strictly Music Festival.
The highlight for the actual festival was seeing Doc Watson play, as well as Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings. The latter show was so amazing, and looking around at everyone's faces during their heartfelt songs---the crowd seemed to be memorized.
Special thanks to Jacob Groopman who saved our lives by sacrificing the suspension of his Saturn to haul the Juneau crew as well as those of us who couldn't snag a cab back to the Presidio. (He also provided me with great music to add to my I tunes which I have been literally obsessed with since I got home---thanks Jacob!)
The nights were long, we slept outside under the stars, and ate amazing breakfasts at Zazie, an epic restaurant near the Haight. I am so grateful to both Chase and Kate, and Jeff Kanzler---for feeding us, and putting up with a house full of crazy Bluegrassers and Rowdy Alaskans. It was a great time!

After the madness of the festival dies down, my dad picked me up in SF and we drive to Monterey Bay. He had meetings and appointments in Carmel, so I laid by the ocean, and drove through the fruitful Carmel Valley wine country stopping to admire the immense vineyards and organic fruit orchards. I cranked up the stereo in the rented 2009 Toyota Camry and zoomed around the scenic Carmel Valley roads in the 75 degree weather.
After work was done we drove the 17 mile road back north, admiring the foggy coastline and giant mansions which overlooked Pebble Beach golf course. It was dinner time, and we dined on 26 chubby fresh oysters on a half shell with ice cold Vodka sodas with lots of lemon.
The next day I departed San Francisco for Seattle.
Soon after I drove south with my mom and brother Markus to Portland for a final send off party with my maternal relatives. Markus is now in Thailand, and we wanted to have a goodbye gathering in the city we were born with our closest kinfolk. The day started with MY favorite past time: thrift store shopping with my Grandma Jo at the best second hand shop in Oregon, "Red White and Blue." I picked up two pairs of boots, a few tops, and some jewelry for pennies compared to what they would charge in Seattle, especially Juneau.
The party followed and later that night we all gathered at Pub 181 in Gresham, OR (the same place I spent my 21st Birthday). This place is the best neighborhood bar I have ever been to. My aunt and uncle are regulars and we played the loto line games and I threw back now fewer than 4 Bushmills neat, thanks to my cousin and Grampa Doug. I only got "a quarter fucked up." It was a great night, anytime I get to spend with my cousin Jamie, Aunt Mary Jane, Uncle Terry, and my beloved Grampa Doug and Grama Rona is a great time!!!! MISS YOU GUYS!

I wrapped up all my loose ends, spent some time with my best friends, "the Alexes" (Kattar and Sanchez respectively) and soon found myself packed and ready to drive to Prince Rupert British Columbia to the ferry back to Juneau, AK.

I said goodbye to brother Markus (for a whole year!!!!) and started my drive north. It was the most laid back drive I have ever had, I sang Bluegrass and listed to my music unapologetically. I found myself in Prince Rupert in less than 20 hours! Boarded the ferry with no problems and found my spot on the M/V Taku bound for Juneau!

I'm home now. I was offered a little job driving one of the tour buses from the summer up to Fairbanks, AK as Holland America needs 8 buses in the 'Banks by next week for training. That will be a fun trip, I have never done that drive before, and I'm hoping to see some of my interior friends. I will leave next Tuesday and get back just in time for Juneau Halloween festivities! YAY!

I will try and be more diligent about my goings on here in Juneau and other adventures that come my way! Here's to being back home :)