Onward from Bellingham

As you may have noticed, we've been out of touch for a little while here at Dog's Eye View.  There are several reasons for this, among which are that up until a couple of days ago I was living at a Super 8 (which is much more expensive than you might think).  So, I've been busy getting settled, studying for the bar, philandering, etc.  I am finally in Anchorage though, in an apartment, with internet access.

The rest of the trip up here was spectacular.  The ferry ride from Bellingham, WA to Haines, AK was three days - I wanted to stay five (mostly because I didn't really want to face everything that leaving the ferry entailed).  Some things worth noting about the ferry that you won't see in the pictures: (1) we passed by a lot of whales, but I did not see any of them (usually busy napping, eating, philandering, etc.); (2) I did catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights that was too faint to capture on film, but alone could make the ride worthwhile.

On the way to Bellingham overlooking the Columbia River (I think).

 Bellingham, WA - a cute town with exhorbitant cigarette prices.

Me and Mom and the Motor Vessel Columbia in the background.

M.V. Columbia pulling out of port and leaving the shores of the lower 48.

My state room.

Getting tossed about the boat in some rough seas.



I have three dozen pictures like this.  Although the scenery never really changed that much, it was still pretty hard to get tired of.

Me and my first Alaskan friend, Shannon (aka, the "Filipino Dagger").  Shannon will one day be my wife, though she is not yet aware of this.

We stopped in Ketchikan before getting to Haines, where I had some time to get off the boat and check out the town, which is also a major stop for cruise ships, so there is a lot of touristy stuff there.  Fun town though.  I particularly like this picture, because it looks the eagle wants to eat the little girl. 

Driving off the ferry in Haines, AK. My first time in Alaska.  I had to go through Canada, and would subsequently reenter Alaska, but this was the first time.

Driving the Haines Highway - this polite wolf stood there long enough for me to get a picture.  I actually saw a couple of them on the road from Haines to Anchorage.

 

No, no it isn't...

Midnight in Tok, AK.

 Last rest stop on the road to Anchorage, which is a very poorly maintained road I should add.  It made it a fun drive though.  I was bouncing up and down most of time singing whatever songs came to mind (no radio stations for miles), but the truck trailer held together the whole time.

I'll have to post more about Anchorage when I get some more pics and have more to say.  I will say it's pretty awesome though.  Things are definitely different.  I got a haircut today at a Korean barber shop.  Before I could ask for a post-cut shampoo, this skilled tradesman had already gotten out the shopvac to clean up those hairs that get left behind.  Very effective and actually quite nice.