Jamie Stengel and I have been roommates all throughout college. She is from Moab, UT. We roomed together our first year at Utah State in Merrill Hall and got along so well we've just stuck together since then.
People sometimes say that we seem like unlikely friends. I guess because we are so different from each other; different religions, different backgrounds, different lifestyles. But no matter, we've been there for each other through just about everything. From school and days in the library (or engineering bldg or the park), sorority stuff, wild spring breaks and fun summer vacations, work, double dates, movies and ice cream. I could always come back to the apartment after a bad date or even just a bad day and she would be there just to listen to me talk. She would never interrupt or condemn, just lovingly listen till I finished and then offer gentle advice and comfort. All in all, we have been the best of friends. I would not have made it through my college experience without her loyalty and kind friendship. Jamie graduated last May with a degree in history and got a job in Skagway, Alaska.
Patrick, another friend from college, graduated last year and now works for Horizon/Alaska Airlines. He was able to arrange a trip for us to visit Jamie in Alaska. Juneau and Skagway were cold and rainy with an average temperature of 50 degrees, but the scenery was incredible! We were in Juneau for three days, then took a ferry to Skagway where we stayed for another three days.
I detoured on my way home to Malad to see Justin in Coeur d'Alene and spend a few more relaxing days at the lake. As much as I loved Alaska, this was probably my favorite part of the whole vacation.
This vacation reaffirmed to me that what makes the journey worthwhile is who you share it with. Even though the sites and landscape were beautiful, majestic and even breathtaking at times, I wouldn't have nearly enjoyed it as much if I was alone. I'm so grateful for the people I was able to share this adventure with!
MENDENHALL GLACIER
A DOCK DOWNTOWN JUNEAU
WE SAW A LIVE BABY BROWN BEAR, BUT SINCE I DIDN'T GET A PICTURE OF IT I SETTLED FOR A PICTURE WITH THE NOT-SO-ALIVE BEAR. THIS OPTION WAS THE SAFER OF THE TWO.
THE STATE CAPITAL BUILDING
WE RODE THE BUSES EVERYWHERE!
Mt. ROBERTS
WE TOOK THE TRAMWAY PART WAY UP MT. ROBERTS. FROM THERE WE HIKED THE REST OF THE WAY TO THE SUMMIT. WE WERE ABLE TO OVERLOOK THE ENTIRE CITY. IT WAS AMAZING!
ALONG THE WAY, I TOOK A FEW PICTURES OF THE WILDFLOWERS (which is not typical of me...I did it for Shantel, Nicole and Jamie).
THE FEELING UP IN THE MOUNTAINS IS INDESCRIBABLE. I FELT OVERWHELMED WITH THE GRANDEUR OF GOD'S CREATIONS.
A VIEW FROM THE TOP OF MT. ROBERTS. COMPARE THE CRUISE SHIP WITH EVERYTHING ELSE. THAT SHIP IS HUGE!
THE FERRY RIDE
Out of Juneau there are only 2 ways to get to Skagway - air or sea. We opted for the ferry. It was a long 6 hour ride but fun and enjoyable. On the ferry, I was able to do some whale watching and luckily I spotted a few humpback whales jumping out of the water.
The Malaspina (well the half that I was able to get a picture of). This was our ferry to and from Skagway.
This is it - Jamie's place of employment. Alaska Shirt Co. The biggest souvenir shop in Skagway. Jamie is co-assistant manager of the store.
The train ride is a popular attraction of Skagway. Although we didn't go for a ride, we played on the train for a little bit.
EMERALD LAKE
We took a day to go into Whitehorse, Canada. On the way we stopped at one of the most brillant lakes I have ever seen. Emerald Lake. The pictures do not do justice to the vibrant colors of this lake. It was absolutely incredible! 
Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park 
Jamie and I....Behind us is Skagway.
Coeur d'Alene - Part II
After a long day and night of traveling, I finally made it to the Spokane Airport where Justin greeted me with a huge smile and a bouquet of pink roses! I can't even begin to tell you what a welcoming sight that was to me after missing our flight out of Juneau and spending the night in the Seattle Airport and then flying stand-by and unable to get on the first two flights out of Seattle.
Some of the things we did this week: the boardwalk and the shops downtown Coeur d'Alene; Swimming in the lake and sitting in the hot tub afterwards; driving to Schweitzer Mountain resort, Sandpoint and lunch at the Panhandler Restaurant, hiking tubbs hill and finding a sandy/beachy spot and swimming in the lake; going to the movies (Get Smart); walking around Spokane Falls.
Here we are on the boardwalk around the Coeur d'Alene resort. We asked an older couple to take the picture. They willingly agreed but weren't familiar with a digital camera. It was kind of a funny moment as they took the picture.
Behind Justin is Lake Pend Oreille. We are standing on top of Schweitzer Mountain Resort.
Lake Pend Orrille.
Spokane Falls
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