Exploring the Last Frontier: Juneau

       After an overnight layover in Seattle and a burnt cup of joe from Starbucks, we boarded a flight to Juneau, Alaska.  Flying into Juneau was beautiful--and rainy--and I was antsy to see what Alaska's capital city had to offer.  Upon arrival, a set of stairs was wheeled to the door and Gavin and I set foot on Alaskan soil.  We had made it to Juneau.  The only thing standing between us and the backcountry was a six hour layover and a plane ride to Gustavus.
        Since we had a few hours in Juneau, Gavin and I stored our carry-on luggage at the Juneau Airport and tried our hand at navigating the public transportation system.  The bus routes to and from the airport can be a little confusing and we were told that the drivers would only stop if you waved them down.  Thank goodness for my cheerleading training, because as soon as that bus rounded the corner I was flapping my arms around to save my life.  The scene of a wildly waving woman was enough to elicit a chuckle from the driver who transported us to downtown Juneau.
        Upon arriving downtown, Gavin and I were starving for both culture and food.  As we walked through the rain swept streets, clad in our Gortex gear, we realized that we had unfortunately landed in the 'touristy' section of the city.  99% of all the visitors swarming the shops had come off a giant cruise ship.  As they had their fill of whale charms carved in soapstone and wooden bear figurines, Gavin and I fled in search of something grander than fur pelts--breakfast.
         Guided by the yelp app on Gavin's phone, we ducked into several small shops offering pastries and coffee, but yearned for something bigger, fuller, something stuffed with salmon.  While studying the yelp app and trying to orient ourselves in Juneau, a local gentleman approached us and asked if we were in need of assistance.  Starved and somewhat lost, we told the man about our salmon-less breakfast plight and he helped us find a local gem.   Not only did he give us directions, but he took time out of his morning to walk us--almost directly--to the door of the restaurant.
         This moment--of being guided by a local--renders such warm feelings and elicits another layer to our backcountry story.  Although the 'point' of being in the backcountry is to escape society and to immerse one's self in nature, a large part of what made our Alaskan Adventure wonderful were the people we encountered.  Later, in my crafting of this blog, I intend on writing a piece about the kindness of strangers--with a focus on small-town Alaska--because several times on our journey, Gavin and I encountered such kind, helpful, and caring people.  People who extended a warm welcome and an inviting smile.  But before a kind word about humanity, back to breakfast....
          The local gentleman (known to Gavin and me as 'the local old dude'--a term granted to any seasoned, knowledgeable local who extends a helping hand) told us about his life's journey while walking us to our breakfast haven.  The man was a former teacher from the midwest who decided he wanted to escape the wide-open prairie for some wilderness.  He began his new life in Hawaii and then finally moved to Alaska.  He's lived the past fifteen years in Juneau where he has worn many occupational 'hats.'  He began his life in Juneau as a teacher then traveled the ranks to administrator.  After leaving public education, he expanded his reach to the government and worked as a government official in Alaska.  Following his work with Alaskans on a grand scale, he left the political realm for the warm-fuzzy glow of a non-profit organization.  While the local old dude (l.o.d) divulged his life story, my eyes widened and I grew excited by the fact that he began his new life as a teacher--which registered in my mind as 'job transferability.'  Gavin and I both informed the l.o.d. that we, too, work in public education and that one day, we may find ourselves making a jump from the lower 48 to rural Alaska.  Speaking with someone who has achieved the feat of living a dream was comforting, awe-inspiring, and 'fueled the fire' so-to-speak for us to potentially do the same.
          After parting ways with the l.o.d. Gavin and I enjoyed a delicious breakfast at the Sandpiper Cafe--a must-visit if you plan on going to Juneau.  Gavin dove into a gluten-free Elk burger and I delighted in a salmon-stuffed omelet topped with mascarpone cheese.  If we were going to have enough energy for our backcountry explorations, we'd best pack on a few last minute pounds....
           Following breakfast, and a mini-tour of Juneau, Gavin and I passed through the baby security checkpoint at Juneau International Airport and we waited in anticipation for our flight to Gustavus.