Our Pre-Adventure Adventure

   After years of dreaming about hiking/camping/setting foot in Alaska, I received my chance on Friday, June 20, 2014.  Our sea kayaking adventure in Southeastern Alaska was months in the making as we researched, re-researched, and re-re-researched to ensure any and all kinks in our planning were worked out.  In the months leading up to our trip, Gavin called someone in Alaska at least once a week, we watched countless youtube videos of people doing the same sort of adventure, we viewed all of the camper orientation films on Glacier Bay's website, we planned our food, we brainstormed how we'd pack our gear, and I created checklist upon checklist for each aspect of our trip. The months, weeks, and days leading up to our trip was a whirlwind of calls, scribbling, researching, and packing until June 19th when we, and our gear, boarded the West Trenton train to Philadelphia International Airport.  With a kind send-off from friends, well wishes from neighbors, and hugs from family, we boarded a flight to Seattle and waited in anticipation for the adventure to begin.

     Before setting foot in Alaska, our adventure began in the Seattle airport--some 891 miles away from Juneau, our entry point to the Last Frontier.  Our Seattle airport adventure consisted of an overnight layover, harsh lighting, late-night construction, and a deafening snorer.  After a quick dinner at an airport restaurant, Gavin and I scoured the terminal for a 'perfect' sleeping spot--1) not too crowded, 2) not too loud, 3) not too bright, 4) somewhat secluded, 5) equipped with armrest-less seats for easy lounging.  As our sleepy eyes scanned possible options, it became glaringly evident that our hunt for the 'perfect' sleeping spot was sharing the same plot line as "Goldilocks and the Three Bears":

      The first spot was too crowded.  The second spot was too noisy--why a restaurant would be doing construction at 12 AM is still mind-boggling.  The third spot was just about right--that is, until the loudest snorer in the land made his invisible, but very audible, appearance.  Finally, around 1:30, Gavin and I found an agreeable spot--not too loud, not too frequented, and pretty comfortable--beneath a glowing advertisement for Wells Fargo.  With our bags tucked beneath us and layers of clothing wrapped around us, we settled in for a peaceful rest.  

     

      A rest that lasted a mere five minutes.

     *Blaring Announcement:  "Terminal N will be closing in approximately ten minutes.  Please relocate to Terminal C."  

     With disbelief and a sudden urge to rebel, Gavin and I looked at one another and begrudgingly slumped to Terminal C.  Several times while walking to Terminal C, I considered the possibility of hiding in a Terminal N restroom until it would be possible to sneak back to our 'perfect' location beneath Wells Fargo.  

     Finally, after stumbling sleepily around Terminal C, we found a bank of seats--armrest-less, score!--and hunkered down for a 'restful' night.  The next morning, I awoke to a vacuum cleaner, major bedhead, and burnt Starbucks coffee.  All in the name of fun, experience, and adventure! 

     In spite of the discomfort of sleeping in an airport, I found the whole experience somewhat enjoyable.  It was neat to scour the terminal for a decent place to rest alongside other weary travelers, and it made our exit to Juneau that much more enjoyable.  Although sleeping with a bandana pulled over my eyes and my legs through the arm holes of a fleece was not as miserable as expected, next time I'm opting for zenning-out in the meditation room.  

Morning coffee after a night in the Seattle Airport