Highs & Lows

 

We have been beyond ecstatic about our trip to Denali!! So thrilled, that we actually arrived a day earlier then we were supposed to, so we had to find a camp spot and we found a beautiful sight on the side of the road, around the Stampede trailhead. 

When we were driving past the entrance to Denali, it was a terrifying sight, with flames reaching high into the sky and a thick column of black smoke rising above the trees. Our hearts sank at the thought of the destruction and loss of nature that the fire could cause. We hoped that the jumpers/firefighters were already on their way to put out the blaze before it could spread any further.

Despite the conflicting information, it was clear that the area was closed for safety reasons. (The Ranger standing in the middle of the road with orange cones and flashing lights was a good clue.) 

We were disappointed that our plans had to be changed, but we were grateful for the precautions taken to protect both the park and its visitors. We decided to explore other parts of the area and were still able to enjoy a beautiful day in nature.

I am not going to pretend that I was not disappointed! But, despite being accustomed to a nomadic lifestyle, I was still deeply affected by the situation. Holding back tears, I tried to compose myself as we took a break for coffee and discussed our next steps. It is important to regroup and come up with a plan to move forward.

As I am standing in line at the coffee shop and trying to figure out what kind of coffee I was in the mood for, I couldn't help but overhear the conversations happening around me. I couldn't resist eavesdropping on the various discussions taking place. It was interesting to hear the different perspectives and experiences being discussed by those around me.

This is what I was listening too:

A young lady, her younger brother and her boyfriend had saved and took off for a lifetime adventure to hike and camp in Denali. They got to the campground, in a van and apparently over the moon happy, then they were evacuated and had to spend the night in a school parking lot, not able to put out their tents but all 3 in a small van, with no water, trash or facilities. As a result, they will have to move from place to place trying to find a place to stay while waiting for the Park to reopen. 

There was also another group behind me who had all planned a family vacation. They had rented campers, and were all at the coffee shop waiting for each other to decide whether or not they should go back home and try again maybe another year.

I then noticed that a small hiking company which had hikers who had paid a pretty price for the opportunity of being taken on a little hike, was being turned away by the authorities.

Then I heard 2 girls talking, asking each other I hope we still get paid!! My goal in taking this job was to be able to enjoy Alaskan life and work at the Visitor Center at the same time, while still earning money to pay for my college education. How and where are we going to stay?

Then I was like wow!! The reality is that I am being selfish to live this way and it's just an inconvenience for me while these other people are seriously devastated, as they have to fly here, then they have their whole vacation, or way of life ruined because of it. But in the end they are also still alive ❤️

However, for some, working at the park may not just be about making extra money. It could also be a way for them to gain valuable work experience and develop important skills that will benefit them in their future education and career endeavors. It also, could be for earning some income to support their college education.

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