An Afternoon Nap

Relaxing on a mountain ridge

 

A few days ago a couple of us went on a drive into the state park of Alaska to get a good view of Mt. Denali. Eva, the blonde in my photos, has a friend who lives in Anchorage who was visiting for a couple days, and they were kind enough to ask Tony and I to join them in a hike. We drove 1.5 hours into the park and hiked up this ridge line on a path to get an awesome view of Mt. Denali. Tony and Eva had just backpacked the day before so they were whooped, so we decided to stop after 1.5 hours of hiking to enjoy our view. We were pretty much at the top, but the trail is about a 12 mi. loop, but we only went about 3.5 one way. The view was gorgeous, so we took our time on the hillside and even took a little nap too. At one point all of us were out cold. It was a really nice day out that day (and it's been amazing for the past few days too. Being in the sun, its warm but there is a little breeze too), but at the top of the mountain it was a bit chillier, but manageable for our naps. These photos are ones taken with Tony's camera. Why take my own photos when I am always with either Eva or Tony who have amazing cameras? I did take some of my own photos, but these are nicer to look at.

 Tony with Mt. Denali in the background peaking above the clouds

 Eva's friend from Anchorage, Jaromir

 Our classic napping photo

It is so crazy to think I only have 5 weeks left here! Time has flown like crazy, and now I realize I should probably spend more time on my project which is due in a couple weeks; YIKES! I just enjoy spending my extra time outside, with people, hiking, enjoying the weather. Leaving this place is going to be one of the hardest things I ever do. People always say leaving college is difficult, but 3 months here is a lot different than 4 years of college (or should I say 3.5? Obviously I am not trying to stay in school very long...). I've learned from other workers here, and managers, that seasonal jobs is the way to go. Work once place in the winter, then another in the summer, and travel to different locations to work. You learn a lot more that way and deal with different people and experience changes in place, food, and things to do along the way. The food and beverage director from the Chalet has been visiting us for the place for the past few days trying to improve our food and beverage area to make it more efficient for the employees and guests. We chatted at breakfast some, and he has worked up here before in 2008, but the past couple years he's taken a job in Colorado at a ski resort by signing a 10 mo. contract then getting 2 months off. He said it was a pretty awesome job to have, but he's ready now to start his own restaurant in LA after this summer. I guess opportunities are endless with hospitality, but it a matter of figuring out which direction to point and run towards. My problem is getting close with people then moving from them to experience a new place and gain new friends. I suppose it is easy for me to attach myself to people which makes saying bye hard for me to do. Oh well, I am in Alaska and am far from regretting the decision to live here. Mom, dad, Mal, and Nate will be up here in 3 weeks...lets hope the weather says beautiful! Pray for their safe travels. And one last thing...HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! :)