James finished up his last required class at SLCC in order to get his Aviation Maintenance certificates from the FAA. He studied and studied and studied and took all of the tests. Three written tests and three oral/practical tests. He passed them all and is now a certified Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic. So proud! While he was studying, he was also researching options for potential employment. A mechanic friend in Alaska talked up the potential for year-round work in Cordova and after talking and thinking and praying.... we're moving to Alaska!
James has packed up all his tools, clothes, guns and stuff into Little Blue and he is driving by himself from Salt Lake (via Idaho Falls, ID; Big Fork, MT; Canada) to Cordova. He'll start working and then fly back down at the end of August to help move our little family and the rest of the stuff. It's going to be a long 8 weeks for Lincoln and me. James is ready to go though! Friday, July 12, 2013
Bye Daddy! Be safe!
James spent Friday night in Idaho Falls at Brian and Tiffany's. On Saturday he drove north into Montana and stayed Saturday night at Uncle Norm and Aunt Marlynn's house in Big Fork, MT. Thank you! Thank you! This is Sunday morning - such a pretty yard!
Sunday, James drove all the way to Canada and crossed the border - of course the car got searched. Probably because of the guns he had packed, but it only took half-an-hour.
Oh Canada!
Moraine Lake in Banff National Park - next door to Lake Louise.
It's JULY! and it is 38-degrees! and James is CAMPING most of the way!
"There
was a pretty good thunder and lightning show about 2-3 in
the morning. Glad I decided to sleep in the car that night. Not the most
comfortable but I was warm, dry, and didn't have to mess with the tent
in the rain!" and James woke to fresh snow on the mountains between Banff and Jasper.
Hanging Glaciers.
James stopped in Jasper National Park, but it was super foggy. He didn't see much of the scenery...
Just this gorgeous mountain goat!
Highlights of Canada: Dawson Creek - Mile "0"
Incredible scenery!
Wildlife - Bear
Moose and calf
And beautiful, beautiful blue sky when he crossed back into the United States and Alaska.
The border between the state of Alaska, United States and Yukon Province, Canada
International boundary sign. In the distance, you can see the "no-touch" zone. It's a clearing of trees and vegetation that runs along the border between Alaska and Canada and also between Canada and the rest of the lower 48.
James spent his last night on the road in Anchorage and drove to Whittier to catch the ferry. This boat - "The
old "Spiridon" with newer pontoons and outboards sitting in Whittier. I
spent most of a summer outta high school in 97 running around Prince
William Sound on this boat with the Alaska State Troopers. Saw a lot of
cool things and places on that boat and lots of memories! Good times!
Didn't think I'd run into this boat again!"
"
After
a full week of travel: 5 days of solid driving with a 3 1/2 hr ferry
and 2 days of driving with family and friends visits I have finally
arrived in Cordova, AK!! (Sorry for the not so great photo)" July 19, 2013
My best estimate of James' route: 3,360 miles (per mapquest)
A: Salt Lake, UT D: Banff, AB G: Anchorage, AK
B: Idaho Falls, ID E: Jasper, AB H: Whittier, AK
C: Big Fork, MT F: Dawson Creek, BC I: Cordova, AK
