It's taken me way to long to get around to posting about Emily's trip to Alaska, but better late than never! She and her delegation of 10 from Arizona with their leader Mrs. Evans left Phoenix on July 10th for their two week adventure! This group has been meeting and working together to prepare for this trip since last fall. They looked great all in uniform with backpacks and...gotta love Costco...6 of them had exactly the same suitcase! They had a quick stop in Seattle and arrived in Anchorage midday and headed for the University of Alaska to settle in to the dorms where they would stay the next few days. The other delegations arr rived later in the day, they totaled 45 delegates about 6 leaders and 4 field instructors. There were kids from New Mexico, Maryland, Washington, Kentucky, South Carolina, New York and Indiana.
On the second day they broke in to trail groups that they would be working with throughout the trip. Emily was lucky to have made a new friend Marissa from New Mexico already and have her in her group. First stop the Alaska Native Heritage Center. They got to see native Alaskan houses and learn about the history and culture of Alaska, by playing games and learning dances. That night they had a fun dinner at the Alaskan Sourdough Mining Company and saw the Dusty Sourdough Show.
On the second day they broke in to trail groups that they would be working with throughout the trip. Emily was lucky to have made a new friend Marissa from New Mexico already and have her in her group. First stop the Alaska Native Heritage Center. They got to see native Alaskan houses and learn about the history and culture of Alaska, by playing games and learning dances. That night they had a fun dinner at the Alaskan Sourdough Mining Company and saw the Dusty Sourdough Show. I think day three was one of the most anticipated of the entire trip. They would visit the Dream A Dream Dog Farm, home of Vern Halter and Iditarod training grounds to learn all about the Iditarod race the dogs. Emily got to be the volunteer to try on the complete sled racing gear and try out the sled for the group. It took them a while to get her dressed in all of it....boots, body suit, parka wind breaker, fuzzy hat, gloves, wrist warmers, bigger leather gloves, then fuzzy gl
oves! After she was dressed she got to stand on an actual sled. 
After learning all about the race and the gear it was time to meet the dogs and see how they train. In the summer the dogs run with a golf cart and the kids got go out on a ride with the dogs. Then they all got to interact and play with the dogs back at the the farm.
Day four was on to Seward to learn about more animals at the Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center. Where they saw moose, bears, caribou, eagles and bison. Then off to spend the night with the fishes at the Alaska SeaLife Center. They slept in the rockery with the puffins, seals and sea lions. They spent part of the next day exploring the center and even getting some hands on time with some of the creatures....
Then it was off for a hike to the beach at Lowell Point to learn about the art of Andy Goldsworthy, and try making some of their own natural art.
Here is Emily's trail group ready for the hike.
Emily and Marissa created a heart and peace sign out of rocks to represent the spread of love and peace. Here is an adorable little house made by one of the delegates....
Day 6 next stop Kenai Fjords National Park to see Exit Glacier. They learned about how glaciers are formed Emily said it looked like the kids game Don't Break the Ice. Later that day they visited a salmon hatchery and watched them working with fish.
Day 7 was more exploring at Kenai Fjords but this time from the water. They boarded a boat for a trip to explore Resurrection Bay where they saw whales, sea otters and some beautiful views.Day 8 was heading back to Anchorage and a challenging hike up Flat Top Mountain. Emily said it was a tough hike but she made it all they way to the top, the reward...launching some rocks off the top and some great views!
Day 9 Emily says was her favorite day....mostly because there was some down time and she got to hang out and have Dairy Queen and shop with her new friends, they picked up some fun CD's and made up some fun dances. But they also visited Matanuska Glacier for some more hiking. They learned about mulans a stream in a glacier and try a drink of some glacier water.
Day 10 and more firsts....they rode the Denali Railway for a day long ride to Denali National Park. It was two story car with seats on the top level for fantastic views and a dining area below, where Emily and Megan from Kentucky shared lunch during the trip.
Day 11 more exploring in Denali this time by bus they saw caribou and learned about Mt. McKinley. They also had an Athabaskan performance to learn about the history of Denali and heard him play the violin.
Day 12 was the day to see Denali from the water! White water rafting, they all sat around the bow and Emily managed somehow to stay dry until almost the end of the trip. They ended the day with a barbecue by the river after their trip.
Day 13 was time to head back to Anchorage. Some last minute souvenir shopping and a barbecue and singing and skits with new friends. Several of the delegations were leaving that night and it was hard to say goodbye to all of their new friends.!
Day 14...heading home! Emily had been really homesick throughout the trip and there were quite a few very hard days. She was glad to be heading home and it was fantastic to see them walking toward us as the arrived back in Phoenix! But as soon as she was home she forgot all the homesick moments and had so many stories to share and new friends to talk about. She has been talking and texting with several of them over the last few weeks! Thank you Mrs. Fitch for having the confidence in Emily to nominate her for this wonderful experience! It was a wonderful experience and I am so proud of her for it, she learned a lot about herself and has some wonderful memories and new friends!
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