Summer Vacation 2001 Photo List
We had six weeks this summer between family who visited us, and we made some daytrips during that time. Most were prospecting related, and although the rainy weather we had during that six weeks often prevented us from doing whatever prospecting we had planned, we always managed to find something we could do.
While our guests were here we made several interesting trips, and still have quite a few photos to add to these pages. Check them every now and then for updates.
There is also a note we would like to add to this page. While in Valdez with our first guests we took the glacier cruise with Prince William Sound Cruises, a Stan Stephens Cruise. There were several cruises offered and this was one of the shortest, lasting just about six hours, since our time was very limited. We were very impressed with it. The captain of the ship was very good, went out of his way to show us everything that could be seen, and it was a most enjoyable trip.
The real test of their service came with our second guests, however. Jim's brother Don and his wife Ellie visited, and Ellie, who had a very bad break in her leg and ankle a year ago, wrenched her knee just after our arrival in Valdez. A visit to the local hospital, and x-rays showed that it was a bad sprain instead of a break. She was given crutches, and was determined to continue with the planned trip. After calling to confirm that a wheelchair would be available on the cruise they were met with one at the ramp before boarding. After boarding, she was propped up on many pillows in a corner near the food and drink. This was very accommodating, but they did not even stop there. At each stop along the route the captain turned the ship to make sure Ellie had a good view of whatever was to be seen, and several times, one of the crew ran back to make sure she was getting to see everything very well. This was a very conscientious, solicitous group, and their concern was greatly appreciated. This couple had flown from New York, and the trip was made in the first week after the tragic terrorism attacks. They were both concerned about having to fly home on their return to Fairbanks, and these people went out of their way to make their trip a very enjoyable one. We heartily recommend the cruises by this group.
Everyone down in Valdez was equally solicitous. The small hospital called in a doctor immediately and was very helpful, store owners opened early for her the morning we left, and everyone was very helpful and kind. Luckily we have a large minivan, so Ellie was able to stretch out her leg on the seat beside her, while leaning her back against her husband, and made the trip back to Fairbanks in as much comfort as was possible. I am still waiting for more information about their trip home from here. It is a long flight and I know they arrived safely, but that's about all. I'm assuming they are making doctor visits, etc. Being unable to keep the ankle and leg raised on the trip home could not have been good for it.