The way we travel the Southeast - Longitude 135 Degrees
Sunday, September 13, 2009 by Annie
Southeast Alaska. Part one of our year long adventure is drawing to a close as we pack up in Sitka and hop aboard the Alaska Marine Highway one last time. Our time here has been amazing in many ways but the two things that stick in my mind the most are two very different modes of transportation, hiking and ferry rides.One day we were walking in the woods, actually a lot days we walked in the woods, and I looked at Ryan and asked "Did you know we were going to be doing this much hiking in Alaska?" I guess I knew that you go to Alaska to see the outdoors and the beauty of mountains but I really didn't know it was going to be the center of our journey to climb everythig we could get our hands on. It has however made for some amazing views and frequently quality time just the two of us. It's not like hiking up to sunset rock in Lincoln where you're bound to come across three or four groups along the way, we often walked alone. I cherish our time on top of those mountains as the wind creates sound and all you can see are more peaks. We've also found that the Alaskans are not afraid of a good pitch. When creating these trails, they get to 3000ft in a hurry. It's been great to get out in the wild and get our bodies ready for whatever comes next.
Our other most popular mode of transportaion has been the lovely Alaskan Marine Highway and if we can be a little partial, the Columbia ship specifically. We've made a home on these vessels as 
we meander our way between islands, through narrows and across open water. We've learned well the whereabouts of the solarium, in which we set up our little beds on old white plastic lawn chairs and create our little piece of heaven. You're often on the boat for days at a time as we top out at 25 knots or so, but quite frankly you don't want them to. It's nice to be on the water snuggled in your sleeping bag in southeast Alsaka. There's something a little adventurous, a little homey, and a little romantic about these ships.
Alaska has been a great stepping stone for us as we settle into our packs, our budget, and each other. I think we're figuring it out and Japan will test that in a little over a week as we enter a new culture, land and mode of transportation.
we meander our way between islands, through narrows and across open water. We've learned well the whereabouts of the solarium, in which we set up our little beds on old white plastic lawn chairs and create our little piece of heaven. You're often on the boat for days at a time as we top out at 25 knots or so, but quite frankly you don't want them to. It's nice to be on the water snuggled in your sleeping bag in southeast Alsaka. There's something a little adventurous, a little homey, and a little romantic about these ships.
