So, I figured I better start writing things down right away, or I am inevitably going to start forgetting all of the amazing things that I am experiencing here in Alaska.  So, here it is...

April 30 - I flew from Houston to Seattle (luckily I had a non-stop flight) and since my flight from Seattle to Juneau, Alaska didn't leave until 7:50 the following morning, I was able to spend some time with my uncle Jim (my dad's older brother), who I never really get to see or do anything with - because he has always lived in Seattle.  So as we drove back from the airport to his city that he lives in (Mt. Lake Terrace), I was almost thoroughly convinced that I would like to live in Seattle myself at one point.  Talk about pretty!!  Trees everywhere you look, and even in Jim's neighborhood - BIG trees!!!!  Anyways, he took me to the mall (we were going to go to Claim Jumpers, but the line was WAY to long, so we went to a quick Chinese food place in the foodcourt area of the mall.  We talked for over an hour about his job as a "Fire Protection Engineer", and I think I'm hooked on that job as well.  The job has a lot more to it than just protecting/dealing with fires, but every single thing that he would tell me about his career, I totally would love to do myself.

So, now I am here in Juneau, Alaska working for Holland America / Princess Cruise Lines as a driver/guide driving (and guiding) people around this awesome area in a motor-coach.  I absolutely love the job, and I have been having so many cool things happen that I figure I need to start writing about them, so that my kids and myself (and anybody who wants to read them can have them).

- have seen the mendenhall glacier
- have been riding on a sled with a dog musher/ been to the dog mushing camp. (have talked to a lady who has ridden 1000 miles )
- hiked up from downtown to the mt. roberts tram (elevation 1500 ft.)
- have seen an avalance in person
- have become acquainted with ravens and bald eagles
- have taken a picture of a bald eagle close up
- have learned a lot of history about this awesome place that I have previously not had a clue about
- have had a fire on sandy beach (on douglas island) with a bunch of employees
- have ridden a moped to wal-mart in the rain
- have been on a mine tour, and have panned for actual gold


- have had people yell at me for riding my bike down franklin while talking to will on my cell phone
- Saw 4 bears yesterday on my way home from work on the hillside right by the road
- gave the first tour of my life on my birthday, had incredible weather on my birthday, and had the entire motor-coach sing happy birthday to me, and i got the first tips of my life.

So, yesterday was my birthday (May 11) and I had an incredible first tour of my life.  I will write a little bit more about this later.

-Spencer