Day 18 – Sunday, May 29, 2022

We awoke to the coldest morning of our trip, but the skies were clear, as beautiful without clouds as with. This is our second day without rain. 

We knew that our trip was early in the season, so we expected the cold rainy weather and icy lakes and streams. Another common thing this time of year is BAD roads. Many of the Yukon and Alaska roads are built on permafrost. In the summer, when the frozen ground under the roadway melts, the soil becomes very liquid and causes the surface to shift and give way. In the winter, the permafrost refreezes, expanding, to create frost heaves. The Yukon portion of today’s drive was like an old and broken-down rollercoaster. The first 50 or so miles of road in Alaska was an irregular collection of potholes – 6-24 inches in diameter, 4-6 inches deep. Difficult driving!

Today we crossed back into the United States – Alaska! I was remembering Alaska’s becoming our 49^th state. As an almost 8-year-old, I resented Texas losing her position as the largest state. I remember non-Texans teasing that we wouldn’t be the biggest anymore. Even the smarty comeback “wait ‘til the ice melts” was quickly dispelled by the realization that Alaska would still be way bigger. In my innocence, I thought I lived in the best state in the best country in the world. Now, in my later years, I know there is no such thing as the “best” state or maybe even “best” country. We arrived at the border and answered a few questions before the border patrol fellow wished us a good day and safe travels. As we drove away, I felt so emotional – to be back in the United States, to be home. My eyes filled with tears. We live in a difficult time, contentious and divided. But deep down, I believe we can be the country I thought we were when I was the young innocent. We can and must figure out how to be the place where everyone shares in liberty and justice and equality.