As promised (though perhaps only two or three people know I promised it) I’m starting a blog to write about my time in Alaska. I only have a week left, and while I’m not ready, perhaps, I’m closer than I could be.

A trip to Cabela’s last week (after some sound advice from my mom’s cousin… “Don’t try to shoot the stuffed goats on the fake mountain with the archery merchandise”) finished up the shopping spree that I was so delighted to be burdened with. Now I am completely and stylishly outfitted in all manner of wind- water- and cold-proof gear. I’ve even obtained a perfectly sized lunchbox-style tin for keeping approximately 100 crayons safe and orderly.

My new laptop, also specifically purchased in time for the trip, has a weather updater on the desktop and I’ve set it to Barrow already, just for fun. The temperature has so far fluctuated from 28 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Since I’m already sick of the heat after one reptile-house day today, I do not object to this in the slightest.