Alaska--The Hidden Glacier

The second day of our Alaska trip dawned bright and early. Our plan was to visit nearby Exit

Glacier. Unfortunately, it was April. Break-up hadn't happened yet. So when we reached theroad to the glacier, this is the sight that met us.

Notice how the road kind of disappears? Yup, it was buried. And the snow justgotdeeperaround the curve. A LOT deeper. I have to say this for Kimberley Woodhouse--she has a pioneer spirit!She wanted to give it a go. Now, I grew up in Oregon, so I'm no stranger to snow. And Ilivedoutside of Chicago for 20 years, so I've driven through some serious accumulation. However, when I see warning signs like these, I've learned to pay attention. It took someconvincing, but I finally got Kim to agree to it probably wouldn't be a great idea to try. I mean, research for a novel is great. But getting stranded on a remote road in Alaska with little hope of being found?

Yeah. Not so much.

SO, here, for your viewing pleasure, is what we would have seen had we made it to the glacier.

Pretty amazing, huh? I guess I'll just have to go back some day to see it for myself.

Though we didn't get to see the glacier, we got some great pix of the mountains near the glacier.

And we had fun skipping rocks at the Cook inlet in Seward.

What's more, a happy otter watched us from the water.

As did the seagulls, who were convinced we were there to feed them.We drove through Seward, where we saw interesting buildings

and signs (yes, it was upside down...I think I'd find my own evacuation route, thank you) to head back north, past Fairbanks, up to the Denali area where we would stop for the next few nights. It was on this long drive that the sky started to clear, and some of those promised mountains made their appearance. It was, in a word, stunning.

A sign along the road gave me great hopes for seeing my moose, but nary a one came out to play. I was disappointed, but figured

we had plenty more time for one to show.

We arrived at our destination just before sunset. Kimberley wanted to see if Denali (also known as Mt. McKinley) was out, so we drove to a spot where we'd be able to see the mountain.

Kimberley explained to me that there are three mountains/ranges made up of Denali, Sultana, and Begguya. It was fascinating to listen to her explain that Denali is the native name for the mountain, and it means "Great One

." To the left of Denali rests "Denaili's wife," or Sultana (also known as Mt. Foraker). In front of them is "Denali's child," or Begguya (also known as

Hunter mountain). Sultana is the setting for No Safe Haven, Kimberley and Kayla's newly released novel. It's not as high as Denali, but it's steeper and more hazardous.

The only one we could see that night was the child, Begguya,

but that was impressive enough. As

was the beautiful sunset.

Before long it was too dark for pictures, so it was back to our cabins, dinner, and another

night's rest.

More to come soon!

Karen

Alaska--Adventure of a Lifetime

Alaska. Just the name of the state stirs imagesof wilderness, vast mountains, wildlife everywhere,and stunning scenery. I've always wanted to go there. And last April, I got to do just that. I'd signed mother-daughter writing team, Kimberley and Kayla Woodhouseto do asuspense series for B&H PublishingGroup. The setting of theseries? Alaska, where they'd lived for a number of years. So when they asked me to accompany them on their research trip, I was happy to say yes.

Well, the first book in that series has just hit the stores!

No Safe Haven is a marvelous debut novel for these two writers. And it's a landmark event, because

Kayla is the youngest novelist ever to sign a contract with a royalty paying publisher! Very impressive.

So to celebrate the release of their first book together, I thought I'd share some of that research trip.

My buddy and fellow editor, Julee Schwarzburg, went along as well. She and I flew from Oregon together. When Julee and I arrived, we knew we were in Alaska because there was a polar bear at the airport!

Okay, it was stuffed, but still!

We met Kimberley,

Kayla,

and Josh Woodhouse

at the airport in Fairbanks. Outside it was rainy and overcast; but inside our vehicle warmth and excitement radiated. I told everyone I had two goals: to see a real moose and the Northern Lights. Hey, it was Alaska, right?

We started driving south. Any mountains on the horizon were covered up by the clouds. I told Kim I hoped it wasn't like the first few times I visited my younger brother in Seattle. My bro kept telling me Mt. Rainier was out there and that it was beautiful. All I ever saw was clouds. No mountain. I was almost convinced the mountain was a myth perpetrated for tourists. Of course, then came the day I finally saw it, and yes, it was gorgeous.

Kim promised there were lots of mountains out there, and they were stunning, though I only caught glimpses the whole drive to Seward. Even so, we had a wonderful time talking,

brainstorming, taking pictures, and generally having fun. You know you've clicked with people when you can ride in a car for hours and not be bored (or irritated). Kayla and Josh were great traveling companions. They get along so well together, and the love and respect between them and their mom

reminded me of my own childhood and the trips we took as a family. It was a joy to be part of the Woodhouse family dynamic, even for a short time.

Finally, after several hours on the road, we reached our destination: a log cabin just outside of Seward, Alaska. I wasn't sure what to expect--I mean, a log cabin in Alaska could be pretty...rustic--but this place

was wonderful--warm and inviting.

Just like the fellowship we all enjoyed.

As I crawled into bed that night, I knew the adventure had just begun.

So stay tuned for more memories and pix!