Alaska Journal #25: An Awesome Encounter During My Trip To Alaska

We disembarked from the cruise ship with only our carry on bags, jackets and cameras.  Our suitcase was already stored under the motorcoach.

This is the motorcoach driver who would take us to the lodge near Denali National Park where we would stay for two nights.  

I had received this email from my friend, Gully (Jeanne Follett), a couple of days before we left home to travel to Alaska.  Gully has lived in Alaska since she was a kid.  We became friends in an online writing class many years ago and have kept in touch since then via our blogs, email and Facebook.  I shared our cruise and land tour plans with Gully months ago and we chatted back and forth in emails.  The email above came and I was thrilled.  A couple of phone calls was all I had to make and we would see each other.  What are the chances that our motorcoach would pass by Gully's driveway?

My excitement level regarding our trip went off the charts when I got this news.  Instead of feeling bad that we had just departed the cruise ship, I was elated with what was coming next!     

I called Gully as soon as the motorcoach started moving.  I promised to call her again when we reached Moose Pass.

It was fun to see the area where Gully lives with my own two eyes.  She's lived there since she was a child; she still loves Alaska and shares photos of the scenic views and endless sights on her blog on a regular basis.

Gully has traveled all over the world and journals her trips on her blog:  www.gulliblestravels.blogspot.com

My eyes were closely watching the mile markers and the road signs.

We were getting there.  I love it.  Over the years, I mailed a few things to Gully in Moose Pass, Alaska.

I called Gully again when we reached Moose Pass.  We were excited knowing we'd soon be seeing each other for the first time.  We planned to wave as we rolled past each other.

I'd spoken to the driver when we first got on the motorcoach and she'd agreed to slow down if possible so Gully and I could see each other.

I stood next to the motorcoach driver as we came closer to Mile Marker 35.  Of course, I'm taking pictures through the windshield so reflections show up.

Can you imagine living here, surrounded by this beautiful scenery every day?

We came up over the rise Gully had mentioned in her email and looked to the left.  There she was with the American flag, just as we had planned.

Gully waved and I waved as the coach slowed.  We were tickled to see each other.  The next thing I knew, the driver pulled over to the side of the road and opened the door.  I was dumbfounded but I gathered my senses and ran down the steps and around the front of the bus.  I saw Gully had already crossed the highway and was going around the back of the bus.  I retraced my steps and there she was.  We hugged and Lon took pictures and Laura took pictures and we chatted for a few moments.  It was such a fun time.  We'd never expected to see each other like this.  

I'd seen many photos of Gully on her blog but it was great to see her right there in front of me.

Gully and me.

Can you tell I'm excited and happy?

What a driver! What an unexpected encounter!

These were a few special moments I'll always remember.