We were greeted at the airport by Neil’s brother Glenn and his son, Wolf Song .

After checking in to our sweet Bed and Breakfast, Ah, Rose Marie, we drove to Glenn’s family cabin where we received a warm welcome from Trisha, Amelia, and Agatha. We hiked to an overlook of Fairbanks to view the pending sunset and then Wolf Song gleefully showed off his driving skills as he drove us through rough terrain and dirt embankments on a rarely used utility road.

The next day Glenn prepared his plane for a trip to the Brooks Range which is nestled north of the Arctic Circle where for the last 17 years or more he has lived and survived under some of the most challenging weather and wilderness conditions. Glenn, and the rustic homestead he built, has also become popularly known by his presence on the National Geographic Show, Life Below Zero.

After twenty minutes in flight a burning smell permeated the plane and Glenn immediately navigated the plane back to the airport for inspection to find the alternator had quit.

Fortunately mechanics repaired the problem and the following day our plans resumed. It was a nearly perfect weather day with just a few wisps of clouds which gave us a clear window to view the beautiful mountain ranges and lakes below. We spotted five moose on the tundra as we neared Glenn’s camp before he landed his float plane gracefully on the lake he has called home.

Prepared for cold we added layers and ventured into the wild landscape Neil said made him feel like he was walking in a painting.

We kept our voices low with hopes to capture a closer view of the moose we saw from the plane. Though we saw their tracks and those of a mother bear and her baby cubs these animals were nowhere to be seen. Even with these tranquil and pristine surroundings I knew better to keep my senses vigilent for a potential animal attack. Fortunately we all left unscathed and richer in spirit from this experience.

The next few days flew by and seemed to meld together into timelessness as we enjoyed hiking and catching up with stories of past family memories and current events in each other’s lives.

The next leg of our trip began when Neil and I arrived in Anchorage at 6:30am, September 17th. It was too early to check into our room so we secured our luggage at the front desk and walked to the park along the Anchorage water front. Sleepy from travel we found a large rock slanted perfectly to rest against and fell asleep to waddling ducks in the small water path before us.

When stores opened Neil and I procured boxes sent prior to our arrival and gathered printing projects arranged ahead of time in preparation for my presentation for the International Council of Reflexologists Conference and post conference Structural Reflexology class.

Once everything was accounted for we made our way back to the hotel and checked in.

We rose early the next day in excited anticipation for a planned Glacier excursion with very dear friends, Sue Ricks, George Collip, Wendy Grace Rolf, and newly made friend, Deb. Inclement weather caused high waves which diverted our original plans to board a small private vessel to an upgrade on a larger, three-tiered ship with the comforts of hot drinks, heat, and a guarantee not to get seasickness.

On our drive to Whittier I spotted two white mounds moving in the ocean that lapped the edges of the highway. At first I thought they were bobbing iceburgs but quickly learned from Sue they were migrating Baluga whales.  Driving time was key to ensure passage through the carved out mountain called Whittier Tunnel. This narrow one-way is alternately shared by automobiles and trains at very specific times without fail. Our wait gave us plenty of time to photograph the gorgeous scenery around us.

Our Glacier trip was marked brilliantly with laughter and fun as well as amazement by these majestic glaciers…even through the wet and cold that eventually made it’s way down to our socks and shoes.

Eager for another outing we woke early the next morning for an excursion to Mount Alyeska Resort where we rode a tram that transported our large gathering to vistas of mountain ranges spanning over 6000 feet. The sun and crisp wind cast animated shadows of blues, purples, greens, and yellows that flowed across the mountains as we hiked higher along an unfettered, narrow path that continually rewarded us with breath-taking views.

The next leg on our journey took us to Cold Creek Gold Mine.  The most precious gold I  received was nestled within the happy chatter of a multitude of people speaking different languages. This was my new tribe and even though I couldn’t understand their words I certainly picked up on the positive vibration of emotions on the bus. I filled with delight knowing I was bonding with and among Reflexologists from around the world.

After enjoying a delectable lunch cooked on the grounds of this old mining village our group was divided in two to prospect for gold where in the end we were allowed our share in vials to take home.

Opening ceremonies for the International Council of Reflexologists Conference commenced that evening. The highlight for me was marked by a young group of local Alaskan children who sang, in their Native language and also in English, “This Land is Your Land…”

Throughout the following day I relished hearing scheduled Speakers voice their unique, Reflexology-related approaches, all presented in the English language, albeit many with an accent native to their land. As the day took course lovely Reflexologists from all around the world visited my Structural Reflexology booth and purchased my book, Put Your Best Feet Forward and other creations I’ve produced. I greatly appreciated meeting many wonderful people and to exchange knowledge both common and new.

Saturday brought on more passionate Speakers followed by their worshops that promised a “Gold-Nugget” of information to those who participated.

This day ended with a lovely Gala Dinner social that included an awards ceremony to honor the Speakers and specific Reflexologists for their Significant contribution to the field of Reflexology.  I was wonderfully surprised to be one of these fortunate recipients and was awarded for my Significant Contribution to the Field of Reflexology in Research.

My mind whirled with thoughts and gratitude for the people I’ve admired, who inspired me throughout my life, and all that brought me to this moment in time.

Sunday morning came soon and this day at 9:30am my name was displayed on the schedule to speak to a receptive world-wide group of Reflexologists that included those I hold with great esteem. My topic: “Golden Arches of the Foot”.  Relating Foot Reflexology with Foot Function.

As usual a certain amount of nerves quaked me. Over the years I’ve learned to move through those awkward moments, but this time my challenge was to get my message across in 30 minutes. It didn’t seem quite possible to compact all that I’ve learned over the past 38 years into a “zip-drive”. However, even with a microphone malfunction where at times the ill-placed, headband that held the microphone began to slide off my head causing the foam-covered microphone to move and enter my mouth and nose while I spoke, I managed fairly well… until I lost complete control of the microphone as it travelled up to my eye and then fell behind my head to dangle behind me. Still speaking I barely flinched as I made my way to the podium microphone to finalize my point. Wow! I did it.

After receiving congratulations on my presentation and well executed workshop the time came for the conference’s closing ceremonies and elected participants held and swayed their country flag proudly as they marched to the platform and all in unison we sang “It’s a Small World Afterall”.

I completed my journey to Alaska after teaching Structural Reflexology for the next two days to eight individuals who now, I am proud to say, have another tool to add to their Reflexology tool basket to help those seeking to resolve foot pain.