Randy Suits

Another 100% Visibility Day at Totem Bight State Park

Eve, my companion and travel planner,

Remember we found another 100% visibility Alaskan sky when we went to Deck 14 for breakfast on our fifth day. Our Captain announced that in all his years cruising Alaskan waters this was his first such experience. We were indeed fortunate to avoid the persistent clouds which usually cover much of the high elevations. Fog and rain are prevalent as well in the warmer temperatures of Ketchican. Situated in the southern most location of Alaska, Ketchikan benefits from the same warm ocean currents which moderate the temperatures of San Francisco, California; Seattle, Washington and Vancouver Island in Canada which also lie along the Western Coast of North America. As we walked we noticed that the large fallen trees were left on the forest floor and not removed or used for fire wood. Our Ranger Guide explained that these were nurse trees which allowed new seedings to germinate and grow. The shallow Alaskan top soil is on solid rock and the rotting tree trunks support new forest growth. We saw many of these new saplings springing out of the dead undergrowth and rotting tree trunks. In the plan of God nothing is wasted. The perfect cycle of regeneration feeds upon and flourishes on the decay of former generations. Alaska in the raw is what we saw. The endless repopulation of life amidst the decay is revealed in the undisturbed natural progression. My Eve, my darling, you had a slight stomach disorder on this sunny morning but that didn’t prevent the constant delight of capturing the sights with your camera. You sat at the door of the large gift shop (positive proof you weren’t feeling well)  as I went in to find a Libby Riddles book. You shortly came in looking for me so that we didn’t miss our bus back to town. Kochana, I like our time together whether it is a vacation or a grand day at home together. Home is the Lord, you and me together. The grandeur of Gods’ glory in the pristine views of Alaska are subordinate to the splendid times of sweet togetherness at home or anywhere we are one. Let us give thanks again today for Gods’ love and blessing and our love which, like the love of Christ, passes all understanding.

Glad to be one with you, Kochany