Flight 1 of 4

Successfully made it through security at the ever busy Des Moines International Airport. Par for the course, the lady with the wand gave me the pat down. Not sure what it is about Victoria's Secret that always leads to a check. 

The little old lady next to me, although sweet and friendly, smells like rotten roses and cat pee. Where does one buy perfume that terrible? I'm hoping we are not seated by each other on the plane. 

Surprised how many people are flying from DSM to Salt Lake City on a Thursday afternoon. Tabernacle Choir festival in the Mormon City, perhaps? 

Flight is delayed a few minutes so I will now have a lengthy layover of 24 minutes to deplane and make it to my connecting flight to Anchorage. Ever seen a Norwegian Ninja on a mission running through the airport? I like to think its like Lolo Jones without the sex appeal. Hopefully I won't have to use my hurdling skills. Next stop SLC. Wish me luck! 

Survivor: Alaska

Tomorrow is my birthday.  I will be turning the big 4-0.  I’ve spent the last few weeks celebrating with friends and family. In case you don’t know, I have pretty much the best friends and family in the universe.  They have spoiled me with love, well wishes, gifts, dinners, parties and drinks.  To be honest, I never saw myself making it to 40 but I’m glad I did. And I’m hoping to make it 40 more.  Not much after that though. I would be a very difficult and crazy old lady.  Nobody wants to deal with that.

So what do you do when your slightly insane adventurer uncle says we’re going on a trip of a lifetime to celebrate? Well, you buy a ticket to Alaska and pack your bags! Mind you, if I were to pick a dream vacation it would’ve been Italy or Fiji but that’s not how Uncle Norman rolls.  He wants an adventure.  And epic experience.  Memories for a lifetime.  Not mai tais and laying on a sandy beach relaxing. I’m slightly terrified that I will not need my return flight home with the agenda he has laid in front of me.  Our family motto is “go big or go home” and it looks like we’re going humongous. Kayaking, helicopters, glaciers, hiking Mt. Denali, salmon fishing, whale watching, flying into national forests…he compiled an Alaskan bucket list and vows to make it all happen.  I’m scared of heights but I will be facing that fear head on this trip.  I get to spend 10 days with him and his wonderful wife and kids.  And, I get to see one of my best friends, Kristin, while I’m there and that fills my heart with delight.  She’s been living in Anchorage for the last year and I miss her something terrible. 

This blog will be my diary for this little "Survivor: Alaska" trip. I will try to post daily with pictures and videos.  With 22 hours of daylight up there, I should be able to find time despite Norm’s jam packed game plan.  If you have any positive thoughts and prayers to spare, please send them our way for a safe, fun, grizzly bear free trip of a lifetime. 

Bring on Alaska. Bring on 40. #lyndeeinalaska #fearless40

Oh, and don't believe me that Norm is crazy? Last June he completed the Race Across America (RAAM) bike race.  He rode from Oceanside, CA, to Annapolis, MD, totaling 3004 miles.  He did it in under 12 days and was the only finisher in his age group. Boom!