7/16/05. No trip to Alaska is complete (in my mind anyway) without an excursion to the Arctic Circle. I personally have been while in service, but Christa and mom have not. I volunteered to stay with Lucy for this event as the mode chosen (for economy sake) was by bus. 17 hours on a bus. I really stuck to the noble point of wanting to keep Lucy company. The bus driver, Lee Ann Smith, did a wonderful job according to Christa. She had provided water, window wipes, and some snacks including carrots and candy. They said they had a really good time. Once there, they had to touch the perma frost to see how it felt. Lee Ann even told them they had to eat some tundra to tell the the difference. Everyone looked askance at one another at this announcement, but then Lee Ann brought out a bundt cake with cool whip on top, everyone got the gag. The trip was long, but they both said that they were glad they did the trip. The option to the bus ride was to fly at a pretty high cost, but those who opted for this thoughgt the trip well worth it as well. Although driving was another option, most agreed they would not want to take there own vehicles up there. Another real treat were the outhouses along the way. They were authentic and open for business (the only game in town actually).