Home, Cold Home

The plane left St. Mary's late. I knew I had an 80 minute window to get from ERA to the Alaska Airlines gate. During that time I needed to collect my checked bags (sleeping bag and toiletries can't fit under the 14 seater plane seats) and recheck them in Anchorage. I had to liberate my empty small duffel and strip off my snow pants, mittens, neck gaiter, Minnesota mukluks with the festive trim and 25 inch leather cross-over straps for stowage and recheck. I needed to use the bathroom in Anchorage. Food would be nice too. Security could be slow- MVP- most vexed passengers line- often meant even slower service. Who do you think you are? You're no better than the rest of us!

The plane took off from St. Mary's for a "quick" trip to Emmonak and back before loading us up for the direct St. Mary's to Anchorage. Although scheduled to leave St. Mary's at 1:05, at 1:30 we heard the pilot on the radio nearing the airstrip. "We had trouble restarting the engine in Emmonak for take-off. When we get in, we'll pull in so that the passengers can enter the near side so we can leave one engine running". The waiting passengers eyed each other nervously.

The plane finally got there as my 80 minute window narrowed considerably. Well, I might make the connection to home. The co-pilot came into the tiny, full terminal with his "Cup o' Noodles". "Where's the hot water?" The gate agent shrugged. "Everything's froze up". We handed over our makeshift boarding passes and went out into the -15 degree wind to climb the gangplank ducking our heads to make our way to folding ourselves into our seats. Every seat taken. One engine running. Pilot pushing buttons and looking casual. No co-pilot. No co-pilot. No co-pilot. Keep your coat on because the door is still open. Finally, he comes with his "Cup o' Noodles". After the briefing and a safety message that no one could hear, we go. Beautiful view of Denali off to the left, just past the open mouthed snoring of the big woman with the fake fur ruff.

I made the connection in spite of the rush in Anchorage and the many people at Alaska Airlines who needed specialized customer service and who were in front of me. Great sleep in my own bed last night on clean sheets. Ommmm- the tao of travel.