One of my daily prayers while in Alaska and traveling to and from there was that we would be safe and protected from harm.  But when my auto insurance company recommended getting the supplemental insurance when renting the motor home, we invested in a comprehensive collision policy for $18.95 per day of our 13 day rental.  I am glad we did, because in the end, we needed it to replace the windshield, chipped when a passing car picked up a stone. 

The momentum of a 30 foot motor home going down the road means that one needs longer stopping distance if you encounter something.  In certain areas it is posted as:  “Moose Crossing” or “Carribou Crossing” and in some places there are signs indicating the number of moose struck by vehicles during last year.  We desperately wanted to see any and all wildlife, but not with our vehicle. One day we are driving along, and I shouted, “Moose on the left!” and in the same instant pressed on the brakes to slow down.  A big moose lumbered along a little ways, and then crossed the road in front of us, I pushed harder on the brakes and thank goodness the moose kept going.  He crossed the road, and I came almost to a stop, wondering if he would cross back again.  Thankfully, he found a break in the trees and went on through, doing whatever it is that moose do.  I was grateful we didn’t have an impact because moose are big! 

We saw moose on several other occasions and each was a breathtaking encounter.  We were grateful we didn’t have a collision and our evening prayers were “Thanks for letting us see the moose and that we didn’t hit him.”  We had a moose calf and cow walk very near our campsite on our first night camping; and saw another moose at the edge of the road, but it stood still.  At Birch Lake campgrounds we were the only campers there and watched a moose feeding in the lake, as it began to come out we marveled at how big it was and made sure to be out of its way as it entered the forest.  When we were on our way to the airport to return home there was a moose in Anchorage, between the domestic and international terminals!  We were told that there are about 4,000 moose living in the boundaries of the city limits of Anchorage, so it is not uncommon to see them! 

What a marvelous experience the Alaska journey was and how grateful we are that we made it safe and sound. 

“Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened, neither be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9