WINNEMUCCA - I listened carefully as Mr. Gillette, my freshman social studies teacher, discussed the importance of the Alaskan highway, the Al-Can, to the war effort during World War II.
Invasion of Attu in the Aleutians intensified the construction of this road that cut through forests and mountains, spanned rivers, slushed through tundra, ice, snow, and mosquitos to create this thoroughfare.
Mr. Gillette lit my imagination. I wanted to travel this marvel, to witness the bigness, the wonder of it all. I set that dream in the back of my mind and waited for the day when I might visit.
Last summer, when I mentioned this to my husband, he replied, "Put it on the calendar" and we did. Pulling out May 22 for three and a half weeks of driving - almost 8,000 miles - I cannot begin to describe the glorious sites, the spectacular wildlife, and the kind people that we met.
From grizzlies basking in the sunlight on their bed of snow and black bears munching dandelions with delight, to spikes of velvety horns of a caribou as she crouched low in the brush, her baby's head barely visible through binoculars, to the widest, fiercest rivers, the trip was magical. Now that I have had the taste of the north, I excitedly anticipate a return.
British Columbia and Yukon operate provincial campgrounds that are immaculate, with each site nestled between trees for shade and privacy.
Alaskan campgrounds are similar, especially those in Denali, where a three-night minimum is required. That fortunate rule meant that we slowed the hustle and relaxed with a grizzly in camp one evening and a mama moose and her offspring posing on the mountain across the river from us.
The further north we drove, the longer the hours of daylight and while we were not present for the longest day, we got a feel for it as daylight merely dimmed and then erupted soon thereafter. In fact, from northern British Columbia on I enjoyed double sunsets as the sun ducked behind mountains in the west/northwest and then emerged in the north to set again.
Madame Miller, my French teacher, was so funny as she sauntered between our desks, spouting dialogue and evoking language amazement. Her little "sac a dos" (pronounced saak aah dough), or backpack had items for us to name, topics for conversation design, and many other unique surprises.
Her love of French ignited mine. It led me through high school French and on as my college major. Mme. Miller also convinced me that to be "une vraie prof de francais" study in the country was essential.
And so I did and learned so much more than words as I was immersed in the culture and sights of a foreign country. Because the French want their children to travel throughout France and on to other countries, trains and hotels are inexpensive, allowing students like myself to take outings far and wide.
As for my love of physical activity, I have my high school PE teacher, Mrs. Brown, to thank. As a teacher and track coach, she made everything challenging and fun.
In college Mrs. Oliver, an accomplished gymnast, coaxed me across the balance beam and around the uneven bars but above all she furthered my running road fancy.
For over 40 years I have been pounding the pavement come rain, shine, wind, hail, or snow. A morning with a jog sets life in proper order.
Friends ask why I run and how I maintain the routine. Jogging is absolutely a part of me. Once I learned the value of always donning good shoes and cushiony socks, my hips and legs have sighed relief and foisted me on. Adding distance runs has enhanced the exhilaration. Thanks to those teachers who guided me.
Jot the names of teachers of influence in your life. Why and
- See SCHOOLS, Page 23 -
how did they inspire you and make a difference in your outlook, vitality, and daily living? Share this with your children and grandchildren and then permit them to reveal their experiences as well. Maybe the teacher discussed the letters behind Winnemucca Mountain (Mrs. Doughty!) and so a drive is required to see if Mr. M is still residing there. Perhaps it is the red balloon (Mrs. Richards!). Is it possible for a child to grasp a bouquet of balloons and thus observe the world with new eyes? An education provides much more than just the words in books. It generates unbelievable adventures. What are yours?
gini.cunningham@sbcglobal.net
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