Free Alive in Alaska by T. A. Martin Page B

there, it will be like a beautiful fall day here in the lower forty-eight."
    It didn't take long for Bill and Betsy to come to a decision to follow their agent's recommendations.
    "One of the things that I want to mention is that this package has what is called a US Direct feature. That is, you fly to Vancouver where you will board the ship, there you will be taken from the Vancouver airport directly to the dock on a secured bus. That is you will not be allowed off the bus until you get to the Maasdam.   Therefore, you will ‘not be in Canada' and not be required to go through Canadian customs. That'll save you several hours, and it's a wonderful feature in this package."
    Over the next six months, they had many conversations about the trip with their friends. And they had valued many of the comments from people who had already taken such trips. Some of the comments Bill and Betsy acted on in hopes that all would go well using the tips that they felt were crucial.
      “Will, did you pick up the trip documents?”
    “Got them right there in my travel bag.”
    Now the day had arrived and the Bigelows were in the final moments loading and checking that they had everything for their 40 th anniversary trip to Alaska. Elizabeth Bigelow, Betsy to everyone, did the last check on the house and that the instructions for the cat sitters were on the island in the kitchen. All secure, time to get going.   The couple traveled a lot but never to Alaska, so this trip was much anticipated. Betsy walked out and gave Bill a hug after the last large suitcase was hefted into the van and he closed the hatchback. Will turned and put his arms around Betsy "how did you get all of that stuff in your suitcase sweetheart, it's a moose.”
    “I knew you could handle it my dear” she squeezed his biceps. “Although the little fan and water pitcher for our veranda cabin was a little tough to get in”
    “I hope your friends were right about needing it”
    “Anyway, we’re off to a great adventure”
    After the small seatbelt ritual and a punch to the garage door button the Bigelow’s X3 rolled from the driveway headed to Pulliam Airport. It was a beautiful day.
    Flagstaff to Phoenix is fortunately just a short hop on the regional jet, but the Bigelows had a two-hour wait before boarding the flight from Phoenix to Vancouver. It's a 3 1/4 hour flight but a more comfortable arrangement. One of the nice things is that they won't go through security again for over two weeks.
    Betsy and Bill decided to go through the scanners at Pulliam and try to avoid a pat down. They both were in good shape and not very concerned their 60 something images would be interesting to anyone else except each other. As experienced travelers, they had mastered getting through security without delays and this morning at Pullman was no different.
    The two hours in Phoenix allowed Betsy to begin a new journal she had brought for the Alaskan adventure. Bill perused the ms Maasdam documents to find out how he would set up the wedding anniversary dinner in the Pinnacle Grill gourmet restaurant. Since their anniversary was on the day that they would be cruising in Glacier Bay eating in the Grill would make the dinner fantastic. He was oblivious to the airport bustle as he sorted through his mental library of the best of Betsy moments.
    “Bill.” Betsy’s voice broke through, “They called our seats for boarding.”
    Tickets in hand, they joined the line at their gate.
    When they had settled in their seats, Bill asked, “How did your meeting with your column editor go, I hadn’t had a chance to ask?”
    “Very well, she asked if I would do a separate article about the Gates to the Arctic trip.   And because it will play in directly with their Native Alaska series, she will pay $2,000 for it.”
    “Okay! That is very nice.”
    They looked up to pay attention to the steward as he went through the standard flight speech.   Then sat quietly enjoying the take off.  
    The