An (Almost) Perfect Day

I called this an "almost" perfect day because there really is NO day

on this earth that is totally perfect.

But we recently had one that came close...very close.

Rated a 9 out of 10.

It began by joining Josh, Kathleen and Abigail for worship service

at the church where they were married.

After church we walked the ramp onto the Tanana Chief, a paddleboat

that offers brunch during a pleasant trip down the Chena River.

The day was glorious with bright blue skies and white mounds of white clouds.

The riverside view of the houses and businesses is interesting and unable to be seen

any other way. We relaxed after brunch and admired the homes, decks, slips and

waterfront patios with umbrellas and lounge chairs.

Several houses had hydroplanes parked in their yards. Planes are a common means of transportation since many villages and towns are not on the "road system" and fly-in only.

Relaxing and fun to look at these houses and dream.

Our thoughtful little Abigail studied the red paddlewheels and didn't seem bothered

by the mist that sprayed off of them. I just know she will become an engineer someday.

We floated right by the deck of the Princess hotel where Jack works.

It was full of diners enjoying the sunshine just as we were.

Jack enjoyed waving to them rather than taking their dinner orders--

enjoying his day off completely!

After our river cruise, Josh and Kathleen headed home to give Abigail a nap.

We just couldn't bear to go indoors on this amazing day so we rented a kayak to

return to the very same river we had just been on.

The arrangement of the rental is a sweet one--

we paddle downstream until finally arriving at a waterfront restaurant,

then get picked up by van with a boat rack.

The current is strong enough to carry us slowly and leisurely.

We did very little paddling, to be honest.

Only enough to avoid crashing into decks, brush or ducks.

And avoid the jet skiers!

We mostly stayed awake to enjoy the views, however.

Now here is one never before seen in Fairbanks, Alaska!

Thank goodness for people with good senses of humor.

Three hours later we docked our kayak and pondered dinner.

The outdoor deck of a local restaurant fit the bill and we feasted on prime rib and seafood

on that now familiar Chena River and Sunday sunshine.

Definitely a 9 out of 10 day!