I am grateful today for these two young men, employees of the Alyeska Hotel and the Bore Tide Deli, located on the top of the mountain here at the resort.

We arrived by bus and soon decided to explore the area by taking the enclosed tram to the top, over 2000 feet up, as opposed to walking the steep trail that was almost 2.5 miles to the top. This decision was made, of course, by the majority in the group, not by scaredy-of-heights-pants Rhonda. The ride was mostly uneventful and we proceeded to go to the deli for an early dinner because it’s what you do on vacation. Eat and then eat more.

It was cloudy but not rainy; however, at the end of our dinner, the wind began blowing and when we attempted to board the tram back down to stable ground and beautiful resort, we were informed the tram was on a “wind hold.” Fine by Rhonda, I didn’t wanna get on any tram in wind, or ever.

So we sat. And we sat. And we sat some more. And the wind blew 35 mph and then some.

Several people gave up and decided to walk down the trail…and Sam and I chose to do the same after waiting for so long. The waiter mentioned to us that it is typically a strenuous hour and a half walk, but that went right over our heads.

It wasn’t a hundred yards down that we realized strenuous was an understatement. No water bottles. Cold. Windy. Steep. And rugged. Not your typical paved walking path in suburban Kansas City. But we had great new hiking shoes and good jackets and down we went.

And then there was Anthony. “Hi! I’m Anthony.” “You’ll wanna go slower here.” “Step this way, it’s easier.” “I’m native Alaskan, so I’m more used to this.” “I won’t leave you.” “Let’s take a break.”

He was our guide and we followed him faithfully.

A few people passed us on the way down, barely stopping to make sure us old people were okay.

Pictures do not do justice. There were parts, lots of parts, where we had to use both hands to hold on to rocks and mountain, parts where we had to sit down to navigate our way slowly. Parts where our knees and leg muscles screamed. Okay, that was all the parts of the way, but still.

And then, a third of the way down, there was Benjamin. He was our waiter at the top and he also gave up hope of a tram ride, following behind us. And he stayed with Sam the rest of the way, bringing up the rear as protector of our foursome.

We had a great time and stayed positive with every single step, even though our legs were on the verge of giving out, even though Sam was weak and needed many breaks to regroup. And Anthony and Benjamin stayed with us.

It began to get dark. The trail did not get easier as we had hoped. The resort seemed further and further away. And Benjamin got a little worried, so he called for help. He was able to give our position and at .7 miles left, a rescue jeep picked all four of us up in the darkness and drove us the rest of the way.

I must admit. I had doubts and fears. I must also admit. I love my husband and am so proud of him. Several times as we slowly made our way down, he said, “Rhonda, this is not me. I am so sorry. I’m slowing you down.” But this IS Sam. He is the 60+ year old on chemotherapy who decides in a cold wind storm to tackle a 2000+ foot steep descent on a late Alaskan Sunday afternoon.

I must admit. God travels. And He sends angels to go before us and protect from behind. We were just incredibly blessed to SEE THOSE ANGELS this time, and we are so very grateful to call them by name.

Thank you, Anthony and Benjamin.

Thank you, God.