Training is key for survival in harsh conditions. That is why Linda and I take advantage of what training we can for living in this area. Recently, FEMA had a special training event for Disaster Mass Care operations. It was held in Palmer, Alaska, which is North East of Anchorage and is part of the Anchorage Metropolitan Statistical Area.
We were planning to fly to Palmer, using N8287Q, the C 206. I checked over the plane on Friday, cleaning injectors, changing the oil and filter, and washing the belly of the plane. When the day came to leave, we loaded up the plane and belted in. Unfortunately, we then found out that the starter drive failed to start the plane! We would have probably taken N1352V, the Hawk XP, but it is still down awaiting repairs.
We unloaded the plane and packed the gear in the car. What would have been a two-hour flight, now was going to take us 6 to 7 hours to drive. As we drove, we realized how blessed we were. First, we were thankful that there is a road to use for a plan B. In most of Alaska, roads are not available, due to being impassible, not accessible, or non-existent. Second, the day was a beautiful day for any mode of transport, and we were able to enjoy the wonders of creation from the ground level as we made our way to Palmer.
One of the wonders we passed on our way to Palmer was the Mt. McKinley National Park entrance and the phenomenal South Park view of “The Great One” from a distance of about 30 miles away. In 2015, Mount McKinley, North America’s tallest mountain, was renamed the local Athabaskan name of Denali, which means “The Great One”.
As we drove, we were reminded of the Bible Verse in Matthew 17:20, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” Though we had to take a detour, getting to the training was not impossible, and we are thankful that God helps us get where we need to go, when we need to be there. Thank you for your support of the Alaska project, keeping us working for God!
