Pick-ups, Blueberries & Harps

Last week Dennis put the roof on Nick's home. This week he has been installing windows, a door and the floor. Once the floor is in Nick will be able to install his wood-burning stove. It is very important at this time of year to complete the homes to the point of being able to heat them. Nick shared with Dennis that last winter he had to duct tape his door to keep the snow and cold out when they had a three day stretch of -60 degrees. Brrrrrrrr!! The road to Eagle will be closing in early October so everyone is preparing for the winter. When asked, "What do you do in the winter?" The answer is "take walks and cut wood." Dennis has enjoyed building these special relationships and the people of Eagle are very appreciative of the help they have received. During the summer many of the children have the opportunity to learn how to play various musical instruments. This week they put on a concert and to show their appreciation  invited all the workers to attend. One evening during their supper meal the volunteers enjoyed the music of a harpist. Not every moment is spent working. Roger and Dennis took a ride in a pick-up. They drove for 1 1/2 hours towards the summit and met no one. When it started getting dark, they began to consider their situation - out on an Alaskan road in an older pick-up truck, absolutely no one else traveling the road and night time approaching - they decided spending a night out there was not desirable and it was time to return to Eagle.Over the weekend they went to the summit of the mountain and picked blueberries in the tundra. This week Dennis is anticipating a boat ride on the Yukon. And the wives .......missing the husbands and wishing them home no matter how much they love Alaska.