Neumann Takes on Alaska in 12 minutes

Climb to top of Flat Top Peak Anchorage 9-2-2010

Proud moment on Flat Top Peak, Back home in Chicago, More Goodbyes

I'm writing this Sunday night sitting at home. Thursday and Friday were rough. Leaving people you have grown to care about after 3 months is hard enough. Not knowing where you are going from here makes it near impossible. Friday morning I drove to Alaska State Fair in Palmer hoping a 93 lb cabbage would make me feel better about myself. The fair was cool, a bit small, but I needed something more.

When I got to Alaska in May, I wanted to climb this Peak, I had problems getting up the first leg of the trail so I quit. Driving back from Palmer, I heard the voices of all the great people who pushed me this summer. Tom, Joanna, Kendra, Steve, Ben, I thank you. I got to Flat Top Peak and realized I have come so far this year, but I'm still out of shape. I wanted to quit at least 6 times on the way up, yet i kept hearing you guys telling me to suck it up and keep going. I reached the peak after a long ass time and I admit I had tears of joy. I don't think I could have ever done something like that. I still have doubts of the future, but if I could reach a peak, I can find a way to succeed.

Plane ride home was nice. Weather in Chicago was beautiful. Spent first day back going to a party saying goodbye to my great friend Jen. I'm done with goodbyes for a while. My puppy missed me.

Burning of nasty hats from kitchen.

Last post from Alaska Sad Goodbyes and Best Summer Ever

I needed to post one last blog from Alaska. Im in my hotel room in Anchorage and I have one day left here. I am planning on going to the state fair and checking out the 100 pound cabbage.

The last 2 days have been so bittersweet. I have made so many great friends and had so many great times its hard to leave it, yet there are so many opportunities and great adventures for these people. I so wanna see their successes. I on the other hand have no clue where i am going now, so I am scared as shit. I am planning to spend my first week back to get my head on straight and make some plans.

The final party was a great sendoff. Scotty won Employee of the year. Had just a great time chilling with the cohorts one last time. A great group of us went out to the point one last time. We were blessed with a 5 minute show of the northern lights as a goodbye present. Departure morning, Bob sounded a siren at 6 am. Pretty funny. It then went on to a series of goodbyes.

People staying at the lodge.
People heading out on their own.
People getting off in Palmer to go to Denali and McKinley
People getting off at Westmark
People getting off at Airport
Last was me droppin Tom off at Airport

Tom and I had a great day hangin in Anchorage. We grabbed some local stuff at Target, Carrs. Had a beer and crab bruschetta at Snow Goose. Toured Midnight Sun Brewery. AWESOME. Had light dinner at Moose's Tooth.

This summer would not have been as great as it was without certain people;
AT: Greatest boss I have ever had. Great guy
Jermaine and Jesus: Great having Sous Chefs that make it worth going to work.
Steve: part of the group that kicked my ass into doin stuff.
Joanna and Kendra: 2 of the nicest and funniest girls I have ever met. Joanna with an awesome dirty mind too.
Ben:Hands down one of the nicest coolest guys Ive ever met.

Bob Chase: Superhero who tried to help me land my sockeye.

Dan and Derrick: wish I would have hung earlier in season, but some of the best memories had these guys.

Ashley and Amber: They made me laugh. Sometimes that was hard.

and especially Tom: Hard to make that good a friend in 3 months. Hope he knows what a good person he is. I owe him big time.

Im gonna miss the Klutina the most, bitch never gave me a fish.

Lodge is Closed, Goodbyes have started. Partying will commence shortly.

Worked from 9 to 4 cleaning the kitchen, Ashley and Amber left for Anchorage bout 445. Tom, steve and I hiked about half way down the ugly hill to my favorite spot in Alaska. We are having a party tonight and many beverages will be had. I can't believe it's almost over.

On my way into work last time for deep cleaning and final party prep. Chitina trip yesterday.

Ben took me on a trip to Chitina yesterday. Was  in Wrangill St Elias National Park and saw salmon wheels on Copper River. Gonna be a sad day ending this ride.

Gettin close to the End. Midnight Hike. Discovery of 3rd Point

Happy Birthday Mom! I am trying to make the most of this. I am sad and excited to see what is yet to come.

My last Day cooking for the coworkers. 1 day left of Work. Tomorrow Hike and clean.

Last day cookin for the masses. I sorta miss it and really dont.

Lunch:Lasagna

Dinner: Brisket and Au Gratin Potatoes

Made a cake also.

Can't believe it's almost over. Got a hotel and car for thursday and friday. I really am gonna miss this place.

Tonigh taking a midnight hike down a scary trail using headlamps. Tomorrow, LONG ass hike to make me really miss this place. I am a much different person leaving than when I arrived. Should be an interesting couple of days. See you soon chicago.