It all started with an offer I could not refuse. My Aunt Sondra and Uncle Pete, who are Hideaways members, said they wanted to give me the trip of a lifetime and asked where I'd like to go. It took about two seconds for me to come back to my senses and say, "Alaska!" I've always been fascinated by Alaska, how big and wild it is. The photos I'd seen and stories I'd heard only added to my fascination. So Alaska it was!

Since I'm single, I asked a fellow paramedic friend of mine, Jackie Taylor, if she'd like to come along on my big adventure. Once again, it took her all of about two seconds to say, "Yes!" Aunt Sondra put me in touch with Darcy at Hideaways, and we were off and running with the planning phase. I definitely wanted to see Denali National Park, the Kenai Peninsula, and some of the state's famous wildlife. The package Darcy came up with was perfect for us.