Reflecting on 2023 & the Upcoming Year

Posted byChristi IfferganPosted inAlaska, Denali Air, Denali National Park, New MexicoTags:, , ,

It’s hard to believe that another year is winding down.  We always hear the expression that “Time flies,” but it’s even more true with every year that passes.

One of the highlights of 2023 for me was traveling to and working in Alaska.  The drive from Taos, NM, to Alaska was the absolute best road trip of my life.  The drive was over 3,500 miles and took me 3 weeks to complete.  I made so many stops along the way, but I didn’t even come close to seeing everything I wanted to see. 

I spent the summer working at Denali Air, driving guests to and from the airstrip for flightseeing tours of Denali National Park. I had so many wonderful experiences: white-water rafting, ziplining, hiking, riding ATVs, traveling by helicopter for a glacier walk, & wildlife sightings galore. After finishing the season in Alaska in mid-September, I drove back to Taos for a second winter season in Taos Ski Valley. 

I’ve been debating where I want to go in 2024 the last few weeks.  I still have some states I haven’t visited.  I need to visit Oregon to complete the west & I considered spending the summer working there… 

Then, I received an email inviting me to come back to Alaska. Indian  novelist Anita Desai said, “Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.”  It’s so very true.  Alaska has a way of drawing you in and being wide open for exploring & discovering all that it has to offer.  That is why I’m heading back in April for a second time.

Now that you’ve heard about my 2023, I have a couple of questions for you:

What positive events have taken place in your life over the past year? What will you take from 2023?

I love and miss you all. XOXO

Published by Christi Iffergan

Hi! I am Christi, a full-time RV traveller since August 2021. I have always loved to travel, but COVID-19 put a stop to that. I was fast approaching 50, my condo was being placed up for sale and I was ready for a major change. Originally from a tiny town in rural Southwest Virginia, I am the mother to one son and a rescue Shih Tzu, Cappy. For the last 20 years, I worked in public library systems around the Charlotte & Myrtle Beach areas. I met some amazing people and made great friends along the way. Follow along on my adventures as I travel the US. I hope that our paths will cross one day!

22 thoughts on “Reflecting on 2023 & the Upcoming Year”

  1. Well, now that I`m able to be free to do some traveling, Richard and I have been vacationing to
    Turks & Caicos, Naples FL., and Hilton Head for my 3 day Birthday get away in October, you know Id never leave my parents at a time when they needed me but it`s our time to enjoy our lives now and we do plan to do so, time goes by so quickly and I`m going to try not to miss a thing, hopefully..
    Merry Christmas to you !!!!

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      1. it was beautiful, I took Richard Kayaking , we went horse back riding in the blue waters and sandy white beaches, snorkeled, I sailed a Hobby Cat, cause my Dad taught me to sail,.. and we got up graded to the penthouse with access to the roof top with full outdoor kitchen, Jacuzzi
        full maid and butler service everyday, had five private bedrooms plus primary suite, just gorgeous the place was and we enjoyed the wild life there too, iguanas birds the fish, it was our first vacation since my momma passed and I thought my parents were looking down on us and said, give these two a break, give em the penthouse, omg just pinch me, was wonderful now it`s a let down when you have the regular room, but it`s all fine and good,,,

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  4. Christie…You are an amazing person full of intellect, kindness & caring…miss you at the library… I have been to Alaska twice and have felt the same way and wish I could have spend more time there…. Your photographs are spectacular… Thank you for sharing… Wishing you a wonderful holiday…Patsy

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    1. Patsy, now you have an excuse to come back to Alaska! I’ll be there from May to September next year. If you want to go flying, let me know! I am so glad that we met & I miss everyone back home. I’m hoping to get back sometime next year. If I do, we’ll have to get together ❤️

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  5. I have really enjoyed your travel log.
    So glad that you are getting to see so much of the USA! I went to Greece this year. Beautiful trip!!
    Merry Christmas🌲🎁💕

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  6. It sounds like you have a wonderful year planned! I do hope you get to Oregon. Our son lives there and we have visited so many places like Mount Hood, Crater Lake. Multnomah Falls, and best of all the beautiful coast. The most positive thing that has happened to Ron and me recently is that in October we adopted a sweet little miniature poodle-mix rescue dog named Ruby. She weighs less than 15 pounds but keeps us on our toes! Best wishes and safe travels to you as you continue on your journey.

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    1. I’ve seen pictures of your beautiful girl on Facebook! It’s amazing how much unconditional love and joy these fur babies bring to our lives. Ruby and you are so lucky to have found each other. Thanks for all the recommendations for Oregon. I miss talking books with you!

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  7. Hi Christi,
    I love living all of these adventures with you. So many wonderful memories you have. You and Cappy are so brave to do all of that traveling. I got to go to Disney World and Universal with Mark, Melissa and Emily this summer so that was special for me. Then we went to St Petersburg and watched Emily’s swim meets. We spent almost all of our day at Universal in the Harry Potter World and it so much fun. You have a very Blessed and Happy Christmas and New Year! Love, Vicki

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    1. Sounds like fun! How old is Emily now? I remember seeing pictures of the baby shower with a book theme, the videos we watched of her singing & how smart she was—just like you! Did Jim go with you, too? I miss seeing you. Every time I see something pumpkin flavored or a good pumpkin recipe, I always think of you. Love you, Vicki Rat-on-a-jet-ski ❤️ 💙 💜

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      1. Hi, Emily turned 10 in November. She is into so many things and just loves life. Swimming is her main focus right now. Jim didn’t go to Florida with me. I flew down and met them there. It was a fun time.I miss you also. I haven’t seen Michelle since you all got back, but I want to hear about that adventure! Enjoy your time in Taos! Love Vicki

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