Summer 2007 Story from the Road

No good road trip would be complete without its share of humorous moments. Even the littlest thing can be amusing. I call this one...

An American Couple, Their Anniversary and Some Drunk Polish Tourists

I was spending another busy day at the BLM wayside by the Arctic Circle, MP 115 on the Dalton Highway. This was our busiest location on the Haul road, and I usually didn't have too much time between surveying folks.

A large tour van pulled into the parking lot. I got blank surveys ready to go. But at once, I noticed that these weren't English-speaking tourists. It turns out they were Polish, and only their tour guide spoke any English. The others were talking fast, and I couldn't understand a word of it. The group seemed to be having a grand time, lining up to take their pictures in front of the Arctic Circle sign. So I let them, and opted for talking to a couple from the Lower 48.

As it turns out, this couple was very nice and completed one of my surveys in exchange for my help in photographing their visit to the North. All I had to do was take their picture in front of the sign. No problem. They mentioned that it was their fortieth anniversary and that they wanted to remember the day well. I congratulated them on such an accomplishment - forty years doesn't happen too much any more. Wow! I took their picture and they went back to their car to work on my survey.

Meanwhile, back to my Polish guests. After taking all the pictures they wanted, it was time for a party! I saw no less than four one-gallon glass jugs of wine, about 10 bottles of champagne, and packages of snacks being brought out -- all over the parking lot. Who needed the nearby picnic tables? There was only about 15 people in this group, and together they slugged down their drinks well. The tour guide pulled me over and offered me as much as I wanted. I wasn't too sure about the drinks, but I did take a plastic cup full of olives. Yes, they had vats of green olives and were eating them by the cup full. I must admit - they were tasty. These tourists travelled in style -- all their favorite snacks. As the minutes passed, they got louder and louder. It must have been the olives -- it couldn't have been the wine. (I found myself being very amused by this group.)

After a while, the older American gentleman returned his completed survey to me. I congratulated him once again. The tour guide asked why, and I said that today was their anniversary. This Polish tour group was mighty happy - and ready to spread their joy. Less than a minute later, they mobbed the American couple's car, singing what must have been a "Happy Anniversary" song - in Polish - to the surprised couple.

It was a sight to see. I don't think the Americans - even from inside their car - new how to react. The looks on their faces were priceless. I should have taken a picture of them.

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