Logbook: Barrow to Wasilla, entry 2: Exhausted man on a jet

After a long time spent sitting inside the plane that came in late on a delayed arrival, we encountered a second delay caused by an "aircraft swap" in Anchorage. We had to sit on the tarmac and wait for the swapped plane from Anchorage to land before we could take off from Barrow. The incoming plane had to be at least 100 miles out and maybe even 200 or more but that must have been deemed too close for safety at an uncontrolled airport.

I was so exhausted I laid my head against the window and closed my eyes. Finally, we began taxing to the runway. I kept my eyes closed while inside my head the gospel numbers from the funerals and singspirations continued in full strength and Inupiaq spirit. I became aware we were flying but still I did not open my eyes. After what seemed like half-an-hour, I opened my eyes and looked out the window, expecting to see the Brooks Range mountains below, or maybe the tops of clouds. I was startled to see the Barrow taxiway and to discover we still sat at the entrance to the runway. I was even more startled to see the swapped out Alaska Airlines jet suddenly shoot past on the runway as it decelerated after landing. We waited for it to clear the runway and then we took off.

I will have to wait to post this self portrait of exhausted me until we land in Anchorage - just as I must wait to post failed entry 1 until we land.