Unusual Aurora Perspective

The Aurora.

I've seen pictures and heard about it. Know where to go to watch it for a weekend trip, but I haven't seen it yet.

In case you missed it in the news, the astronauts got a pretty cool picture of it earlier this week.

http://www.adn.com:80/life/alaskana/story/354408.html

I am sure the mushers in the All Alaska Sweepstakes are getting a great look if the skies are clear. The old record is 72 hours and 14 minutes from 1910. If things continue as they have over the first 1/2 of the race, that record will be almost cut in half.

Amazing...

The bears are waking up!

Last week, I saw an article in the paper about the bears waking up. Sure enough - we went to the Wildlife Conservation Center this weekend and watched them play in the snow. Now is the perfect time as the Center makes sure they are fed and it is cool enough for them to actually play instead of sleep all day... Look - I found my toes...
See - here they are!
Time for some wrestling
And then there's the goofy ravens. These birds were hanging out at the caribou feeding trough about 3 feet away from the animals. They are so big - however they appear to be on the eagle food chain. We just haven't had enough eagles come back to town yet to get rid of the ravens for summer!

Happy Easter!

Spring is coming.

The Nenana Ice Classic is in full swing (can't forget to turn in the winning ticket sitting here on my desk).

The ravens are moving to the country or wherever ravens go in the summer (hooray!)....

The bears are waking up ...

And Whittier, Alaska (just south of here) received 3 feet of snow Wednesday and expects another 4 feet if they don't have it already.

OK...maybe Spring is still a few weeks away!

It's 29 and sunny - what should we do???

Open the house up of course! Get some fresh air in here!

It has been an absolutely beautiful weekend. Two sunny days creating a lot of melt. Today we went skiing at Alyeska - WOW - it doesn't get any better!

(OK, OK..it was a little icy and I fell...no I crashed mid green slope...I am going to have a very colorful bruise just to the side of my kneecap tomorrow. It is already forming. I think I will have a ski shaped (long/thin) one on the opposite shin to match it.)

Back to the sun! Either today or tomorrow, we will hit 12 hours of sunlight. In 3 short months we will have 20 hours of sunlight and the rest dusk. We are gaining light at the rate of 5 minutes
and 45 seconds a day.

Glad we got our fishing licenses Friday!

The race will finish soon!

Once again - the Iditarod will soon be over. Mackey and King are nose to nose so to speak. It looks to be a closer finish this year than last.

Downtown at the start (notice the buildings)...

At the Official re-start in Willow (the open field on the far side is the lake planes land on...)
Dogs ready to run!
As far as I know, the only matched sled dog team this year - what a beautiful team..
Lance Mackey - Last year's winner
Jeff King - 4 time champ and trying for a 5th.

They are estimating the race will finish about 3:30am tomorrow morning. I probably won't stay up for it.

Of course Squirt has been absolutely enthralled by this over the last 10 days (OK maybe not that enthralled...) but - what dog doesn't want to be a sled dog champ???

Fur Rondy Highlights

Once again, we went to the dog sled sprint races, hide and horn auction and the dog weight pull. Of course the difference this year was the First Annual Running of the Reindeer (which made several national news clips). At the hide and horn auction, I had to hold both of Robert's hands because he kept pointing at the hides and I didn't want to come home with a $700 wolf pelt. Regardless...a few highlights...

Out of the gate - this is a 25 mile run the teams complete in about 90 minutes.

Meet Dozer the Giant Alaskan Malamute. He weighed 180lbs.

At the Hide and Horn auction - a clear, beautiful day to have a carnival. (It is about 28 degrees...OK the Ferris wheel might have been a chilly ride!)

Ah...the reindeer have arrived!

Here they are picking out targets...

Reindeer training. (This had to be a wild ride for the skiers as the reindeer went fast.) They did three runs with the skiers to train the reindeer where their pen was located at the other end.

The crowd is primed...literally.

Here's a feisty little one...notice the fur flying AND no more harnesses from the training session.

And they're off! The roars of laughter are Robert and myself.

Luckily, no one was hurt and I can't wait for next year. We will be at the finish line then!

So how close do the moose get to the house?

These pictures were taken from our front porch....he was having a buffet of our bushes and trees getting ready to make the return trip on the back side....

Then of course he had to stop off for some birch twigs....

Note - he is on the steps to our deck. Thank goodness we put the them there or he would really have trouble reaching! (I am sure "he" is right because if you look at his forehead, I think antlers are ready to come out soon!)

We did see something unusual this morning when gong to work...our neighbor's truck was sideways in the street. No driver - passenger - wreck - nothing wrong. Just sitting there blocking the road. We finally decided it must have slid down the driveway during the night due to the warm temps, melting ice and windy conditions!

So many things to describe....

We spent Saturday and Sunday at Fur Rondy taking in events such as sprint sled dog races, hide and horn auction, dog weight pull and of course the first annual running of the reindeer! We took lots of pictures and videos but I haven't had time to review and cull for the blog.

Work is interfering with blogging.

I occasionally facilitate meetings and I have had 3 over the last week plus I have all day meetings tomorrow and Friday. This requires me to be absolutely pleasant - even captivating - for 6-8 hours at a time which means I am all out of creativity by the time I get home.

This weekend is Iditarod - there goes Saturday and probably Sunday!

Hopefully I will be creative sometime this weekend!

South Pacific Fish Pictures...

OK - this is just coral...

These were about 12 - 14 inches tall.

So....soft...just like velvet

And They're Off!!

Fur Rondy has started!

One of my favorite times of the year here!

At noon today, Robert and I walked over to watch the first round of the World Champion Sprint Sled Dog Races. The dogs LOVE to run and they were in prime form today.

This year we saw something different when one of the mushers started at full bore and one of the lead dogs slipped out of his collar. He was still in his harness but his collar was just flapping away. It took the chute runners (men stationed on the street to help if there are problems) a good block at a dead run to catch up to the sled and then it took the musher and two chute runners jumping on the sled dragging their feet to get it stopped. By then the dogs were getting ready to turn into the crowd. Of course the dogs don’t understand because they are ready to run for 30 miles and they only went a block. Luckily, no people or dogs were hurt. Unfortunately, the incident probably took the musher out of contention because of the 45 second delay getting the collar on again.

Weather this year is downright hot compared to this time last year. It was 40 degrees this afternoon. They had to truck snow in to pad the streets and the trail so the dogs wouldn’t be hurt. Tomorrow it is supposed to be cooler .. 27 or so. Perfect dog weight pull weather!

Warm and Breezy tonight....

Right now it is 6 pm and 39 degrees outside. We are losing snowpiles left and right and the roads are a sheet of ice. (Has Breakup arrived early???)

We have secured the grill for the evening due to the following warning from the National Weather Service....

"...LOW PRESSURE MOVING ACROSS THE GULF WILL BRING DANGEROUS WINDS TO TURNAGAIN ARM AND THE HILLSIDE THROUGH TONIGHT. SOUTHEAST WINDS 50 TO 70 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 90 MPH ALONG TURNAGAIN ARM AND THE HILLSIDE WILL PERSIST THROUGH THE OVERNIGHT HOURS. WINDS WILL BEGIN TO SLOWLY DIMINISH EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING AND THEN QUICKLY FALL WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON...."

We are located mid Hillside...maybe the winds will be only 1/2 as much.

This means Squirt will have to be on leash to go outside and everything will rattle all night long!

The hazards of living in Paradise!

Other Cruise Stops...

Of course, the cruise was wonderful. This ship was about 1/3 of the size boat we normally cruise on so you were always running into people you knew. Most passengers were either Canadian or American with a few Europeans and Russians about. We had excursions at every island which regardless of what we did included fresh papaya, coconut, star fruit, fish (blue fin marlin, mahi mahi) and rum punch or Hinano beer.

On Tahiti, we did a circle island tour stopping at several locations including the Gauguin museum and a little restaruant to feed the "pet" saltwater fish. They called this one a moon fish.

On Huahine, we did a historical walk through the village of Maeva looking at mareas (prehistoric temples) and other artifacts…along with vanilla plants and beans growing on a plantation. Plus we stopped off at a little creek running through part of the island to feed the blue-eyed eels. Unfortunately, there had been a mud slide and you couldn't see them very well..

Raratonga is part of the Cook Islands and associated with New Zealand. We were very lucky as we were actually able to land the day we were there. This was the first time in three months the ship had been able to off load passengers. We snorkeled.

Raiatea/Tahaa – We drift snorkeled in the coral garden – which is where we used one entire underwater camera. A drift snorkel is where there is a channel between to motus (islands) and you hike to one end of the channel, get in and just drift along with the current. The only work is to swim around the coral to avoid getting cut. I almost made it...however both of my knees and one shin took one for the team...

Bora Bora – We snorkeled on 2 different days in 2 different areas – both times feeding the sting rays. The second day when we snorkeled with the rays, the black tipped reef sharks decided to come in for lunch too. Robert told me I should get on the boat. I looked at him and said as long as you are holding the fish, I’m ok. I did stay with the sharks until there were 4 of them. Then we both got out. Of course the birds are trained just as well. We were able to throw food and they would catch it mid air.

We then returned to Mo’orea – and (surprise) more snorkeling however I think this was the most relaxing excusion we had. We went to a channel between two motus (small islands) and it was covered with a lovely fine sand. They had tables, lunch (fresh mahi mahi), drinks and no set itinerary. Just to spend a few hours in the water and on the beach in either sun or shade.

And sadly back to Tahiti to start the long journey home.

The water in all locations was absolutely beautiful and the fish amazing. Over the course of two weeks, I’ll bet we went swimming along reefs 15 – 20 different times and on every one we say different fish from puffers to flute fish to angels to neons, big and little both, along with the clams, anemones, urchins and corals. The colors are amazing – as if we were in a giant salt water tank only better.

We did bring back some vanilla beans (once dried they are a spice) and will soon be flavoring some rum and sugar with them. The underwater cameras should be developed by next weekend. If we got some good fish pictures, I will post those in the next couple of days!

Tourist life on Mo'orea

Finally – mail is caught up (paper and electronic), laundry is done from vacation, taxes are almost ready to be shipped off and Squirt is once again speaking to us….

As I mentioned, we were off gallivanting around the South Pacific. Our plane left Anchorage at 10:00am Friday, in a snowstorm (yes we got up early and shoveled everything one last time) with temps about 6 degrees. Dashing through Seattle (I had to buy sunglasses here – never thought to grab them at home) and Los Angeles, we arrived 23 hours later in hot, humid, sunny Papeete, Tahiti. Unfortunately, between the time we stood up in the airplane and got on the bus to leave the airport, someone stole Robert’s international cell phone. (Luckily they didn’t get his wallet.) He never felt a thing. So - no phone and no watch. But all of our luggage arrived!

After a 45 minute ferry ride, we landed at our final destination for the next three days - the island of Mo’orea (where they filmed South Pacific) and our bungalow over the water.
Thank goodness it was air-conditioned and - bunus- there was a window in the floor to watch the fish. We had back door with a deck connected to a lower platform allowing us to grab the snorkel gear and immediately jump into the warm water. The fish and coral were amazing.


Over the next few days we relaxed on the island. Ok – after the first 24 hours of trying to make a collect phone call to cancel the cell phone (we finally direct dialed), we relaxed. I woke up promptly at 6am every day on vacation ready to go discover things - such as my French skills are rather rusty and Robert’s are non-existent.

The second thing we discovered (the first being the lack of language skills) was the cost of living in Anchorage isn’t bad compared to the islands. Prices were phenomenal – even in the smaller downtown stores away from the tourist areas. Of course, the exchange rate didn't help right now but it wasn’t unusual to spend between $40-$60 on breakfast and more on dinner. I was starting to understand why there weren’t families with children at our resort!

We also discovered buffalo wings in French Polynesia aren’t necessarily the same as America. (And you wonder at our surprise?) It consisted of fried (skinny) chicken wings with ketchup all over them. However, the tomatoes and mozzarella were fantastic!

After 2 days of snorkeling in our lagoon and staying mostly on the resort property, it was time rent a car. We wanted to drive around the island…should we rent for 4 hours or 8 hours. We opted for 4 hours and decided to risk additional fees – of course everyone runs on “island time” and I wasn’t too concerned about being late.

There is one (narrow) road around the island and one road inland to the highest point with wild chickens everywhere (as a centipede deterrent). Most people used bicycles for transportation (it is a flat road around the island) and from all appearances, each day you were supposed to ride your bike to the bakery and pick up a bagette. The best way to carry your un-wrapped bagette is under your arm. (I didn't look at a piece of bread the same the rest of the trip!) Most drivers had trouble staying on their side of the road and stop signs were only used if the gendarme were present. Of course, there may have been very specific traffic signs but they were all in French and most of the time, we had no idea what they said. Robert did fantastic under the pressure of driving on the island.

Three and ½ hours later, we had shopped in both shopping areas, circled the island, went to the top of the mountain to take photos, ate lunch and still had 40 minutes to kill before the car would be late. Four hours was the proper choice.

Of course we saw beautiful flowers and incredible sunsets. What a great way to start a vacation!

Tuesday it was time to hit the cruise ship and start the next leg of the journey….unpacking once with scenery changing daily!

I've got new passport stamps!

Yes - we just got back from vacation. The last two weeks we have been putting around French Polynesia and the Cook Islands. Ports of call included Tahiti, Raratonga, Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora and Mo'orea.

Once the massive piles of mail and laundry have been reduced, I'll attempt to regale you with Novice Alaskan learning's about the South Pacific...and toss in a few island paradise pictures!

PS -it was very hot and humid. Believe it or not, the cold (-15) felt refreshing last night when we stepped out of the taxi cab to unload the bags!

Oh how the wind doth blow....

Yesterday's high gust was 86 mph.

Today's high gust was 74 mph.

And once again, the grill meandered across the deck and our windows sounded like they were going to pop out of the frames. Luckily we still have our screens - others aren't so lucky!

This is just like breakup. Our temps have been in the high 30's to low 40's and everything is muddy, sandy, grimy and just all around ugly. Our driveway and sidewalks didn't get warm enough to dry off and now are sheets of ice. Looks like we get to do this at least two times this year as Friday morning it is supposed to be 5 degrees. All we need is a good 2 feet of snow to straighten things out!

On a brighter note....

Fur Rondy Countdown - 30 days
Iditarod Countdown - 38 days

Let the dogs get ready to run!

Break up is here early???

What's going on? The snow is melting! Part of our deck is bare wood! Has breakup arrived?

Nah...it's a fluke setting us up for more snow. We are in a high wind warning (up to 85mph late this afternoon) and the front is moving in. I expect more snow later and with winds this high, I don't think we will walk today.

By the way, the wind has changed our lighted poodledeer back into a reindeer again.

The last two days have been very nice here at mid-hillside. Mid 20's with the occasional breakthrough of sun. I am sure the slopes up the hill from us are rather icy now.

Squirt received a bath, brush and comb yesterday. He is one fluffy dog right now. Soon he will require some trimming. I just hate to do that when it is below freezing out.

Speaking of Squirt, I don't think I mentioned that his favorite dog sitter of all time (right after Grandma) lives here in Alaska. She takes him everywhere with her. He goes on sleep overs at her house (where there is a kitty to play with), he goes to her parents where there is another Bichon and sometimes a grandchild to play with, he went grocery shopping with her one day and he ate the bread, etc. When we went Outside (translation - not in the state of Alaska) for Thanksgiving, MB stopped by to pick him up. When she came through the door he was so happy we couldn't get a word in for his barking. She asked him if he wanted to go for a ride and he ran out the door, down the steps, hopped into the truck and never looked back.

Since then I have wondered if my mother felt the same thing I did as I was leaving for college...out the door, down the steps, into the truck and didn't look back?? (OK - I at least waved...)

Meandering Moose

(Fur Rondy Countdown - 36 days)
(Iditarod Countdown - 43 days)


Ya' gotta' love it!

Driving home tonight on one of the 4 lane "bypasses", there were a lot of cars slamming on breaks, slowing down, etc. on the two main lanes and the exit ramp. We couldn't see a wreck of any type but as we got closer, we realized what was going on.

There was Bullwinkle meandering smack dab in the middle of the exit ramp. He was looking from side to side, checkin' thing out, curious about all of the commotion going on. At least no one hit him or anyone else!

In other news, we applied for the Permanent Fund today! Since we have lived in state for one full calendar year and meet a host of other requirements, we can say we own a share of the natural resources (oil & gas) leaving the state. This means we get to share the benefits and should receive a check in October or so. That's when all of the fun sales start on cars, ATVs, and other big ticket items. Talk about an inflow of cash to the economy!

Our New Hood Ornament - Well - Almost

There we were, driving home from Girdwood after dark and what appears by the side of the road but a big Dall Sheep. He wasn't quite full curl - but he would have made an impressive wall mount for someone who doesn't hunt. (I wonder what the laws are along those lines...) It was too dangerous to stop for pictures because of the dark and curvy road...maybe next time.

OK - it's next time...Friday, on the way to a formal holiday party (the last one of the season) in Girdwood, we saw 6 moose (bulls, cows and calves) plus 4 mountain goats as close to the road as I have ever seen them. Of course we couldn't stop for pictures because we had to be somewhere. We will have to look on Saturday on the way home.

Typical to animals, Saturday when returning to Anchorage while we have the time and camera, able to stop whenever needed, we didn't see a single animal of interest. They obviously didn't get the memo to be out for photo ops during our drive home. We only saw ravens and I can watch them in my yard anytime.

Over the last few days it has been chilly here. We were down to -14 yesterday evening. Squirt's feet get really cold at these temps. We have had lots of good snow though - enough to turn our papa reindeer into a poodle...

Summer Plans are Underway!

The snow is gently falling...

The snow thrower is broken...

The Squirt Track has been cleared of the new 8" of snow...(skiing will be FANTASTIC Saturday!)

Hard to believe but it is time to start making reservations for summer activities!

I am so excited about our summer plans this year! So far we have King Salmon fishing on the Deshka. (OK - the 44 lb halibut was fun. I'm looking for a 40lb salmon this time around!)

However, while I love to fish and big fish are lots of fun to catch, I think the best thing this summer will be the Katmai bear viewing trip in July. We will be heading to the airport, climbing into a seaplane and flying about 2-3 hours west - into the wilderness. The salmon should be running the bears feasting and us on foot right by them. Katmai is an amazing place - a once in a lifetime chance to be near brown bears who aren't in cages and somewhat people aware. The National Park Service works very hard at keeping people from carrying food in and hunting is not allowed. Plus the bears would much rather have salmon than humans.

You never know though...if the day trip goes really well, maybe next year we will go camping for a week with the bears!

Chirstmas in Ice

In Fairbanks, they have a contest for ice sculptures at the North Pole park. Unfortunately, I just found this web site where you can actually see the sculptures.

http://www.icealaska.com/videocam/08Cam/np8/NP801.html

They even have a children's playground.

While the contest is over, hopefully they won't move the cameras or the sculptures until breakup...

PS - Believe it or not, I passed 150 posts the other day...Robert never thought I would make it. Thanks for reading!

:)