tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26687115782094089432024-02-01T23:43:48.328-09:00From Atlanta to AnchorageMoving from the Peach State to the Land of the Midnight SunUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2668711578209408943.post-78214152187273997252011-11-27T16:10:00.007-09:002011-11-27T16:38:33.197-09:002 Years in the Frozen NorthSteven and I were a little crazy to just get on a plane with some of our belongings and head up to Alaska even though we had never visited there before. Even thinking back now to what we did, our families must have thought we were out of our minds. As I write this, I think about how I would react if my child came to me with this same plan one day many years in the future. Yes, we were a little (or a lot, depending on who you ask) crazy.<br /><br />That being said, I would never change one thing about all that we experienced in Alaska during the two years that we were there. We are just so lucky and so blessed to have had all of those experiences. Looking back, it seems like only a dream. Good thing we chronicled all of our adventures here on this blog, or no one would ever believe what we did!<br /><br />We are lucky to have been introduced to many wonderful people along the way as well. Not only friends and work acquaintances, but people we met during all of our wonderful adventures. From people on our cruise, to the broken down Canadians on the Haul Road, everyone was truly placed in our path by God.<br /><br />Steven and I will have lots of stories to share from our time in Alaska as we continue on our life-long journey together!<br /><br />RebekahUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2668711578209408943.post-89335600476444390442011-04-04T15:16:00.005-08:002011-11-27T17:57:51.869-09:00Final List TallyAt the end of our time in Alaska, we completed 97 of the 121 items on our list and partially finished 2 additional items. Many of the items we did not complete included activities we didn't really get in to like cross country skiing or traveling to remote places by plane or boat. Three items that I can't believe we didn't complete and that I would most want to complete on another visit (besides the traveling to remote places) are catching a salmon in Ship Creek, attending the Midnight Baseball game, and ice fishing in Mirror Lake.<br /><br />For a final time I am including the entire list below (bold and italicized indicated completed items):<br /><br />1. Catch a salmon in Ship Creek<br /><strong><em>2. Visit the Visitor Information Center Log Cabin </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>3. Visit the Alaska Public Lands Information Center </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>4. Go to the Anchorage Museum of History and Art </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>5. See the Oomingmak Musk Ox Producers’ Co-op</em></strong><br />6. Buy some Musk Ox wool<br /><strong><em>7. Visit the Ulu Factory </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>8. Buy an Ulu </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>9. Visit Earthquake Park </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>10. Visit Resolution Park </em></strong><br />11. Hike through Kincaid Park<br />12. Cross country ski through Kincaid Park (Rebekah has done this!)<br /><strong><em>13. Go to the Alaska Native Heritage Center </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>14. Go to H2Oasis Indoor Waterpark</em></strong><br />15. Go to the Alaska Zoo<br /><strong><em>16. Bike the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail</em></strong><br />17. Cross country ski the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail (Rebekah has done this!)<br /><strong><em>18. Visit Potter Marsh during the summer</em></strong><br />19. Watch the bore tide come in<br />20. Hike the Turnagain Arm Trail<br /><strong><em>21. View Dall Sheep from Windy Corner (Mile 107) </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>22. Visit the Eagle River Nature Center in August </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>23. See the beginning of the Iditarod </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>24. Enjoy the festivities of Fur Rendezvous </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>25. Ski the Hilltop Ski Area </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>26. Ski the Alyeska Resort and Ski Area </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>27. Visit Girdwood and the Crow Creek Mine </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>28. Hike through Crow Pass Trail </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>29. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>30. Visit Portage Glacier, Explorer Glacier, and Byron Glacier </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>31. View Mirror Lake during the summer </em></strong><br />32. Ice fish in Mirror Lake<br /><strong><em>33. Hike to Thunderbird Falls </em></strong><br />34. Visit Eklutna Glacier<br /><strong><em>35. Hike up Flattop Mountain </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>36. Hike throughout Chugach State Park </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>37. Visit Kachemak Bay State Park </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>38. See the Grewingk Glacier </em></strong><br />39. Visit Shuyak Islands State Park<br /><strong><em>40. Visit Kenai Fjords National Park </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>41. Visit Denali State Park </em></strong><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">42. Ride a snowmobile through the wilderness </span><br /><strong><em>43. Visit Denali National Park </em></strong><br />44. Visit Wood-Tikchik State Park<br /><strong><em>45. Travel to Hope </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>46. Travel to Homer </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>47. Visit the Norman Lowell Studio and Gallery </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>48. Travel to Kenai </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>49. Travel to Seward </em></strong><br />50. Kayak in Resurrection Bay<br />51. Visit the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor’s Center<br /><strong><em>52. Hike the Skilak Lookout Trail </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>53. Travel to Whittier </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>54. See Columbia Glacier </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>55. Take a boat across Prince William Sound</em></strong><br />56. Kayak in Prince William Sound<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">57. Kayak in Cook Inlet</span><br /><strong><em>58. Visit Valdez </em></strong><br />59. Visit Cordova<br /><strong><em>60. Visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>61. Fish the Russian River </em></strong><br />62. Visit Lake Clark National Park<br /><strong><em>63. Attend the Alaska State Fair in Palmer in August </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>64. Visit Hatcher Pass Lodge and Independence Mine State Historical Park </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>65. Drive Hatcher Pass Road </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>66. Visit Talkeetna </em></strong><br />67. Hike in the Talkeetna Mountains<br /><strong><em>68. Visit Fairbanks</em></strong><br />69. Attend the Midnight Baseball Game (June 21)<br /><strong><em>70. Visit the city of North Pole </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>71. See gold dredge #8 and view the Trans-Alaska oil pipeline </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>72. Visit the Aurora Ice Museum </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>73. Have a drink at an Ice Bar </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>74. Sit in the Chena Hot Springs</em></strong><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> 75. View the northern lights </span><br /><strong><em>76. Visit Juneau </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>77. See the Mendenhall Glacier </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>78. Explore the Alaskan Rain Forest </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>79. Visit Glacier Bay National Park </em></strong><br />80. Visit Katmai National Park<br />81. Visit Kobuk Valley National Park<br /><strong><em>82. Visit Gates of the Arctic National Park</em></strong><br />83. Visit the Seward Peninsula<br /><strong><em>84. Drive the Dalton Highway</em></strong><br /><strong><em>85. Ride on a dog sled through the snow</em></strong><br /><strong><em>86. See a moose, brown bear, black bear, dall sheep,</em></strong> beluga whale<strong><em>, killer whale, humpback whale, minke whale, harbor seal, sea lion,</em></strong> polar bear<strong><em>, bald eagle, arctic tern, caribou, marmots, red fox, wolf, lynx, </em></strong>wolverine<strong><em>, musk ox, sea otter, mountain goats, dall’s porpoise, king crabs, opilio crabs, puffin, porcupine, snowshoe hare, and many more animals</em></strong><br /><strong><em>87. Visit Matanuska Glacier </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>88. Visit the Musk Ox Farm near Palmer </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>89. Visit Indian Valley Mine </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>90. Fish for King Salmon on the Little Susitna River </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>91. Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>92. Hike to Exit Glacier </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>93. Meet Sarah Palin </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>94. Hike to the Harding Ice Field </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>95. Polar Bear Plunge in Goose Lake </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>96. Go sledding on Flattop </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>97. See the Fall foliage of the tundra </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>98. Cross country ski in Hatcher Pass </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>99. View the World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>100. Visit the University of Alaska Museum of the North </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>101. Hike Mt. Baldy </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>102. Visit Ketchikan </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>103. Visit the Alaska Brewing Company and Macaulay Salmon Hatchery </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>104. Visit Skagway </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>105. Cruise through College Fjord </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>106. Visit Soldotna </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>107. Visit the Bear Creek Winery </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>108. Experience the 40 Below Room </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>109. Go Halibut Fishing </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>110. Visit Captain Cook State Recreation Area </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>111. Dip net for Salmon on the Kenai River </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>112. Attend Arctic Thunder </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>113. Visit Worthington Glacier State Recreation Area </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>114. Visit Liberty Falls State Recreation Area </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>115. Visit Kennecott & McCarthy </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>116. Drive on the Denali Highway </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>117. Visit Coldfoot </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>118. Visit Deadhorse </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>119. Enter the Arctic Circle </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>120. Cross the Yukon River </em></strong><br /><strong></strong><strong><em>121. View the Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge, Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge, and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steven</span><br /></em></strong>Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15999216494953854873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2668711578209408943.post-77895465592444079722011-04-03T07:57:00.000-08:002011-11-27T14:23:40.194-09:00Final Leg Of The JourneyWhen we arrived in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Des_Moines,_Iowa">Des Moines, Iowa</a> on Wednesday we headed for the home of our friends, Vas and Julia. We got there around lunch time and Vas took us out to eat while we waited for Julia to get off work for the day.<br /><br />After lunch we met up with Julia and headed downtown to explore. Our first stop was the <a href="http://www.desmoinesregister.com/pappajohn-sculpture-park">Pappajohn Sculpture Park</a>, a nice park with many interesting and weird sculptures throughout. Next we headed down to the state capitol building.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2Uw0lj-rtfsOb4A1R-t-zn5bjztf31IpdeJ4-RLGWhMTp_MuCYXnIcxrlSq4mVGKy_T0R_SBFfq1dgetO0D7j9ZfHnLDZ2SYSzXAOMSxOz5jFLJ2R5fLoYGMB2H9Fm0v0E_WfrKeJJU/s1600/IMG_0499b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2Uw0lj-rtfsOb4A1R-t-zn5bjztf31IpdeJ4-RLGWhMTp_MuCYXnIcxrlSq4mVGKy_T0R_SBFfq1dgetO0D7j9ZfHnLDZ2SYSzXAOMSxOz5jFLJ2R5fLoYGMB2H9Fm0v0E_WfrKeJJU/s400/IMG_0499b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679809563159502226" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YMoh8AozcjaV0ys6kPgCjq609hddsutKx4oYvte0ybU-S1Tvtvpc3lxazOje6PTnEQOzER86I7Mvl_0GaWopepGW7tR1RuukaD1SXfx6pQO5fBMaf6e1SeWyeNwr7RPoC7pue0QXnbg/s1600/IMG_0511b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YMoh8AozcjaV0ys6kPgCjq609hddsutKx4oYvte0ybU-S1Tvtvpc3lxazOje6PTnEQOzER86I7Mvl_0GaWopepGW7tR1RuukaD1SXfx6pQO5fBMaf6e1SeWyeNwr7RPoC7pue0QXnbg/s400/IMG_0511b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679809577381367874" border="0" /></a><br />We were able to go inside and see the state legislators in session, the state library, and explore parts of the rest of the building. It was a very interesting and historic building.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwY1-dDusQkOjps4zEihLtIXBShJy0XHjs6zPiNf3rzQ2hfQCmbbNAoggUkmYkR1aZAR7WXZvyMqoQzVGBK_McUb19F9wWkPzDvZNGREkVBd7niZ2CB6iFhfGpeDNLZwmwfc3N85kLlyI/s1600/IMG_0509b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwY1-dDusQkOjps4zEihLtIXBShJy0XHjs6zPiNf3rzQ2hfQCmbbNAoggUkmYkR1aZAR7WXZvyMqoQzVGBK_McUb19F9wWkPzDvZNGREkVBd7niZ2CB6iFhfGpeDNLZwmwfc3N85kLlyI/s400/IMG_0509b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679809566186180514" border="0" /></a><br />Outside the capitol building there is a statue of Lewis and Clark looking West and right down one of the main roads into the heart of the city.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBd2X_u8uu5RWhT69XbqKVYsBCBLPeIvjbKqQrhEdonAUbFjd2YQfWPKbQ-LwATFjMlzOLqom7fSdGtHujcSBXuC4Uog9poIpza420OXXEJh8hmy4A4NgxnonAC7EB24j6GwiaY9WnNCU/s1600/IMG_0495b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBd2X_u8uu5RWhT69XbqKVYsBCBLPeIvjbKqQrhEdonAUbFjd2YQfWPKbQ-LwATFjMlzOLqom7fSdGtHujcSBXuC4Uog9poIpza420OXXEJh8hmy4A4NgxnonAC7EB24j6GwiaY9WnNCU/s400/IMG_0495b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679809771255974226" border="0" /></a><br />We decided to walk down that main road and do some exploring into the local shops and restaurants in the area and walked all the way down to the Des Moines River. At this point we were starting to get hungry so we headed to a great Mexican restaurant in town to meet up with another of their friends, Tatyana. Dinner was great - they had a guacamole station where they would come and make it right at the table.<br /><br />After dinner we headed back to Vas and Julia's place to hang out over a bottle of wine. We stayed up late talking and had a great time visiting with them during the short time we were there. Thanks to Vas and Julia for being great hosts and tour guides!<br /><br />Thursday we woke up and continued on our way. For the first time in the US on this journey we left the main highways and took the back, country roads for a more direct path southeast. As we were driving along there was a sign we passed for the American Gothic House in the small town of Eldon, IA. I ignored it and kept driving, but Rebekah thought it sounded interesting (without really knowing what it was) and insisted we turn around. When we got there we saw a parking lot, a visitors center, and an old, rickety white house.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfm1QR8LdxXdOie5z9iuMWU198QWYB_2lxuVj_RRbaOn5VoYiS44c4WtHrQKXPCPitzCqDh486MbFGVgGVOkR4uzrG_iofvmBVg0992bCTRWQw7a1ceJIq-hHl4Sw7mMPCYq8Pm_OdGI/s1600/IMG_0522b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfm1QR8LdxXdOie5z9iuMWU198QWYB_2lxuVj_RRbaOn5VoYiS44c4WtHrQKXPCPitzCqDh486MbFGVgGVOkR4uzrG_iofvmBVg0992bCTRWQw7a1ceJIq-hHl4Sw7mMPCYq8Pm_OdGI/s400/IMG_0522b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679809774554721682" border="0" /></a><br />However, once we walked in to the visitors center we recognized what this place was. The old, rickety house is the home from the painting <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Gothic"><span style="font-style: italic;">American Gothic</span></a> by Grant Wood. The visitors center had history and stories of the painting along with costumes you could put on. Then you could go stand in front of the house where the center staff will gladly take your picture. I thought this was a little strange, but of course Rebekah was excited...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCJOCN8ynfu3hg56GEnELtZIT9tcbJDNPOiK18PeuCWvL6rDsFplwIrv0j2dUEwpt1K2A36ExLOZu6cUJlHPzEaBEUDEyghk6BFR4S8Qc0CdbMv4JGmZwqkjNbZE6fth17NoVi1LwL6w/s1600/IMG_0514b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCJOCN8ynfu3hg56GEnELtZIT9tcbJDNPOiK18PeuCWvL6rDsFplwIrv0j2dUEwpt1K2A36ExLOZu6cUJlHPzEaBEUDEyghk6BFR4S8Qc0CdbMv4JGmZwqkjNbZE6fth17NoVi1LwL6w/s400/IMG_0514b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679809578196701858" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWCexGwlgDkjLNrVB8exI5OxzEYjCTRU5reGDuj729CH2uuCjlr5Ab1qh4pOkiYq4OkthiRpoVbQcMon8OnDnX4JCQljbu3BXVWm00rrR8tkm79t-AQcK9GmLkEtmDNwjE1hRv37eMoI/s1600/IMG_0519b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 293px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWCexGwlgDkjLNrVB8exI5OxzEYjCTRU5reGDuj729CH2uuCjlr5Ab1qh4pOkiYq4OkthiRpoVbQcMon8OnDnX4JCQljbu3BXVWm00rrR8tkm79t-AQcK9GmLkEtmDNwjE1hRv37eMoI/s400/IMG_0519b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679809771967907970" border="0" /></a><br />I think we nailed it.<br /><br />After taking off the costumes we continued on our way through the country of Iowa and Missouri and made it to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Louis,_Missouri">St. Louis</a> around dinner time. After stopping briefly to take a picture by the <a href="http://www.stlouisarch.com/">Gateway Arch</a> (which took more time than we originally thought - it is not easy to park with a U-Haul in downtown St. Louis) we crossed the border into Illinois and found an Olive Garden for dinner.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOfgfpInc8PgzwsIRx1YRlUAhmr0xg4Yd8RzyxsYQtDv8D5KfPJPldUz3MRxaJ8LrAKg6nADeme8UiklgMZ3G8K0YDu_dmF2f8uaXwUfEoilWTfY-JJmxf1DmoOHj_EfnhGAOASUlpYk/s1600/IMG_0550b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOfgfpInc8PgzwsIRx1YRlUAhmr0xg4Yd8RzyxsYQtDv8D5KfPJPldUz3MRxaJ8LrAKg6nADeme8UiklgMZ3G8K0YDu_dmF2f8uaXwUfEoilWTfY-JJmxf1DmoOHj_EfnhGAOASUlpYk/s400/IMG_0550b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679809780668944610" border="0" /></a><br />After dinner we continued on our way, becoming more anxious to arrive the closer we got. Taking 64 to 57 to 24 we crossed into Kentucky and stopped at a Days Inn off the highway in Kuttawa, KY. We woke up early Friday morning and continued down 24 through Nashville and then hopping on 75 in Chattanooga. Since it was close to evening rush hour as we approached Atlanta, we took GA 20 to stay north of the city and arrived at Rebekah's parents house just before dinner.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOk16M3DPksVY_Jzf1Gi35Sdi8FZJp0i59qdCEt-WjwDlyxnzew1HPvQINlpfa9F9sfV_cJP_wVh3Nd8nZDEHxO9_wC4-nRms1KZ5qCrkGTgwSXc8y9fLIwCa9dE2sUIwUaeGqdA_BWc/s1600/IMG_0551b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOk16M3DPksVY_Jzf1Gi35Sdi8FZJp0i59qdCEt-WjwDlyxnzew1HPvQINlpfa9F9sfV_cJP_wVh3Nd8nZDEHxO9_wC4-nRms1KZ5qCrkGTgwSXc8y9fLIwCa9dE2sUIwUaeGqdA_BWc/s400/IMG_0551b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679809786587057634" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In total the trip took 11 days and we traveled 5,555 miles traveling through 12 US states and 2 Canadian provinces. We saw much of the country, but unfortunately didn't get to see and do as much as we wanted due to the weather and our time constraints. However, it was definitely a trip we will not soon forget!<br /><br />StevenStevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15999216494953854873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2668711578209408943.post-85987112579622519692011-04-01T13:50:00.020-08:002011-11-27T16:38:19.541-09:00Seattle, Washington to Des Moines, Iowa<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2BF5U9NFR1uZZBPzrhs9tuADu8FmsS9eUXwxz_Rj46mKbhN4BVvF6vhkK9LeGNfJVHzhZEDMMiGYDvNQfm2NfxUMq4VPrrT4D8_8zmlph5hS36LCxQY1gd_d4jNQIGKSkZqs7byezgU/s1600/IMG_0335b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2BF5U9NFR1uZZBPzrhs9tuADu8FmsS9eUXwxz_Rj46mKbhN4BVvF6vhkK9LeGNfJVHzhZEDMMiGYDvNQfm2NfxUMq4VPrrT4D8_8zmlph5hS36LCxQY1gd_d4jNQIGKSkZqs7byezgU/s400/IMG_0335b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679074772395053554" border="0" /></a><br />While on our trip across Canada and the U.S., we made a stop in Seattle for 2 nights to visit Chris and Christie Elm, who Steven knew from middle school. When we arrived on Friday night, they were having a game night at their house with some friends, so we got to meet some of their Seattle friends. We visited, but went to bed fairly early as we had lots that we wanted to see and do the next morning. The first thing that we did was go on the Boeing tour, the Future of Flight. This was interesting and we also got to see the factory where the big jets are built including the new 787 Dreamliner. Chris works for Boeing, so we were also able to see where he works. After the tour, we went back to get Christie and we decided to head around town for some sightseeing. First on our list was Queen Anne's Hill, which is a neighborhood in Seattle with great views of the city and the Space Needle. That was where we took the above picture. Then we were hungry so we headed over to a yummy gourmet pizza restaurant called <a href="http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=serious-pie-pizza">Serious Pie</a>. They have many different kinds of pizzas there and they are all more unique than just pepperoni or cheese. we ordered a sweet fennel sausage, roasted pepper and provolone pizza and a yukon gold potato, rosemary and pecorino pizza. They were very good. After the pizza lunch, we headed out to see some famous sights by the public market in Seattle. We saw this most famous chains, first coffee shop....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKB6s3ji1WHO8obyiGRoqYBKuFffWI_gIu-423jiZYNiYFks8s4CovJflKe3cGCS5gDEDVaPb8niRlfqWG8coqOtVTIvIm3QoPACSwIY3yzoTx3HPxw3cyeL-muhAuvfrcdRD8g5P_jSs/s1600/IMG_0355b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKB6s3ji1WHO8obyiGRoqYBKuFffWI_gIu-423jiZYNiYFks8s4CovJflKe3cGCS5gDEDVaPb8niRlfqWG8coqOtVTIvIm3QoPACSwIY3yzoTx3HPxw3cyeL-muhAuvfrcdRD8g5P_jSs/s400/IMG_0355b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679801503537850898" border="0" /></a><br />The Pike Place Fish Market where the workers toss the fish to each other in the air when someone places an order....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3pxFxSp1tHpK5saTwjTVkhK5pPxYlYBh_W0neNM3cxsUWV515tnpGnBCFFDJ5OhOGir-bV9UYMCfKbmzegm0cuy7L9_Ulrw__Ii0L2qBYpsJ5aJ_ejEZnotIsNW1YNzgqNbyZTZulkE/s1600/IMG_0365b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3pxFxSp1tHpK5saTwjTVkhK5pPxYlYBh_W0neNM3cxsUWV515tnpGnBCFFDJ5OhOGir-bV9UYMCfKbmzegm0cuy7L9_Ulrw__Ii0L2qBYpsJ5aJ_ejEZnotIsNW1YNzgqNbyZTZulkE/s400/IMG_0365b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679074785180814146" border="0" /></a><br />and the famous sign outside. What a great shot of two old friends reuniting in a new city!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyE3lhoffd9NzbO9paQ2C7y57QekSHLztztw9HLhmtFZU2FIfTjyqyAVa40zfuNZD3h8RkcdcRyqNivZdbR7igXfm7TFocgl2EYcQV5kGFd3tBJVdQaQ3JUMz_vEslNVyU8PHmLXf0ow4/s1600/IMG_0380b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyE3lhoffd9NzbO9paQ2C7y57QekSHLztztw9HLhmtFZU2FIfTjyqyAVa40zfuNZD3h8RkcdcRyqNivZdbR7igXfm7TFocgl2EYcQV5kGFd3tBJVdQaQ3JUMz_vEslNVyU8PHmLXf0ow4/s400/IMG_0380b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679074793915387842" border="0" /></a><br />We also went to a yummy cheese shop in the market called <a href="http://www.beechershandmadecheese.com/">Beecher's Handmade Cheese</a> and ordered some creamy macaroni and cheese. I would recommend this to anyone visiting the city.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0o2a-KJJBRqyuyVbxXm-fDUJQoSJi2ISZXU2_M2cGGm2V33ArXhbyohDxCIiDt00ysuDBy3Xjl23t5Hoq0xOf9a9uCLbZjmsQHmN0exyQiuyjbQ0wo4k93c-I76NMRY7BNFFlkQgRnr0/s1600/IMG_0391b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0o2a-KJJBRqyuyVbxXm-fDUJQoSJi2ISZXU2_M2cGGm2V33ArXhbyohDxCIiDt00ysuDBy3Xjl23t5Hoq0xOf9a9uCLbZjmsQHmN0exyQiuyjbQ0wo4k93c-I76NMRY7BNFFlkQgRnr0/s400/IMG_0391b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679074987434876658" border="0" /></a><br />After the public market, we found a Nordstrom Rack and did a little shopping. We didn't have too much time though because we had dinner reservations at a restaurant called the Grouchy Chef. Don't worry, that picture above is not the chef...it is a troll statue under a bridge that we saw on the way back to the house! We also made a quick stop at a chocolatier<br />called <a href="http://www.theochocolate.com/">Theo Chocolate</a>. The cocoa beans are all fair-trade certified and this establishment is one of the few places in the world that makes their chocolate from the beans itself. We didn't buy anything but we sampled the many different kinds of chocolates that they had there. My favorite of course was the dark chocolate.<br /><br />So for dinner, we had made reservations at a restaurant called the Grouchy Chef. It was a one-of-a-kind place, run entirely by one man only. Not only does he wait tables and take orders he also cooks the food, does the dishes and takes reservations and payments. He only takes cash there, but the food is delicious. We got a gourmet 4 course meal including a carrot soup, chicken main dish, a salad with fresh melon and strawberries, but we had yummy desserts too. The chef reminded Steven of the Soup Nazi from Saturday Night Live. He has many rules for his restaurant and lots of signs everywhere typed up about how to act while you are eating there. Here is a link to an <a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/restaurants/2002234441_leson08.html">article</a> written about the restaurant.<br /><br />We had a wonderful time visiting Chris and Christie. We are so lucky to have such great friends to show us around their new city! On Sunday morning, we headed out of Seattle on I-90 east headed through Washington. We stopped at the Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park. We saw lots of petrified trees.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4ZpVSC8iKUGneki7xJi7-plT9ATt_uZw1MIZnXto4vjo_ybNTIXGgviCCYqR0SQAQBmU_OqYqWKjSE-6VFvG-4d_lnwprjyac1peHv6s-v6u_Lnr_6-hENERSky2GF473YwBD4NqLsU/s1600/IMG_0406b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4ZpVSC8iKUGneki7xJi7-plT9ATt_uZw1MIZnXto4vjo_ybNTIXGgviCCYqR0SQAQBmU_OqYqWKjSE-6VFvG-4d_lnwprjyac1peHv6s-v6u_Lnr_6-hENERSky2GF473YwBD4NqLsU/s400/IMG_0406b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679074998114152338" border="0" /></a><br />We also saw some native American carvings done in rock there too.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEviLk7FsJUnZWlxhBFHDOaSeolEpWouDZhP95vOJdniuuspq5YZhaCe2rPTzOlr4v_AW2S-IuRlrJ20ZHPfcATpY5CFLlGgOpVZ12ZPUJQkndRVcEafgtX2TqYZnWk7rr79ChlWssPLA/s1600/IMG_0400b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEviLk7FsJUnZWlxhBFHDOaSeolEpWouDZhP95vOJdniuuspq5YZhaCe2rPTzOlr4v_AW2S-IuRlrJ20ZHPfcATpY5CFLlGgOpVZ12ZPUJQkndRVcEafgtX2TqYZnWk7rr79ChlWssPLA/s400/IMG_0400b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679074993040564722" border="0" /></a><br />And then we high-tailed it back to the car when we saw this sign. Ha! Although, it was still winter and chilly there, so we didn't see any actual rattlesnakes, thank goodness.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxDOPb-O-3cxYJom5Qr7nDgWwW26GUm6t15q_GV2OaVnpzOgJwGjaDrAMmYlhgMSL2-GvP1BoCZzpeU4IToXk0J5cNWR_lD7AQ2iqu-jpZEYx2mBPsMMJfFJ2FCzabm9OjquI6Q0mLMM/s1600/IMG_0402b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxDOPb-O-3cxYJom5Qr7nDgWwW26GUm6t15q_GV2OaVnpzOgJwGjaDrAMmYlhgMSL2-GvP1BoCZzpeU4IToXk0J5cNWR_lD7AQ2iqu-jpZEYx2mBPsMMJfFJ2FCzabm9OjquI6Q0mLMM/s400/IMG_0402b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679074994878735298" border="0" /></a>We stopped for the night in Spokane, Washington and I spent the rest of the night doing some laundry! The next day, we kept on I-90 east as we went through Idaho and into Montana. We stopped in Coeur d'alene, Idaho and got some postcards and also saw a nice lake. I can imagine that it is bustling with lots of boats in the summer time as well as swimmers. We passed through Missoula, Montana and saw their football stadium and the campus of the University of Montana. We also passed through Bozeman, Montana, which is a small town that makes its living in the mining business. We drove around to try and see the deep, deep pit mine, however the observation deck was already closed for the day, so there wasn't much that we could see. :(<br /><br />Also in Montana, we stopped at the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grko/index.htm">Grant-Kohrs Ranch</a>. This National Historic Site, details the ranch lifestyle that once was (and still is) the way of life in the American West. We learned the details of the ranch, and the park rangers at this site were very knowledgeable in showing us around. This large ranch was started by a Canadian fur trader named Johnny Grant and was expanded by a cattle rancher Conrad Kohrs. Grant moved to this area of Montana in the 1850's. At its peak, Kohrs owned 50,000 cattle and 10 million grazing acres. This was no small ranching operation! It is still a working cattle ranch today, although of a much smaller size- only 1600 acres.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YZ_lVnLFQr-e08wwr6_JhO5CUD0husW-JKuPbY9xo4a3ZPm90uf8pmqv2zguVrZYmZtfTdWHna7ddZKG3O_-qNLhp0afcKKyAzgeJ5rwbJyUM_6X27-pkFCvYejunaGpMANp3LkOQaA/s1600/IMG_0423b.jpg"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6HJtAEHNi44-vZ0YpYTU8IVlsUWSvZuB9MWAp8cIipZH1mAtm2v1epWO8nayGiM4-qG8VgeGFzBr8JrVsMSuyxyFBEGbNVKxKdLTVJTztWLor7yV8Z626LRSc4XEpNX1JLj2GF60rKg/s1600/IMG_0410b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6HJtAEHNi44-vZ0YpYTU8IVlsUWSvZuB9MWAp8cIipZH1mAtm2v1epWO8nayGiM4-qG8VgeGFzBr8JrVsMSuyxyFBEGbNVKxKdLTVJTztWLor7yV8Z626LRSc4XEpNX1JLj2GF60rKg/s400/IMG_0410b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679075142709364674" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtAQBhsf2jAEXDzgpY4_5bW0FiC7fyP4E2naFiGOSsC-MT07NCYXYovuL-9pJ2RlA4dvdmT0IGvBE1At3QgL6zk3zFcguisHi1L9yVOyhXeJkmUDw158oDtgO27oKicINycyEMzVrNLU/s1600/IMG_0407b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtAQBhsf2jAEXDzgpY4_5bW0FiC7fyP4E2naFiGOSsC-MT07NCYXYovuL-9pJ2RlA4dvdmT0IGvBE1At3QgL6zk3zFcguisHi1L9yVOyhXeJkmUDw158oDtgO27oKicINycyEMzVrNLU/s400/IMG_0407b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679075003017053586" border="0" /></a>The ranch house was very fancy inside, considering the time and the place. We also saw the barn!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVeF172qAr0Xq17MO41sUaPyDtqoZ3-JDUJFvPBR-woPHrrwS51eM_Z8RZ9ZsQsm7mlaviIS3ppflraGVqXIF6fejrlFfn5uEcmHN4wCs7PEx_VyoH2FAdnlgMcgavG7iTVelNjsFOJM/s1600/IMG_0409b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVeF172qAr0Xq17MO41sUaPyDtqoZ3-JDUJFvPBR-woPHrrwS51eM_Z8RZ9ZsQsm7mlaviIS3ppflraGVqXIF6fejrlFfn5uEcmHN4wCs7PEx_VyoH2FAdnlgMcgavG7iTVelNjsFOJM/s400/IMG_0409b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679075141959510242" border="0" /><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 11);ButtonMouseDown(this);" class="on" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_JustifyCenter" title="Align Center"><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Align Center" class="gl_align_center" border="0" /></span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhzFNYNcQUhrzRssH6RqSkEY3LmNyvJp-74WWp9BobjRX5erdbeD9eCAm7qbc0RJkOecwwteElVKuKpnVHd97PVoeZAPjeavFSLdkHxKyuxIlYZDHcmg2y-z8aCPlGccj548QfIox3u8/s1600/IMG_0411b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhzFNYNcQUhrzRssH6RqSkEY3LmNyvJp-74WWp9BobjRX5erdbeD9eCAm7qbc0RJkOecwwteElVKuKpnVHd97PVoeZAPjeavFSLdkHxKyuxIlYZDHcmg2y-z8aCPlGccj548QfIox3u8/s400/IMG_0411b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679075151553062658" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(There I am in a tee-pee!!!)<br /></div><br />Another stop in Montana was the Little Bighorn Battlefield and National Monument. We learned about the Battle of the Little Bighorn (also known as Custer's Last Stand), the major fighters and we watched a movie about what happened here. Crazy Horse and his men badly beat Lieutenant Colonel Custer and the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the US Army.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTUt38Sg6oLNww16iU9gnQ4CbPtuCqU49ZqhhRfRidvZPnKSnyGzPKA7rWGDkdWNCZ9jmpyWw0Sbo_USxFThtEUQ0n3t5LXTli87UkCuFr9NgsRYMU9h_cOT1emOgAD8YGDvi8f3_C-8/s1600/IMG_0414b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTUt38Sg6oLNww16iU9gnQ4CbPtuCqU49ZqhhRfRidvZPnKSnyGzPKA7rWGDkdWNCZ9jmpyWw0Sbo_USxFThtEUQ0n3t5LXTli87UkCuFr9NgsRYMU9h_cOT1emOgAD8YGDvi8f3_C-8/s400/IMG_0414b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679075151699227698" border="0" /></a><br />We saw the cemetery where all of the fallen soldiers and Native Americans were buried.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNx1yFQbOOqSy4ylr43dzpsiTAtXAG8PJr0hTSJhgUpB8MhT0UpzCZegzzu4U637oN1hyphenhyphen-3AlnBm11YQ4LYgVIHZNWnCRV8ZgMsNlOOHsbfb5oxjQ84c68_T8Pq27Bj9YOknfS2Y9rw4/s1600/IMG_0415b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNx1yFQbOOqSy4ylr43dzpsiTAtXAG8PJr0hTSJhgUpB8MhT0UpzCZegzzu4U637oN1hyphenhyphen-3AlnBm11YQ4LYgVIHZNWnCRV8ZgMsNlOOHsbfb5oxjQ84c68_T8Pq27Bj9YOknfS2Y9rw4/s400/IMG_0415b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679075157031288418" border="0" /></a><br />And we also saw George Armstrong Custer's gravestone.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6G7xwxRR2dXwphi2iSwPe43fJtzzXmuf5rX5vkT_c7qkIbcHo6lprhVl5MVkeGjU7I8N4uglnChtZxJjxn37Lk9gswPCeuSgVm-5aX_XOsaKA6v_z9bFn0euN2r4z9vdhmzOzxwEvGd0/s1600/IMG_0421b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 395px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6G7xwxRR2dXwphi2iSwPe43fJtzzXmuf5rX5vkT_c7qkIbcHo6lprhVl5MVkeGjU7I8N4uglnChtZxJjxn37Lk9gswPCeuSgVm-5aX_XOsaKA6v_z9bFn0euN2r4z9vdhmzOzxwEvGd0/s400/IMG_0421b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679075313913887842" border="0" /></a>After a busy day in Montana, we found a hotel in Billings, Montana and we rested up for the next day! The next day we went through Wyoming. There was much flat land and horses and cows there. In other words, lots of ranch land.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YZ_lVnLFQr-e08wwr6_JhO5CUD0husW-JKuPbY9xo4a3ZPm90uf8pmqv2zguVrZYmZtfTdWHna7ddZKG3O_-qNLhp0afcKKyAzgeJ5rwbJyUM_6X27-pkFCvYejunaGpMANp3LkOQaA/s1600/IMG_0423b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YZ_lVnLFQr-e08wwr6_JhO5CUD0husW-JKuPbY9xo4a3ZPm90uf8pmqv2zguVrZYmZtfTdWHna7ddZKG3O_-qNLhp0afcKKyAzgeJ5rwbJyUM_6X27-pkFCvYejunaGpMANp3LkOQaA/s400/IMG_0423b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679075313995566642" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then we entered South Dakota. We had high hopes for the most famous landmark of this state: <a href="http://www.nps.gov/moru/index.htm">Mt. Rushmore</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTbTxLX-MUrNreB7BRWG1xKDbSZlIHBbxrh7RyXi-INfiIGtAWQKq_nFH8wK5JpdqEjwUCeUNgZ7GaQmJ0HWjhNzRAWMgBnNl3M_wzfUPnyC1VqVFDqYXPdpKEaSTAIXuWsjqy9ek_6E/s1600/IMG_0424b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTbTxLX-MUrNreB7BRWG1xKDbSZlIHBbxrh7RyXi-INfiIGtAWQKq_nFH8wK5JpdqEjwUCeUNgZ7GaQmJ0HWjhNzRAWMgBnNl3M_wzfUPnyC1VqVFDqYXPdpKEaSTAIXuWsjqy9ek_6E/s400/IMG_0424b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679075316471290066" border="0" /></a><br />Here it is in all of it's glory. Looks really big right? Well, Steven and I were unimpressed with how small it actually was. Not all that great in our opinions. We were glad to see such a famous landmark, but probably would not want to make it a vacation destination or anything. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mt._Rushmore">Mt. Rushmore</a> was carved into the granite mountainside by Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln starting 1927. The idea to carve into a mountain was suggested as a way to increase tourism to this region of the country. The original plan was to picture the presidents from head to waist, however since the project was federally funded, funding ran out around 1941.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyq_CdO3wNd5Mq43wdkhxDzvdUG-ITqdH5fxri1mmKGQvDEqtbXGzIcjBE1lsoexz3-YKyHqV7eAf-VV1d0WqXDJXzfx_61uMShiU1IfNtdijlkx346dqc9vFMcwaS4gNiB_74XO2pOr4/s1600/IMG_0431b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyq_CdO3wNd5Mq43wdkhxDzvdUG-ITqdH5fxri1mmKGQvDEqtbXGzIcjBE1lsoexz3-YKyHqV7eAf-VV1d0WqXDJXzfx_61uMShiU1IfNtdijlkx346dqc9vFMcwaS4gNiB_74XO2pOr4/s400/IMG_0431b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679075326295765506" border="0" /></a><br />Here we are in front of Mt. Rushmore.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4iCYbEIePFln5UfKQYAf2UDTGkpEXOQcAsT3Vs7FHDeXs5pWp2XjiiRuyh0p7H8nbsb-0JHqSjJZYxKn0XNfFdBiHgwD1n1SFGWGRgPvF-H1dCFq-Olo0RpwJXb_XzTI471vbsrV6vEA/s1600/IMG_0443b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4iCYbEIePFln5UfKQYAf2UDTGkpEXOQcAsT3Vs7FHDeXs5pWp2XjiiRuyh0p7H8nbsb-0JHqSjJZYxKn0XNfFdBiHgwD1n1SFGWGRgPvF-H1dCFq-Olo0RpwJXb_XzTI471vbsrV6vEA/s400/IMG_0443b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679075326748249762" border="0" /></a>After leaving Mt. Rushmore, we kept seeing signs advertising for "<a href="http://www.walldrug.com/t-history.aspx">Wall Drug</a>". The signs were funny, like "Free Coffee for seniors" "Free Ice Water" "Free Family Attraction" and "Where the Heck is Wall Drug?". I was excited because one of the signs advertised "Western Boots" and I really wanted to stop at this place and get some boots too. Anyway, by the time we arrived there, it was past 5pm, so it was already closed. BOO!<br /><br />Something that was very nice in South Dakota was <a href="http://www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm">Badlands National Park</a>. We arrived towards the end of the day, so we did not have too much time to explore before dark. Badlands are a type of dry terrain where softer sedimentary rock and clay-rich soils have been extremely eroded by wind and rain leaving behind canyons, ravines and gullies. The colors often vary dramatically from black/blue to bright red. Also, lots of fossil hunting is done in this area, as much of the top soil has already been eroded away.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJNjeO22MW6THPY7FXDoIcrWrdiMHg6o4PM8EQf-r9lIeUrLRDhWyYczfCxQ28a-jrT_J0Oq3vu_aYvbjZrrB9z4RzDbzgF-fxKqdkESkpONDoWNRaXKGck2LGt5PdlYqx6VydQLc56E/s1600/IMG_0457b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJNjeO22MW6THPY7FXDoIcrWrdiMHg6o4PM8EQf-r9lIeUrLRDhWyYczfCxQ28a-jrT_J0Oq3vu_aYvbjZrrB9z4RzDbzgF-fxKqdkESkpONDoWNRaXKGck2LGt5PdlYqx6VydQLc56E/s400/IMG_0457b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679075801495814738" border="0" /></a><br />Although we did not find any fossils during our visit, we saw all of the different land formations in the park. It is so interesting how the land looks in this area!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6Ba0FE8ROTbL16TQPMxfmHsb5tK957TcG3QRsJ6Y7Zz_elohoHwczkFu5Wf3FHXw4YEMsdYd-HMHA6TWH0Q-18enbppqm9YVoJOJjCQLpOTmpTC-qZ3u2mrnsuB9DhQks0Lqa1NC7Ow/s1600/IMG_0458b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6Ba0FE8ROTbL16TQPMxfmHsb5tK957TcG3QRsJ6Y7Zz_elohoHwczkFu5Wf3FHXw4YEMsdYd-HMHA6TWH0Q-18enbppqm9YVoJOJjCQLpOTmpTC-qZ3u2mrnsuB9DhQks0Lqa1NC7Ow/s400/IMG_0458b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679075808551883938" border="0" /></a>We also saw some bighorn sheep!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxOnA9YCn94-qCoxweFTl2acWruIv0MeRRHRwtBjo-MGTe2cJsf-GYLLaeaRzwY1cjY9qfjISzyDdR-36kOnzx-wZQh34LNnAX0nFFGVztDjfLCOr4OurBztLhiXU3hqQGQjRV43qumY/s1600/IMG_0477b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxOnA9YCn94-qCoxweFTl2acWruIv0MeRRHRwtBjo-MGTe2cJsf-GYLLaeaRzwY1cjY9qfjISzyDdR-36kOnzx-wZQh34LNnAX0nFFGVztDjfLCOr4OurBztLhiXU3hqQGQjRV43qumY/s400/IMG_0477b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679075807361870370" border="0" /></a><br />and lots of interesting land formations.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWeS-pWKswKuONcbxyNRCGPAO7F_PNlOOy3nIbzHhtZ-521G-2ZE1GAYu7TGQO1KEuJza-aUgyZWAozMYu6Aa3Igr_0G_icoikSUIrS_Mac2AjN6_38eWSBM-PIxxNNyuQD31qwzV1DM/s1600/IMG_0488b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWeS-pWKswKuONcbxyNRCGPAO7F_PNlOOy3nIbzHhtZ-521G-2ZE1GAYu7TGQO1KEuJza-aUgyZWAozMYu6Aa3Igr_0G_icoikSUIrS_Mac2AjN6_38eWSBM-PIxxNNyuQD31qwzV1DM/s400/IMG_0488b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679075811592129138" border="0" /></a><br />After our visit to Badlands National Park, we continued on to Sioux Falls, South Dakota where we stayed the night. The next day, we took US 29 until we reached I-80 and took that road all the way to Des Moines, Iowa. We were just glad to be off of I-90, which we drove about 1500 miles on across the western United States.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyE3lhoffd9NzbO9paQ2C7y57QekSHLztztw9HLhmtFZU2FIfTjyqyAVa40zfuNZD3h8RkcdcRyqNivZdbR7igXfm7TFocgl2EYcQV5kGFd3tBJVdQaQ3JUMz_vEslNVyU8PHmLXf0ow4/s1600/IMG_0380b.jpg"><br /></a>While on US 29, we passed the Lewis and Clark trail. Where there once was a tree-lined trail is now an interstate system, getting us across the country quickly. We were excited to stop in Des Moines and visit some more friends for the night!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QZVNRYxgf8aT1vCulhJx61rlKxW6EfJ6gWVEbPmLZxofOBcozUNmb5AFLHkkcNLtR-9DkNF3udYV9HPqTAgnxvCAEuHI-pmsIacFRDaeWV_izv_Icw5sotmsxX98QRVeS_hoGVp0dWg/s1600/IMG_0494b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QZVNRYxgf8aT1vCulhJx61rlKxW6EfJ6gWVEbPmLZxofOBcozUNmb5AFLHkkcNLtR-9DkNF3udYV9HPqTAgnxvCAEuHI-pmsIacFRDaeWV_izv_Icw5sotmsxX98QRVeS_hoGVp0dWg/s400/IMG_0494b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679075872498235426" border="0" /></a><br /><br />RebekahUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2668711578209408943.post-68518416427762716232011-03-27T13:27:00.011-08:002011-11-27T10:17:11.525-09:00Long DriveWe have been in Alaska nearly two years, and I recently decided to start looking for a new job back down in the lower 48. And it so happens I was able to find one back in Atlanta, GA. Due to the distance, they gave me two full weeks to get down to Atlanta before I start so we decided to make the long drive down. We were originally going to leave on Monday March 7th, but packing took longer than expected (even with my parents help during their trip up for the Iditarod). So, on a frigid, sunny Tuesday we left with the Subaru packed to the brim, bikes on the roof rack, and towing a U-Haul with nearly everything we owned.<br /><br />We drove slowly getting a feel for the trailer and headed off towards the Canadian border. Soon, we were turning towards Tok on some of the last remaining Alaska Highway we had not previously been on.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oTuoY0HiH_JYlaHSmYsvJepUJ-RJCouf6eR_gX3sGKFv6AZt3YmfrsGP3UjHKMG66fSjoe0uK1DCIXlEx8A9yLrmOF8b0FYTzOUu9zydJv-L4bI88_27s0L9h6kPp1SJ3Nlm4R09TGY/s1600/IMG_0232b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oTuoY0HiH_JYlaHSmYsvJepUJ-RJCouf6eR_gX3sGKFv6AZt3YmfrsGP3UjHKMG66fSjoe0uK1DCIXlEx8A9yLrmOF8b0FYTzOUu9zydJv-L4bI88_27s0L9h6kPp1SJ3Nlm4R09TGY/s400/IMG_0232b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679054565634105842" border="0" /></a><br />I have to imagine that the border between Alaska and the Yukon Territory is the least busy US border. We arrived at the US side just as the sun was setting, and stopped for pictures in between at all of the crossing signs.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XmFxm0YI7K7masErIDZSTOXBiBZFTNQ05zZOs0slPusdLXZdBBO8BiHzVgcPR0EEPPCf1saqt4lSf4nAAEljsLurXDgT3W7QZz3Dp0s5Q3_a6qOF5Uk5CeEL9ZLNiF8_g3y7wIS2oQo/s1600/IMG_0236b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XmFxm0YI7K7masErIDZSTOXBiBZFTNQ05zZOs0slPusdLXZdBBO8BiHzVgcPR0EEPPCf1saqt4lSf4nAAEljsLurXDgT3W7QZz3Dp0s5Q3_a6qOF5Uk5CeEL9ZLNiF8_g3y7wIS2oQo/s400/IMG_0236b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679054569986922210" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQOoPeY_C4lS8i8YEOkeaJFyq5Oj2QMKXnYn4pAy6JKZUqGv7eSwudY09oDkSL8NMs79rePt__4NhAnqPKAsTmjplA8bVJ-qCRkSPZTofmU_TkGsgjrQBBj1evBY7uoE6zWyVpmnCtCA/s1600/IMG_0239b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQOoPeY_C4lS8i8YEOkeaJFyq5Oj2QMKXnYn4pAy6JKZUqGv7eSwudY09oDkSL8NMs79rePt__4NhAnqPKAsTmjplA8bVJ-qCRkSPZTofmU_TkGsgjrQBBj1evBY7uoE6zWyVpmnCtCA/s400/IMG_0239b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679054572734074930" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6e06npsLxzfG1RMOKnMTmVfaIo-SLvZRlxQ2T7Qn9rfQHucH6MYXkoEY1jt55e5GeetcWIn6KB3uucPgKbgTB6qTPQb9fHBbe4kQ18X1GeQXmhiMQGMIgIjY7_Q1T4v_ih00vTNeLfA/s1600/IMG_0240b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6e06npsLxzfG1RMOKnMTmVfaIo-SLvZRlxQ2T7Qn9rfQHucH6MYXkoEY1jt55e5GeetcWIn6KB3uucPgKbgTB6qTPQb9fHBbe4kQ18X1GeQXmhiMQGMIgIjY7_Q1T4v_ih00vTNeLfA/s400/IMG_0240b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679054579682922850" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After crossing through the Canadian side of the border, we then hit some of the worst stretch of "paved" road I have ever driven on. The 80 or so miles between the border and the town of Destruction Bay is notoriously bad. There are huge frost heaves and potholes that could swallow a tire. Since we arrived at night there was zero visibility which gave us even less time to brace for impact and wince, hoping my TV which is packed in the trailer didn't just crack.<br /><br />We stopped for dinner (at <a href="http://buckshotbettys.ca/">Buckshot Betty's</a>) in the first town we came to, Beaver Creek, and then pressed on as we still had much driving to do. One of the downsides of hauling the trailer is we average about 13-14 miles per gallon, meaning we have to stop at least every 180 miles or so for gas. Since the towns throughout northern Canada are about 100-150 miles apart (sorry 160-240 kilometers apart) we had to stop and gas up at just about every opportunity.<br /><br />Around 11 pm I spotted some weird light in the sky, so I stopped to try and see what it was. Since we hadn't seen the northern lights yet, I was keeping an eagle eye out hoping we might see them before we ventured too far south. My parents had seen them on their trip to Fairbanks, and had told us how the scientists they ran into said that sometimes they appear white instead of brightly colored. That matched the description of what I was seeing on the northern horizon now, and sure enough when I took a picture with a long exposure they turned out a greenish color (#75 on the list).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7QfXQmPFRS1MN2I_pV5dAymigfGZeVH2oj2JsJVJ9Dd_fRyQqy41tBWo1s-JJk1bCdo-4ug7EXysOShb3JkEvLy2tlpqugsX8F2ZzrldWFf23-3IQKG3e8K1YCmF4UipEtU4FCLGNSU/s1600/IMG_0246b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7QfXQmPFRS1MN2I_pV5dAymigfGZeVH2oj2JsJVJ9Dd_fRyQqy41tBWo1s-JJk1bCdo-4ug7EXysOShb3JkEvLy2tlpqugsX8F2ZzrldWFf23-3IQKG3e8K1YCmF4UipEtU4FCLGNSU/s400/IMG_0246b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679054579994788098" border="0" /></a><br />We finally arrived in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitehorse,_Yukon">Whitehorse</a> after 1 am and checked into our hotel. We made it over 700 miles on our first day! Not a bad start, but to get through Canada in 3 days as planned we were going to have to drive at least that far each of the next two days as well.<br /><br />After a quick stop at the grocery store (and the local bookstore to buy a post card), we continued on our way the next morning. We had chosen to take the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcan_Highway">ALCAN Highway</a> instead of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassiar_Highway">Cassiar</a>, mostly because the towns are closer together on the older ALCAN and we needed all the fuel we could get.<br /><br />The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yukon_River">Yukon River</a> also flows through Whitehorse and we crossed it just outside of town.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ah3c5zA1wKS6bh3qIT4xjcCeEkxtMDs-F3UyMWEuCGoYVLg47E76j9h0BrA3xTre1P33aP_NtrKt5U-iHYdPq2Xof1eanSNfusCNM5Gu0vDyzi5GbBJUhJZys-QOUlKxV_uzFWn3nuA/s1600/IMG_0251b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ah3c5zA1wKS6bh3qIT4xjcCeEkxtMDs-F3UyMWEuCGoYVLg47E76j9h0BrA3xTre1P33aP_NtrKt5U-iHYdPq2Xof1eanSNfusCNM5Gu0vDyzi5GbBJUhJZys-QOUlKxV_uzFWn3nuA/s400/IMG_0251b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679054788166466402" border="0" /></a><br />Also, on the second day of the trip we began seeing lots of wildlife. From <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caribou">caribou</a> on the road...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEERClKZmuVRc5iVVOz6hj9kWIqqkXxUe6uNI7P6ZD30oP7xRu1Vove5iHn3ojZNo3XpyFOKBTRNtVBpGke-6yNJPMi3AiUlBz0JTQAcyOHxvO0ssJLcaVSYQfiMbNCmDixXUasQAgZU/s1600/IMG_0268b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEERClKZmuVRc5iVVOz6hj9kWIqqkXxUe6uNI7P6ZD30oP7xRu1Vove5iHn3ojZNo3XpyFOKBTRNtVBpGke-6yNJPMi3AiUlBz0JTQAcyOHxvO0ssJLcaVSYQfiMbNCmDixXUasQAgZU/s400/IMG_0268b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679054786514461570" border="0" /></a><br />To <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bison">bison </a>on the side of the road...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynUs6ShKGpd3L4QVT3o6HLIZ5wHmcciQmRo-ikMQtzPdzvErzEZvJPAbdvx4P9NIWAGdLcE1Xjg02ru5HSPpu-Wp49lgkFVDJGf3WFQKdzb2Rt3oDY9mqoq1n14AraN_aHtNIiOgIHW8/s1600/IMG_0304b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynUs6ShKGpd3L4QVT3o6HLIZ5wHmcciQmRo-ikMQtzPdzvErzEZvJPAbdvx4P9NIWAGdLcE1Xjg02ru5HSPpu-Wp49lgkFVDJGf3WFQKdzb2Rt3oDY9mqoq1n14AraN_aHtNIiOgIHW8/s400/IMG_0304b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679054798560263906" border="0" /></a><br />In total we saw 53 bison, 9 caribou, 3 moose, and 3 deer.<br /><br />Stopping for gas every couple of hours helped break up the trip. And, it was an interesting experience in northern Canada. We bought fuel in liters, and paid an equivalent of over $6 a gallon at some stations. Many of the tanks were above ground and had to be "turned on" from inside the store or hotel that sold it. The pumps looked like ones most people in the US haven't seen since the 70s or 80s.<br /><br />Later in the day we crossed through Watson Lake, Yukon and stopped to view the impressive <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sign_Post_Forest">Sign Post Forest</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkD8rEhbKJiXGGpWbyjbTYHabhGG0FkjNWeNytQX1vvJWXB5l9qSXpkPmyeJxOS7_URkvskyIgqoL6dM7HqolTbOpR51_WVwlDPAZaj422hkD7hmOllDg9Fc-DWoTy0E3SQJyGZUUj-0/s1600/IMG_0281b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkD8rEhbKJiXGGpWbyjbTYHabhGG0FkjNWeNytQX1vvJWXB5l9qSXpkPmyeJxOS7_URkvskyIgqoL6dM7HqolTbOpR51_WVwlDPAZaj422hkD7hmOllDg9Fc-DWoTy0E3SQJyGZUUj-0/s400/IMG_0281b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679054793356508962" border="0" /></a><br />Shortly after we crossed into <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Columbia">British Columbia</a> for the third and final time of the day.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQ7Dm4zorc6kL632qs7F2eTcXNGZUKKddFKy0PYsCi4HunmKJuADtqsI2WReJb4BJ8y43XzLni5QhxRz3Cc7pDKmtdTaI-nz698o5trn-nRuedq_lhALp8K7UBeQ1AeYgxWfl-teZ6TM/s1600/IMG_0286b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 316px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQ7Dm4zorc6kL632qs7F2eTcXNGZUKKddFKy0PYsCi4HunmKJuADtqsI2WReJb4BJ8y43XzLni5QhxRz3Cc7pDKmtdTaI-nz698o5trn-nRuedq_lhALp8K7UBeQ1AeYgxWfl-teZ6TM/s400/IMG_0286b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679054797865384050" border="0" /></a><br />We were making good time on Wednesday, but unfortunately this all changed after dark. It started to snow right as we began entering some steep mountain passes going through the Canadian Rockies. A short way up the first mountain we had to stop and help someone who had run off the road into a small ditch. We were able to help them, but as we got back moving it started to snow even harder.<br /><br />Our options at that point were limited since we were in the middle of no where. We either had to turn around and head back to the last town we had come from or continue on to the next town. Since we were already miles from the previous town, and with hopes that the weather might improve, we pressed on. Unfortunately, the weather did not improve but we were able to slowly continue driving and after a couple of hours made it to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Nelson,_British_Columbia">Fort Nelson</a> in Northern British Columbia.<br /><br />It was only around 8 pm and we were still a couple of hundred miles from where we were planning on stopping that night, but we decided to get a hotel there due to the weather. Of course, as soon as we paid for our hotel room it stopped snowing.<br /><br />Since we had an early night, we decided to get up early on Thursday to try and make up some time. The snow from the night before had already been plowed and we were able to make very good time. In the early afternoon we reached <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawson_Creek">Dawson Creek</a>, BC which is the starting point of the ALCAN our easternmost point in Canada, being just a few miles from Alberta.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTdu_mWxbsem9jMwPWp4ipTGe1MRTry1afYptdLKf1V7EBJbT-2eZ0LQjWlwBFR5V1xQZrHupTkMjT1-qkvmdfeoNjGQaAZ09FGzObszDZxKCLOijaOcNVxNjUWQWw6IbTf3ZvI7OAu8/s1600/DSC01481b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTdu_mWxbsem9jMwPWp4ipTGe1MRTry1afYptdLKf1V7EBJbT-2eZ0LQjWlwBFR5V1xQZrHupTkMjT1-qkvmdfeoNjGQaAZ09FGzObszDZxKCLOijaOcNVxNjUWQWw6IbTf3ZvI7OAu8/s400/DSC01481b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679061919781366402" border="0" /></a><br />After taking some pictures of the ceremonial markers we pressed on with the drive and continued making good time until a little after sunset. With a strong hinting of déjà vu, it again began to snow as we were approaching a series of mountain passes. Only this time the passes were steeper, the snow was coming down even harder, and there were more semis on the road.<br /><br />Driving slowly, we were again able to make it to the next town where we decided to stop for the night - the small town of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quesnel,_British_Columbia">Quesnel</a>. By this point we had given up hope of remaining on schedule.<br /><br />Friday morning we woke early and continued the drive through the Canadian Rockies. We finally made it to Vancouver, just in time for Friday evening rush hour traffic. After meeting our friend Jenny for a brief dinner at the mall by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada_Place">Canada Place</a>, where we had departed from on our Alaskan Cruise, we made the journey to the US Border.<br /><br />While on a map Vancouver appears to be right next to the border, it sure feels a lot longer when you are making the actual drive. It took well over an hour from the time we left the mall until we made it to the border, waited in line with nearly a hundred other cars, and answered a number of very specific and sometimes weird questions from the agent.<br /><br />Back in the United States we continued down to Mukilteo, Washington (just north of Seattle) and to the home of our friends Chris and Christie, who would kindly be playing host and tour guide during our time in Seattle.<br /><br />StevenStevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15999216494953854873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2668711578209408943.post-25360975298135385562011-03-13T20:29:00.005-08:002011-11-27T10:16:46.754-09:00Iditarod Weekend 2011Before we knew that we would be moving on March 7th, Steven's parents, Mark and Renee, planned a visit up to Alaska to see the start of "The Last Great Race", the Iditarod. They arrived on Wednesday night and headed out Thursday morning to Fairbanks to see the sculptors compete in the World Ice Art Championships. They told us that they experienced some real Alaskan temperatures for that area, -25 degrees! they returned Friday afternoon all bundled up in many layers, but having had a great time!<br /><br />On Friday night, while I was getting the winter studded tires off of my car, everyone else got to go to the Clarion Suites for a "question-and-answer", "meet the mushers" event featuring two married mushers from the Fairbanks area, Aliy Zirkle and Allen Moore. They are veteran Iditarod mushers and everyone learned a lot about the race. Their kennel's blog can be found here:<a href="http://www.spkenneldoglog.blogspot.com/"> SP Kennels</a>. Check it out! They always have great videos and entries about the sport and their beloved dogs! After the event, we all headed out to eat at one of our all-time favorite restaurants, Simon and Seaforts.<br /><br />After dinner, everyone had an early bedtime as we had lots that we wanted to see and do on Saturday. On Saturday morning, we headed out the go watch the ceremonial start of the Iditarod in downtown Anchorage. We actually went about 14 blocks from the actual starting line, as it was less crowded and we didn't have to fight for a seeing position. After watching and taking pictures, we went to the Peanut Farm for some Ice Bowling. As you might remember, Steven and I did this last year, but the Connors' had yet to experience this uniquely Alaskan winter sport. After Ice Bowling, we all headed back to the condo to get some packing done. The boys went to pick up the U-haul and also get a special box for the TV and us girls worked on getting the condo packed and cleaned. It was so overwhelming and it was great to have two extra people to help us!<br /><br />After spending the afternoon packing, we headed out after dark to Talkeetna, AK where we had reserved a spot in the B&B for the night. We stayed at the Meandering Moose. It was really nice! We stayed inside the main house although they also have numerous cabins there that can also be rented out. On Sunday morning, we went out for a 2-hour snow machining trail ride, one of the last things that we wanted to do while in Alaska (#42 on the list). The views of Denali were amazing as we were lucky to experience clear, blue skies and lots of sunshine. We stayed pretty warm, although my toes were cold inside my boots!<br /><br />After going snow machining, we headed back down to Willow, Alaska to watch the official Iditarod start. This was nice and I always prefer the Willow restart rather than the ceremonial start in Anchorage. We all bought some souvenirs and then headed back to the car. Unfortunately, Alaskans do not plan for events with lots of traffic. When leaving the parking lot, instead of letting us go south back through Wasilla to Anchorage, we had to go north on a back road and then south again. We were stuck in traffic for over an hour going the wrong direction! After returning to Anchorage, we had lots to do to get ready to move! Thank goodness that Steven's parents were there to help us! We had lots of cleaning to do and finishing up the packing.<br /><br />We had such a great last weekend in Alaska!!! Just thinking back now, I sure do miss the state!<br /><br /><br />RebekahUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2668711578209408943.post-87836391370679434942011-01-08T17:49:00.003-09:002011-10-03T17:14:06.878-08:00List Status2010 is now over, so I though we should update how we are progressing with your list. Of the original 86 items we have completed 60 items and parts of 2 others. We also added and completed 35 new items to the list.<br /><br />The two items which we have attempted to complete, but have not been successful so far are viewing the northern lights and the bore tide. We hope to see the northern lights soon and also are working on possibly snow machining and ice fishing.<br /><br />Of the remaining 24 items, the "best" and most unique items remaining are visiting the 3 National Parks (Katmai, Lake Clark, and Kobuk Valley) as well as visiting the Seward Peninsula in Northwest Alaska. All of those items are only accessible by boat or plane making them more expensive to visit.<br /><br />Stay tuned as we continue to explore the vast and rugged state of Alaska!<br /><br /><br />StevenStevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15999216494953854873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2668711578209408943.post-83440662517828433732010-12-31T17:58:00.003-09:002010-12-31T18:34:15.232-09:00Goodbye 2010, Welcome 2011!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx3477cwxBjZ6IaFGyFv3PEhmtPg97EYHgyf6esVgnr-78BwcROgf5b3euqCKKdkO3krint1NDcnzljJFvQPA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2668711578209408943.post-744680415268111722010-12-30T15:58:00.002-09:002011-10-03T17:13:30.356-08:00H2OasisA few weekends ago (before we went home to Georgia for the holidays), we spent a Sunday afternoon at <a href="http://www.h2oasiswaterpark.com/home.asp">H2Oasis</a> (#14 on our list), the indoor water park near our house. We went with another couple and we had a fun time. The entry fee was steep at $25 per person. They had 2 large water slides, a wave pool, a hot tub, a lazy river and a small ship that is meant for young children (under 10). My favorite part was the hot tub. Steven mainly liked the big water slide. It has some parts of the ride that are completely dark!<br /><br />All in all, we had a good time, however, the price will prevent us from going back again. Also, we lost interest after about 2 hours. If we had young children, then they would really enjoy it!<br /><br /><br />RebekahUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2668711578209408943.post-15673635580970678922010-11-21T20:54:00.020-09:002011-11-27T10:13:46.918-09:00The Haul RoadIn early September I started to get anxious. It was getting very late in the summer, but there was one trip I definitely wanted to do before it ended. We decided to take off Thursday, Friday, and Monday around the last weekend in September to drive the Haul Road.<br /><div><br />The Haul Road, also known as the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalton_Highway">Dalton Highway </a>(#84 on the list), is 414 miles long and stretches from just north of Fairbanks to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadhorse,_Alaska">Deadhorse, Alaska </a>along the Arctic Ocean. The road was built along the Trans Alaska Pipeline and was used by workers to build the massive project. Now it is mainly used as a trucking road to transport goods to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prudhoe_Bay">Prudhoe Bay </a>(where they drill for oil). This is also the road driven on for the History Channel show <a href="http://www.history.com/shows/ice-road-truckers">Ice Road Truckers</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIur0gYzb1vhEY0x4tQa7AZXn4wn4iyk6VFrA-42dmwL3EX2TKMgKYGiCOlpFNzjCl8kX4WO4BHyHJ2Q6Y7XuBo1hrKup3-nDb-IR4WzHxLNBurfbwWNXzWLm_BOfpX2PXXgHAxzD578/s1600/IMG_8606b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIur0gYzb1vhEY0x4tQa7AZXn4wn4iyk6VFrA-42dmwL3EX2TKMgKYGiCOlpFNzjCl8kX4WO4BHyHJ2Q6Y7XuBo1hrKup3-nDb-IR4WzHxLNBurfbwWNXzWLm_BOfpX2PXXgHAxzD578/s320/IMG_8606b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550774032692806258" border="0" /></a><br />Since we were leaving so late in the season we had to be even more prepared for the cold weather and possible snow. The road is 80% gravel, has many steep grades, and has the longest stretch of road without service in the United States (240 miles between Coldfoot and Deadhorse). After reading about the drive online we packed extra food and water, warm weather gear, 2 full size spare tires (purchased the new tires and wheels), 5 gallons of extra gas (purchased the spare gas container), and a CB Radio to communicate with the truckers (purchased and installed myself).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmA8GyC-r_I_kZJVzDYToMdsgGRJD8OgG_-pJYKjhoppQeTfjUPllrFYkRI6xtRnNRIGMS65pctfvN4ju0gxbq7obnHG-8KNc7YsS_V99BvmuG2vMxhD0sslXwBGHHug1_S31m-wBh_E/s1600/IMG_8830b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmA8GyC-r_I_kZJVzDYToMdsgGRJD8OgG_-pJYKjhoppQeTfjUPllrFYkRI6xtRnNRIGMS65pctfvN4ju0gxbq7obnHG-8KNc7YsS_V99BvmuG2vMxhD0sslXwBGHHug1_S31m-wBh_E/s320/IMG_8830b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550774658344167714" border="0" /></a><br />We left Wednesday evening and drove a couple of hundred miles to just north of Denali National Park. The next morning we woke up to 26 degree weather. After shaking off the cold we continued along our way, made a short stop for breakfast and gas in Fairbanks, and quickly made it to the start of the highway.<br /><br />Now in the past month we had driven on the Denali Park Road, the Denali Highway, and the McCarthy Road. After reading on line about the Dalton Highway I figured it would be the worst road we had driven on in Alaska. I also figured (like most typical roads) the first part would be the 20% that is paved and the gravel road would arrive as we got farther away from civilization.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsV942F5KbY5Vlze9LqfbDwAvkll1dljGpTzYADTmubIjlQGigWrTX9W6daUkF1QpRcHPsFfg2TBm1U6DtygoVpasjoEEFgwQEPLXVlyU0yCDBN0kehnlhpz6v_OQCvV0Bmz2Gw2DpKo/s1600/IMG_8797b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsV942F5KbY5Vlze9LqfbDwAvkll1dljGpTzYADTmubIjlQGigWrTX9W6daUkF1QpRcHPsFfg2TBm1U6DtygoVpasjoEEFgwQEPLXVlyU0yCDBN0kehnlhpz6v_OQCvV0Bmz2Gw2DpKo/s320/IMG_8797b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550774635901177890" border="0" /></a><br />Wrong on both accounts. The Dalton Highway was the nicest of the gravel roads we drove on in Alaska. Are there potholes and is it possible to get flat tires? Definitely. But the biggest problem with the road is that it is very remote. Since 18 wheelers are constantly driving this road year-round, the Department of Transportation maintains the road very well. We saw several water trucks and graders working the road as we made our way through. The speed limit is 50 MPH for the entire drive and we were able to go at least that fast. And the paved parts are strategically placed by the DOT in spots with the sharpest turns and most difficult terrain.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gBNEgH-1EJfjbBgr2-zuUpkNXXzCqvGyyT2B-TwWhdRGIEk1G29p9_pbeTdXd0Wr0olG0EYgv_iu2-mol9y3y3b8jlXnnlqRWKLzp403xyORsh7iSko_cV481WTQE0-0ha4phMsOVho/s1600/IMG_8879b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gBNEgH-1EJfjbBgr2-zuUpkNXXzCqvGyyT2B-TwWhdRGIEk1G29p9_pbeTdXd0Wr0olG0EYgv_iu2-mol9y3y3b8jlXnnlqRWKLzp403xyORsh7iSko_cV481WTQE0-0ha4phMsOVho/s320/IMG_8879b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550774907979176098" border="0" /></a><br />There was even a bustling intersection with a traffic light.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIIo8aaG7NBhp8MxR0fCuVCBe5NyydtpRnlPC77DB86NWKyBrteaJOf3jFZZsRwSXIu0YkJ7Db11Ytw-MomWFSbpAxW2k3cUv31cbn82tLRJcl16RbY2cHUUS-X2oTBNr_BDsNVqt1vM/s1600/IMG_8735b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIIo8aaG7NBhp8MxR0fCuVCBe5NyydtpRnlPC77DB86NWKyBrteaJOf3jFZZsRwSXIu0YkJ7Db11Ytw-MomWFSbpAxW2k3cUv31cbn82tLRJcl16RbY2cHUUS-X2oTBNr_BDsNVqt1vM/s320/IMG_8735b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550774229967223698" border="0" /></a><br />About 60 miles along the way we made it to the famous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yukon_River">Yukon River</a> (new entry #120). We stopped briefly, but it was still quite cold outside (the water in puddles along the road was frozen solid) so we continued on pretty quick (this was a common theme throughout the trip).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiVbXm0JUTnzx8b8v0ctEA3GcJEZQQaPrBgmd6m_3v30ZB7vUNFXOfNSvrHyujLocY5Lx0c1SGB8aEIPmmXihyP1DKdivK3l6De9bbjTFWEjZAoYN_5Tv2ton4Q2xIIwOZTVXMGvJ_F8/s1600/IMG_8888b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiVbXm0JUTnzx8b8v0ctEA3GcJEZQQaPrBgmd6m_3v30ZB7vUNFXOfNSvrHyujLocY5Lx0c1SGB8aEIPmmXihyP1DKdivK3l6De9bbjTFWEjZAoYN_5Tv2ton4Q2xIIwOZTVXMGvJ_F8/s320/IMG_8888b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550774909842370802" border="0" /></a><br />An hour later we crossed the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic_Circle">Arctic Circle</a> (#119 on the list).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DhETkWwnp4CIPoMVyhp9wq_HsRzv6IFnpb_x6jBraAQ47uiv2Ka4_Ut0FqXQdKHRkp0p1JaSyfiC2K33ZpTFyCPJT0pIIhkDWTjSYM0il4WM8Kz9wh01suoNZ-3oDdzZnzr4vXrkSII/s1600/IMG_8654b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DhETkWwnp4CIPoMVyhp9wq_HsRzv6IFnpb_x6jBraAQ47uiv2Ka4_Ut0FqXQdKHRkp0p1JaSyfiC2K33ZpTFyCPJT0pIIhkDWTjSYM0il4WM8Kz9wh01suoNZ-3oDdzZnzr4vXrkSII/s320/IMG_8654b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550774049785442050" border="0" /></a><br />During this entire stretch of road we are driving between two National Wildlife Refuges, the <a href="http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=75610">Kanuti</a> and the <a href="http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=75635">Yukon Flats</a> (part of #121). I was not able to verify any of this, but I believe there were 4 national lands (these two and two others we will see later) that had their borders moved in order to build this road. Because this road goes between these four lands on about a 10 mile stretch of land that is just a little too convenient. Needless to say the views on both sides of the road were gorgeous.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilONvyvtjYFRkkohm4Bvu_kz1P2DUvdlTmkN9U5iIfIKlwLGQbUdNrecXhSsPp226Tnc6B8y00VqJW7QX6To3sD3Jk0fMLpzp7NZKpfOXWt9bEgl7APk_gSyvZ1CCHjpLVRM0ndWuKIlg/s1600/IMG_8685b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilONvyvtjYFRkkohm4Bvu_kz1P2DUvdlTmkN9U5iIfIKlwLGQbUdNrecXhSsPp226Tnc6B8y00VqJW7QX6To3sD3Jk0fMLpzp7NZKpfOXWt9bEgl7APk_gSyvZ1CCHjpLVRM0ndWuKIlg/s320/IMG_8685b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550774053415100098" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix83_bwGkeFL9umJbdj9L34tMN6S3clY3SLGpw0sxRIlNyAU_l54dtmDyINFMm5CLCXqtR7HhC2GVovM8qyPnCGzxC8H1cjQylpEcBU5vfFN-x3JE1pCyj6yKqGN488Xd5lasvg8Kz9EI/s1600/IMG_8648b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix83_bwGkeFL9umJbdj9L34tMN6S3clY3SLGpw0sxRIlNyAU_l54dtmDyINFMm5CLCXqtR7HhC2GVovM8qyPnCGzxC8H1cjQylpEcBU5vfFN-x3JE1pCyj6yKqGN488Xd5lasvg8Kz9EI/s320/IMG_8648b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550774039859167794" border="0" /></a><br />An hour later (these first 3 destinations along the Dalton are very conveniently spaced apart) we arrived in the bustling town of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coldfoot">Coldfoot</a> (new entry #117). It consists of 1 hotel, 1 gas station, 1 restaurant, 1 bar, and 1 gift shop. All of them are owned by the same company and share 3 or 4 "buildings" which are really trailers. Pretty much every building along this road is made of these temporary buildings.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgbY2YPfrgm5LUyBzjlfZJlVNjLyl4SJ53xOpI_UZjEl-T0HqG8aQFALlho6wF-qHc3Q3PCHN2W-5F7oi_DD1QTKuRWVDG24stsepr2tYj3Vc_HxrwoVlWPPjruzjMpub0WsfGhfdWr0/s1600/IMG_8859b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgbY2YPfrgm5LUyBzjlfZJlVNjLyl4SJ53xOpI_UZjEl-T0HqG8aQFALlho6wF-qHc3Q3PCHN2W-5F7oi_DD1QTKuRWVDG24stsepr2tYj3Vc_HxrwoVlWPPjruzjMpub0WsfGhfdWr0/s320/IMG_8859b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550774902458221442" border="0" /></a><br />After gassing up we continued along our way. Starting now there are no services for 240 miles.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-4xVHe1nOQbIwcJTZrqM0W9NYcv_UYtALut8nD1f8g2hJRsRGxoxE5l9ogLTUntGaYkavsbWQVQsPPBEYqK2OSwYj-kj9dkCUVFIvSb1J_7zMJz_CfuZ5iKNf2fBwyLh-6O1PaQdrcE/s1600/IMG_8764b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-4xVHe1nOQbIwcJTZrqM0W9NYcv_UYtALut8nD1f8g2hJRsRGxoxE5l9ogLTUntGaYkavsbWQVQsPPBEYqK2OSwYj-kj9dkCUVFIvSb1J_7zMJz_CfuZ5iKNf2fBwyLh-6O1PaQdrcE/s320/IMG_8764b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550774427475087970" border="0" /></a><br />About 70 miles north of Coldfoot we came across a van that had just pulled off with a flat tire. Not wanting to be caught in that situation our self, we decided to pull of the road and help the poor folks. In the van were 2 gentlemen from the Czech Republic who were working for a year at a resort in Canada. They had purchased the old van from another worker there and had decided to attempt the trip.<br /><br />They did not have any full size spare tires. Instead they had 1 miniature donut that was so rusted I was convinced it would have fallen apart from the weight of the vehicle. On top of that it was also flat. Since we had tires to spare, we offered our full size donut however it didn't line up and would not work.<br /><br />About now the Czechs were beginning to freak out. They decided to try and flag down a passing trucker. I had read on several websites that truckers would not stop. They are on a tight schedule and coming to a complete stop and getting back up to speed wastes too much gas. A few minutes later we could hear the first truck approaching. One of the Czechs held up his hand to try and waive down the truck.<br /><br />Sure enough, the trucker pulled over. He had a bunch of equipment in his cab so not only did he repair the flat tire and pump both the flat and the spare full of air, but he refused to take any money as payment. About 10 minutes after he stopped he sent the van back towards Coldfoot to get properly patched.<br /><br />We got back on our way and shortly after passing the farthest north Spruce Tree along the Dalton Highway, we started rising up to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atigun_Pass">Atigun Pass</a>. This is the highest point along the highway, and is also a Continental Divide between the northern Arctic Ocean and the southern Pacific Ocean. This is the main spot we were worried would have snow on the road, but luckily it was just gravel the entire way.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QyzFgeAPjC3QeJLe6brGsZtJtv-54HmIt3SFKNVOsl2FuFEJ1ES7pYNzyPhH-22dG3U6Yjr9qxnmRdebUWewmEWOuRbVcr9AUDXiClLwr6RdO8Gzk-pvhA1aZmr3FjroiNBoGWOWaxA/s1600/IMG_8825b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QyzFgeAPjC3QeJLe6brGsZtJtv-54HmIt3SFKNVOsl2FuFEJ1ES7pYNzyPhH-22dG3U6Yjr9qxnmRdebUWewmEWOuRbVcr9AUDXiClLwr6RdO8Gzk-pvhA1aZmr3FjroiNBoGWOWaxA/s320/IMG_8825b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550774655105770482" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bO9iGaC67uRVksJ5NjJ-j1k9OL7WtvmqxWfc8GlcX_LMeQa04M_Z_nW80KtHrJlaF0IlyDMI7_-i5nLN9vb2sqwYVj8oW0cuLIzM777YRw8V_ALrfim0hZZlFlhtmpXu6tfJjLatY98/s1600/IMG_8694b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bO9iGaC67uRVksJ5NjJ-j1k9OL7WtvmqxWfc8GlcX_LMeQa04M_Z_nW80KtHrJlaF0IlyDMI7_-i5nLN9vb2sqwYVj8oW0cuLIzM777YRw8V_ALrfim0hZZlFlhtmpXu6tfJjLatY98/s320/IMG_8694b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550774057204753330" border="0" /></a><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVH2sq3uJXSBtwu98GWF_DYEdySAirBsIJoUg0Pct-pyJZKkzy8UgF0DgdoO7DOgbfk6F9SlhadyzgXiXIrxSsqSKHxPogPicEaoREZx93IRwmgur0esQuqu4ZbADmJytlnvxAerYidJk/s320/IMG_8816b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550774647219632498" border="0" /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVH2sq3uJXSBtwu98GWF_DYEdySAirBsIJoUg0Pct-pyJZKkzy8UgF0DgdoO7DOgbfk6F9SlhadyzgXiXIrxSsqSKHxPogPicEaoREZx93IRwmgur0esQuqu4ZbADmJytlnvxAerYidJk/s1600/IMG_8816b.jpg"></a><div></div><br />Shortly after the pass the sun began to set so we pulled off for the night. The next morning we awoke to frost on the tundra and a frosty temperature of 16 degrees. As we continued driving we began dropping down and the terrain got flatter and flatter. The last 50 miles of land is completely flat with tundra and many small lakes dotting the terrain.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VKXYldriu0GPWjapiRcNLuWcDX9_moboRpt99OKvHhjIjTTEzF_Efk6bIsbGoBs0sxiZlh9kicLvKbT-rHDT2pP_u-9zr-5_HIcpbmh9ihoh6N9dMVsOAljtnmvS6HhI9ujcTzr6sSw/s1600/IMG_8772b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VKXYldriu0GPWjapiRcNLuWcDX9_moboRpt99OKvHhjIjTTEzF_Efk6bIsbGoBs0sxiZlh9kicLvKbT-rHDT2pP_u-9zr-5_HIcpbmh9ihoh6N9dMVsOAljtnmvS6HhI9ujcTzr6sSw/s320/IMG_8772b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550774441590630802" border="0" /></a><br />This flat terrain opened up the landscape and as we drove past the <a href="http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=75600">Arctic National Wildlife Refuge</a> (part of #121) we began to see animals.<br /><br /><div></div>There were caribou...<br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6_lHVrM_8VuS6NPykSrdg5JIhyT9RvbQObQ8oq1dv6LES9gHSC7q7koxuiAXW8cEKOXnGjow1nJxN2EvAi0yK2gKqDNNe3GJGZDIO_JNutO4Ay0QqYVpwD5PdVmNuzMdUE0R7n6Fskw/s1600/IMG_8787b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6_lHVrM_8VuS6NPykSrdg5JIhyT9RvbQObQ8oq1dv6LES9gHSC7q7koxuiAXW8cEKOXnGjow1nJxN2EvAi0yK2gKqDNNe3GJGZDIO_JNutO4Ay0QqYVpwD5PdVmNuzMdUE0R7n6Fskw/s320/IMG_8787b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550774631276818610" border="0" /></a><div>our first wild musk ox...</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWtk7DorA2_THtVj_mowNN5-ip4vGb3RVTUMTTj7wdFOzFt0SltwMcQ1xjLcPD3GxznnGgFk2nxw94X5-eTvjcEvrLteN2G42jQYuYovPnA2AXfNmKBEAHvqo7sf6WrQrseZhqwaXfIA/s1600/IMG_8773b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWtk7DorA2_THtVj_mowNN5-ip4vGb3RVTUMTTj7wdFOzFt0SltwMcQ1xjLcPD3GxznnGgFk2nxw94X5-eTvjcEvrLteN2G42jQYuYovPnA2AXfNmKBEAHvqo7sf6WrQrseZhqwaXfIA/s320/IMG_8773b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550774451916140434" border="0" /></a><br /><div>and the first fox we had seen in Alaska (part of #86).</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvKevAgA_eHBZA5w8zT7nVHCKTb-pdqH958ENXsbgSsh_ZZDl_IR-zFKGi5sugJ1_tkdOu5QmOhs7dLt8dq5q_cMEKiyBFdkYVqIghFB6UWbTUWR41MNY5z7vnWgYNaI424H94ehSnek/s1600/IMG_8737b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvKevAgA_eHBZA5w8zT7nVHCKTb-pdqH958ENXsbgSsh_ZZDl_IR-zFKGi5sugJ1_tkdOu5QmOhs7dLt8dq5q_cMEKiyBFdkYVqIghFB6UWbTUWR41MNY5z7vnWgYNaI424H94ehSnek/s320/IMG_8737b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550777412630381522" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Just before lunch time we made it into the town of Deadhorse (new entry #118). This town is much larger than Coldfoot and is the town attached to Prudhoe Bay. It is about 4 miles from the Arctic Ocean, but unfortunately Prudhoe Bay is gated off and in the way. During the summer there is a tour which operates to the ocean from Deadhorse, but the 1 guide that runs the tour left Deadhorse for the winter 3 weeks before we arrived.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokEkfjmv1DcpoZ2oPMoz15lfz-XMoku8LeSNyaMdyi7lmACBUXqTmtoji4jMTCPjZLXpHzR7ACUM0IeB_SYDDfkz5HiqipsIyLVddaxLrN1kNpQEGeCD-VPWQ-AMU0Si6ycjk3rSSI9I/s1600/IMG_8755b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokEkfjmv1DcpoZ2oPMoz15lfz-XMoku8LeSNyaMdyi7lmACBUXqTmtoji4jMTCPjZLXpHzR7ACUM0IeB_SYDDfkz5HiqipsIyLVddaxLrN1kNpQEGeCD-VPWQ-AMU0Si6ycjk3rSSI9I/s320/IMG_8755b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550774242704693762" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbuk8DqxW7SXBPOlrMg8OyuOCvS4NbKOvVBds3-ezrMMOD2xj_oboQ-GSpqDa080j58V88dfcCJOE94KnnbguPGx-fVg6MIE_MLV5c1slG1c3-0qPzyYdEATNckQwizmcbkcw8WHe3do/s1600/IMG_8753b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbuk8DqxW7SXBPOlrMg8OyuOCvS4NbKOvVBds3-ezrMMOD2xj_oboQ-GSpqDa080j58V88dfcCJOE94KnnbguPGx-fVg6MIE_MLV5c1slG1c3-0qPzyYdEATNckQwizmcbkcw8WHe3do/s320/IMG_8753b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550774231128302114" border="0" /></a><div><br />We showered at one of the 3 hotels in town and then went to eat lunch at another.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mekuE7PQ5zVOOZg9KjyCvmVGGl_BuRLu0qEZoOCaWv4QvY5U-Ea7LJGNA5rKnJsszVUsK5jJLQrxfc7f1sRxv5Q4s6jJIyWGCNah2pQjBPaJLmKk50BIl6aVFafCLVh8WmN09n4EWLY/s1600/IMG_8765b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mekuE7PQ5zVOOZg9KjyCvmVGGl_BuRLu0qEZoOCaWv4QvY5U-Ea7LJGNA5rKnJsszVUsK5jJLQrxfc7f1sRxv5Q4s6jJIyWGCNah2pQjBPaJLmKk50BIl6aVFafCLVh8WmN09n4EWLY/s320/IMG_8765b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550774432733704754" border="0" /></a><br />After lunch we explored the town a little. It is very industrial and there are all kinds of weird vehicles and buildings. While they do get a few tourists, most of the town is working. Employees on the North Slope typically do 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPaT0FG0nkEaEmBwqbkQD_s3x7eecLzWxJd_uPOEKRgwvwqLqtNm4_gZ8_kjTUwgHEJluF3nYZ8f_8JUqbbez3ux1wlTB42f-eFAExpJH3JoptLY_xKl84lGy0tC8ZNJhFWj8x-Ovpy0/s1600/IMG_8767b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPaT0FG0nkEaEmBwqbkQD_s3x7eecLzWxJd_uPOEKRgwvwqLqtNm4_gZ8_kjTUwgHEJluF3nYZ8f_8JUqbbez3ux1wlTB42f-eFAExpJH3JoptLY_xKl84lGy0tC8ZNJhFWj8x-Ovpy0/s320/IMG_8767b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550774438698256466" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEd7icOZQN3OzWRRZl31OWU0V-nDgsU877OcHA6nlgQjRVm1FR-CAuMuwfnongNCkiBZ2c8TB4fYrDOdvE6G0IxzjYErnwb3iqaB7BFUR6BSUPf1oCUVK9sIlnRLLZ9oQh6NnJyz1k1A/s1600/IMG_8759b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEd7icOZQN3OzWRRZl31OWU0V-nDgsU877OcHA6nlgQjRVm1FR-CAuMuwfnongNCkiBZ2c8TB4fYrDOdvE6G0IxzjYErnwb3iqaB7BFUR6BSUPf1oCUVK9sIlnRLLZ9oQh6NnJyz1k1A/s320/IMG_8759b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550774247357002770" border="0" /></a><div><br />Since there wasn't very much to see or do in Deadhorse, we started heading south again early in the afternoon. We made it into Coldfoot for a late dinner and stayed to have a drink at the bar and relax after the 2 long days of driving. </div><br /><div></div><div>The next morning was 15 degrees. We drove off the highway past <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiseman,_Alaska">Wiseman</a> (the only town along the road that has a full-time, year round population down to a mining operation about 10 miles back. We bundled up and hiked down into the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gates_of_the_Arctic_National_Park_and_Preserve">Gates of the Arctic National Park </a>(#82). As we were hiking through the valley we walked along animal paths and kept seeing moose tracks. We knew they must be in the area, and sure enough saw a big bull moose about 1oo yards away just as we turned back.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlOHe-9J4fTLokB34rlDPJRc9C2C7uUzIWOEspDd95sjiAcRefUXO6XLniIrvS8lfEpETaCoZBbGuvNZgohrRNKTxAVMVGeS0v9IHt_hoL1tYxEW5dZ2tyRHszyIC_CEAd7W6eILalNk/s1600/IMG_8858b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlOHe-9J4fTLokB34rlDPJRc9C2C7uUzIWOEspDd95sjiAcRefUXO6XLniIrvS8lfEpETaCoZBbGuvNZgohrRNKTxAVMVGeS0v9IHt_hoL1tYxEW5dZ2tyRHszyIC_CEAd7W6eILalNk/s320/IMG_8858b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550774901001662658" border="0" /></a><br />Since it was so cold on the trip that was the only real hike that we did. We made it back to Anchorage that night. In just over 3 days we drove 1900 miles. It was a lot of driving, but was a very unique and interesting experience. There are very few places in the world (if anywhere else) to see and do the things we did on this trip. It is one of my favorite trips we have taken while in Alaska and we will not soon forget the experience.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NIklvBD3tGt_ggCYC5olO0lziLkZR8AbFn7maK9DS-CxAvXfaOgtuwaoe42QnedO7kNpeTA5BH0nW6mfcDBJwAIbXbh3c6APt3SeNLYHai5nhy8Hyy7lhIfnAUanrftmVXkuhDDVoiI/s1600/IMG_8712b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NIklvBD3tGt_ggCYC5olO0lziLkZR8AbFn7maK9DS-CxAvXfaOgtuwaoe42QnedO7kNpeTA5BH0nW6mfcDBJwAIbXbh3c6APt3SeNLYHai5nhy8Hyy7lhIfnAUanrftmVXkuhDDVoiI/s320/IMG_8712b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550774221101042978" border="0" /></a><br />StevenStevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15999216494953854873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2668711578209408943.post-25563255397296382712010-11-01T18:42:00.013-08:002011-11-27T10:08:51.265-09:00Denali National ParkEvery year, after the tourist season is over and the national park buses stop running, there is a lottery for the Denali Park Road. This year, the dates for the lottery were the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th of September. There are only 400 passes given out for each day. With a lottery pass, you are able to drive your car into Denali Park and explore at your own pace without having to be on a bus. You can stop for wildlife viewing and hiking whenever you want! We actually ended up winning multiple passes, so we sold the extra ones on Craigslist. We went into the park on the 18th. We headed up that way on Friday night and we camped just outside the park gate at Riley Creek Campground. We slept in our tent although it was very cold, about 28 degrees! We had packed extra warm clothes to wear though, so we were nice and toasty in our fleece and our sleeping bags! You are able to get into the park bright and early on Saturday morning at 6am. We headed out of our campsite a little bit later than that though, around 7:30. As we headed into the park, it was a little bit cloudy and foggy.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRo1Q1s7WBJSlqTUm1wccuNz5EimoYIr2q2dHo_-aqBSFZfeocPb1ZG_C9y-yMBk-_z2st_Y_EccjkjJKwBWMw3i6IU_OyOPqm1B2bT_lEq_N3LkoRrLzUHcmgeFrWNvn87ag_q_KT5Qk/s1600/IMG_8120.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 401px; display: block; height: 268px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541452263006790370" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRo1Q1s7WBJSlqTUm1wccuNz5EimoYIr2q2dHo_-aqBSFZfeocPb1ZG_C9y-yMBk-_z2st_Y_EccjkjJKwBWMw3i6IU_OyOPqm1B2bT_lEq_N3LkoRrLzUHcmgeFrWNvn87ag_q_KT5Qk/s320/IMG_8120.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />There was lots of frost covering the branches and the tundra. This was disappointing because the whole week before, it had been clear, blue skies and very sunny. The weather report was calling for great weather though so we had high hopes for the day. It was a wonderful day because as the sun came up, the fog lifted and the blue skies shined through! As the sun came up, the temperature also warmed up nicely.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbTarPDr8QVDIy_EOsKHocHlnjOcRH74gUfh9_i6MAcgJfyZZV9ZVOPf-amDADprN2GLHShY4jBKIoPCumIu5DSUU5lm7OGweG2xQEUWG-xyoIsmSaZuqufIiQzIAca2vPKPts6a08YQ/s1600/IMG_8122.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 401px; display: block; height: 268px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541452277059805602" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbTarPDr8QVDIy_EOsKHocHlnjOcRH74gUfh9_i6MAcgJfyZZV9ZVOPf-amDADprN2GLHShY4jBKIoPCumIu5DSUU5lm7OGweG2xQEUWG-xyoIsmSaZuqufIiQzIAca2vPKPts6a08YQ/s320/IMG_8122.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We got our very first glimpse of wildlife too! We spotted a lynx although it was very far away!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kg4PzJT7oUuerqNbwKWariNnHp4CZmlZ_ugzE54i70r1hXn3a9BsTlCdKDMOEvJBfzhAWWVnkpa2GVB89KMrmTpfY5UgcaCY-s4K8GK0uUxcUijzySGtTI7qogc1JpHe4SpVBHSegdE/s1600/IMG_8116b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 355px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534784004473012146" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kg4PzJT7oUuerqNbwKWariNnHp4CZmlZ_ugzE54i70r1hXn3a9BsTlCdKDMOEvJBfzhAWWVnkpa2GVB89KMrmTpfY5UgcaCY-s4K8GK0uUxcUijzySGtTI7qogc1JpHe4SpVBHSegdE/s400/IMG_8116b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Just as the fog lifted, we rounded a sharp turn and caught sight of Denali waaaay off in the distance.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhto8ayMvE3b8yUV-kKH2u6pdAX8MnfEvPhLMb3Gu9FrxlNJHYVX9D0bN8M25xdlsa-XxkJEhox842On7yOspLuHPuA8l43lRh0E-HYG567EOW4XOK3T8UwnRr0XFszx3Pvg6p7heqNu0Q/s1600/IMG_8112.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 402px; display: block; height: 268px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541452260804361266" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhto8ayMvE3b8yUV-kKH2u6pdAX8MnfEvPhLMb3Gu9FrxlNJHYVX9D0bN8M25xdlsa-XxkJEhox842On7yOspLuHPuA8l43lRh0E-HYG567EOW4XOK3T8UwnRr0XFszx3Pvg6p7heqNu0Q/s320/IMG_8112.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />One of the great things about being on the road with other private vehicles is that when someone spots some wildlife, everyone pulls over to watch. So, when you see a whole bunch of cars just stopped, you know that there is something there that you want to see! This time, it was a family of 3 brown bears. They were frolicking and playing in the tall, dense bushes. Here is one of our bear friends that we photographed from a safe distance.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRtUJbd56EGtYZ9eGumzrC4Jad0h2VxwN8usiZL2FSBurcgE7gNyyaD6DH-7JetEfsqzyqEBOA37GpZPDW6tklHkgUg_K6mPDC6EEHqtp_S5V7VcNXxNO2Qx9-qLCYv3I1iFPCMcV9iY/s1600/IMG_8158b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 263px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534784026009566706" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRtUJbd56EGtYZ9eGumzrC4Jad0h2VxwN8usiZL2FSBurcgE7gNyyaD6DH-7JetEfsqzyqEBOA37GpZPDW6tklHkgUg_K6mPDC6EEHqtp_S5V7VcNXxNO2Qx9-qLCYv3I1iFPCMcV9iY/s400/IMG_8158b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Here are some more photos of the lovely mountain, Mt. McKinley or Denali as many people call it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-BemT9GDoDZNBVcwh9hAlDU1GFosby9hLEMWiunvmgK_ru659e4M8kfRkGD6tgyGfl8MTj5UFCvR4cv86PufKoW5xKALEcprJp0U4MFiKOOSU2ZpPZHNzslYVO4cQI_LOnU5HQpabNo/s1600/IMG_8213.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 401px; display: block; height: 268px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541452522381847378" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-BemT9GDoDZNBVcwh9hAlDU1GFosby9hLEMWiunvmgK_ru659e4M8kfRkGD6tgyGfl8MTj5UFCvR4cv86PufKoW5xKALEcprJp0U4MFiKOOSU2ZpPZHNzslYVO4cQI_LOnU5HQpabNo/s320/IMG_8213.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjFYhRESOFCyvuYcqGn3czQPEDxiCXJIvJ1j8ureKF0GNF7GioiKv6uKq7182mqO0LWQWF8khOLdoJgk_sG3YTu542DaF1nnSPCmv-uApninfxOfzGh6iYTJbowDR5ZNFr7GUsUhEJLI/s1600/IMG_8198.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 401px; display: block; height: 268px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541452302752425970" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjFYhRESOFCyvuYcqGn3czQPEDxiCXJIvJ1j8ureKF0GNF7GioiKv6uKq7182mqO0LWQWF8khOLdoJgk_sG3YTu542DaF1nnSPCmv-uApninfxOfzGh6iYTJbowDR5ZNFr7GUsUhEJLI/s320/IMG_8198.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSMNfa0WGNNNOSVkf8RLGSnteW0URqV-FehtCDJTPq3V8Z171Zm9KV2nhN2X862Jaeat-cKbtIZFQzkpi45Wz1skD3ZWsxhwJhIZWfw1yEI6XJBijEkdhzaOeCjy7a0n8V6uYFWK3NMo/s1600/IMG_8181.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 401px; display: block; height: 268px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541452281655344898" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSMNfa0WGNNNOSVkf8RLGSnteW0URqV-FehtCDJTPq3V8Z171Zm9KV2nhN2X862Jaeat-cKbtIZFQzkpi45Wz1skD3ZWsxhwJhIZWfw1yEI6XJBijEkdhzaOeCjy7a0n8V6uYFWK3NMo/s320/IMG_8181.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We drove all the way to the Eielson visitor's center, made a sandwich and then kept on going to the end of the park road in Kantishna. There is not much out there except for a small cabin that was where some homesteaders lived many years ago and some small hotels, which were already closed down for the season.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEp-9oawAaQ3xnuvsLybEtata47x9VGaqkNmLcZPAkno6O-re3TkO3r48mixylP-K89FMyZxRTtUns_BMA6HDhhhyphenhyphenbiPLjJyPc3jkNJ9Q914pmeXrm_QAtmSqAX-Fe63heAWxlFDKIoE/s1600/IMG_8245.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 267px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534785591840963314" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEp-9oawAaQ3xnuvsLybEtata47x9VGaqkNmLcZPAkno6O-re3TkO3r48mixylP-K89FMyZxRTtUns_BMA6HDhhhyphenhyphenbiPLjJyPc3jkNJ9Q914pmeXrm_QAtmSqAX-Fe63heAWxlFDKIoE/s400/IMG_8245.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We spent some time at Wonder Lake as well. The last time that we were here (in June), there were tons of bugs and mosquitoes.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CmyPDswFepYes9TOqFqUD5TXLQxVNVPDAxAMlrewaoC9KsWjpV0ECjD1Kgqr26Duq2z6rmvSjNxmfpEtWNvFEehNePONgf4-f3UrGavQiNpVyIrNfjyeJwfH6OgnuLI0_6apHwCCy8w/s1600/IMG_8240.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 401px; display: block; height: 268px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541452522675199522" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CmyPDswFepYes9TOqFqUD5TXLQxVNVPDAxAMlrewaoC9KsWjpV0ECjD1Kgqr26Duq2z6rmvSjNxmfpEtWNvFEehNePONgf4-f3UrGavQiNpVyIrNfjyeJwfH6OgnuLI0_6apHwCCy8w/s320/IMG_8240.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Steven wanted to stay in the park for a while, so that he could get just the right picture when the sun was in a perfect spot in the sky. We played cards while enjoying the sunshine and I also picked some blueberries and cranberries (I still have some in the freezer)!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99qnqHGosP7DM1xgwqUBkzeXTKo4b1Yp9DTWkSQyYP-yZYQAMwjfHKSgYGSm9UuvkXMHrODRM20_9mYiz0P__TMZdfQyzaJIsS4ZhUFYAtlYlM6ODN5crmFWI4dLlT1W34h5fVIOzeIA/s1600/IMG_8254.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 267px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534787783813878626" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99qnqHGosP7DM1xgwqUBkzeXTKo4b1Yp9DTWkSQyYP-yZYQAMwjfHKSgYGSm9UuvkXMHrODRM20_9mYiz0P__TMZdfQyzaJIsS4ZhUFYAtlYlM6ODN5crmFWI4dLlT1W34h5fVIOzeIA/s400/IMG_8254.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here are some more pictures of Mt. McKinley from Wonder Lake.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlm3g7f5bCsoNmdFTHEAyZcorALAQYGnbSFPPNXp6mi9hfpuc6y3Vd-dO9occMkoEj7bKiCofERdGB-VErlJeMQ7FQ8w4YJdllanyO5UN4WNAS8g9yAOJcZpn4f2KOtIbsAiPnCIFDiM/s1600/IMG_8266.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 401px; display: block; height: 268px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541452535647965266" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlm3g7f5bCsoNmdFTHEAyZcorALAQYGnbSFPPNXp6mi9hfpuc6y3Vd-dO9occMkoEj7bKiCofERdGB-VErlJeMQ7FQ8w4YJdllanyO5UN4WNAS8g9yAOJcZpn4f2KOtIbsAiPnCIFDiM/s320/IMG_8266.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNdqgI9EfvnaqX9GJxu_XKSMSu2Y2mqPCSZkGoIrzo9fywSs9r-d4FSckcoVCFbm2NWpHzLQT81L1cI5GO6qpw3-7sHnkVI8xmbN0c6JFUQCxAB8h_tHQgi4-Ql60Q5Z2m5hgOyT0Lrw/s1600/IMG_8257.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 268px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541452527341056898" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNdqgI9EfvnaqX9GJxu_XKSMSu2Y2mqPCSZkGoIrzo9fywSs9r-d4FSckcoVCFbm2NWpHzLQT81L1cI5GO6qpw3-7sHnkVI8xmbN0c6JFUQCxAB8h_tHQgi4-Ql60Q5Z2m5hgOyT0Lrw/s320/IMG_8257.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Once we got our pictures, we started to head back as it was about 5-6pm and we were still all the way inside the park. We started to see many snowshoe hares. Their coloring had not yet changed to all white for the winter.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8297zPAuGdigP_olvuqPWpPZZcmHZoTDyJ8QXfpceQCdIvf0-8o4bHWSgKx5qtoeLGEu_LN2jvnNDtKoEiESsX-73s5Szd4A1aW8CT-ZKdToYJ9fYsbpJrCmU11F0YdOlj7LZPPg8K8/s1600/IMG_8289.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 402px; display: block; height: 268px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541452538063216498" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8297zPAuGdigP_olvuqPWpPZZcmHZoTDyJ8QXfpceQCdIvf0-8o4bHWSgKx5qtoeLGEu_LN2jvnNDtKoEiESsX-73s5Szd4A1aW8CT-ZKdToYJ9fYsbpJrCmU11F0YdOlj7LZPPg8K8/s320/IMG_8289.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />There was also a traffic jam due to a helicopter needing to land in the middle of the road to airlift someone out of the park and to Fairbanks or Anchorage because of a medical emergency. We aren't really sure what was wrong, but I hope everything turned out alright for them! I once read an article about many Alaskans buying Lifeflight insurance to help cover the costs of being airlifted out and taken to a hospital.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsw51g7M7QGpcQtto9YIRT8PWJaBZDsvGTD1g018LqXI7uXxkGe5vuARmUqwvz808QBn9gzXCVznZ4kRF-cayq4-EnNdP6_IG4W7klCjIjGaljVh9P2ScS70J_x02dAYBegGBSymtzouI/s1600/IMG_8277.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 267px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534787802131303298" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsw51g7M7QGpcQtto9YIRT8PWJaBZDsvGTD1g018LqXI7uXxkGe5vuARmUqwvz808QBn9gzXCVznZ4kRF-cayq4-EnNdP6_IG4W7klCjIjGaljVh9P2ScS70J_x02dAYBegGBSymtzouI/s400/IMG_8277.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />On the way out, we also saw four Dall sheep hanging out in the brush resting taking an evening nap.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGMg3C0N3V1TT1SptI3UcMBrIFSjeN4qDvqh8RI_69TvhMtqsigUCxtTEA3J4XQo5pxfW3DMNiGVc9t-ZZV_egLZHIwUeqzNOyr3vf9dle0Ow4k8iM_65omJWKp9wm-4M3-OMbABS0m8/s1600/IMG_8431.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 267px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534789819889730850" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGMg3C0N3V1TT1SptI3UcMBrIFSjeN4qDvqh8RI_69TvhMtqsigUCxtTEA3J4XQo5pxfW3DMNiGVc9t-ZZV_egLZHIwUeqzNOyr3vf9dle0Ow4k8iM_65omJWKp9wm-4M3-OMbABS0m8/s400/IMG_8431.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR67d7uHS4zSCx0Xasnh92bdDPi0xNdVzbDzck-Z5u1VU5o7Wa2KNSwwmwd58YooxitO-mWYrNRW1W8xY7vOxSeUzYVgZy9Kg5VTyGrtnsOA4cLHVQAbLtQIT4BwQz9SlSI2ROilmJB0U/s1600/IMG_8419.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 402px; display: block; height: 268px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541452745802449810" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR67d7uHS4zSCx0Xasnh92bdDPi0xNdVzbDzck-Z5u1VU5o7Wa2KNSwwmwd58YooxitO-mWYrNRW1W8xY7vOxSeUzYVgZy9Kg5VTyGrtnsOA4cLHVQAbLtQIT4BwQz9SlSI2ROilmJB0U/s320/IMG_8419.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Look how close they were to the road and to our car. That one walked right by my car door. If I had reached out, I could have touched his horn.<br /><br />We stayed out pretty late because we were hoping to see the northern lights, which we still had not seen since living in Alaska. All we saw though was this almost full moon. It was very bright in the sky!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BPZloJVQCC6ptzqq7UJh_6v6s4krLa0ZvvRwgSz5z0bA1zHYiXiCA-u6AgD6vJzY_4UxzH_PxugpcD6eidiIapaVz9U15W3hk2E4R17fVUBRxGNpdL1RQT83BBpMdkYvJH0YIh1196E/s1600/IMG_8374.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 402px; display: block; height: 269px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541452739077114914" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BPZloJVQCC6ptzqq7UJh_6v6s4krLa0ZvvRwgSz5z0bA1zHYiXiCA-u6AgD6vJzY_4UxzH_PxugpcD6eidiIapaVz9U15W3hk2E4R17fVUBRxGNpdL1RQT83BBpMdkYvJH0YIh1196E/s320/IMG_8374.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The next day, we wanted to drive down the Denali Highway (#116)just a little ways. This highway leading from Paxson to Cantwell was originally used as the access road to the national park before the Parks highway was built from Wasilla to Fairbanks. It is only open to travel during the summer months as it is not maintained during the winter. We saw some pretty views of the Alaska Range as well as a porcupine (part of #86). He was a little scared and quickly ran off into the bushes.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbz6Qj3hk3u1X-eszcGHOuvb_KIKI1jZNW2uXacUWZrspH_HEady5Oul1VJZ7H-phkFRSZZ6TxE__yQrzigioT_6vnA5I7EDcUbIPZZDWrDYU3rhPa8rZ6hqN3dQL65kbKjCuNXC3oUjE/s1600/IMG_8456.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 267px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534789840101465154" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbz6Qj3hk3u1X-eszcGHOuvb_KIKI1jZNW2uXacUWZrspH_HEady5Oul1VJZ7H-phkFRSZZ6TxE__yQrzigioT_6vnA5I7EDcUbIPZZDWrDYU3rhPa8rZ6hqN3dQL65kbKjCuNXC3oUjE/s400/IMG_8456.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfA_S1xhyphenhypheng0AaZERs7QcMyR-hu95rPErNlzruufNPVX8QsRkn3WHIMVzzHBieHMADYyp5JfGxgXXqNpCOf6ZUK_BeSHHq4qWxmCczUVFzg1E4neOw80ufC-R9g4IYJ50vvhWONd6vLV3U/s1600/IMG_8451.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 265px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541452754254990482" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfA_S1xhyphenhypheng0AaZERs7QcMyR-hu95rPErNlzruufNPVX8QsRkn3WHIMVzzHBieHMADYyp5JfGxgXXqNpCOf6ZUK_BeSHHq4qWxmCczUVFzg1E4neOw80ufC-R9g4IYJ50vvhWONd6vLV3U/s320/IMG_8451.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVil9OweSkDHbfdTxVVEzurlGzm-AMjr7itMNLioEMyt0jrOgcui6fiQsAwQXmo_1bNWc7ft1bM9djksxALORhEc-9B9riW7cmnDzMAC3eoNw3n-LgiH4mZMkiNA77VEXK1urE_NPqjg/s1600/IMG_8587.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 397px; display: block; height: 263px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541452887081184962" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVil9OweSkDHbfdTxVVEzurlGzm-AMjr7itMNLioEMyt0jrOgcui6fiQsAwQXmo_1bNWc7ft1bM9djksxALORhEc-9B9riW7cmnDzMAC3eoNw3n-LgiH4mZMkiNA77VEXK1urE_NPqjg/s320/IMG_8587.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRh5Ly7ds-N8DLFe-AGerKxJ8Objd9h33EVdy5thzDW_dd18cDS_IlJZofV55XYcVuDcnbg_q589tDp5q5BvG3QkVuxoB2lzyirxAWAXGH6LQr_e75UVHdLQLSehbJvZEFeOpUJWrDVn8/s1600/IMG_8579.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 399px; display: block; height: 267px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541452773334039138" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRh5Ly7ds-N8DLFe-AGerKxJ8Objd9h33EVdy5thzDW_dd18cDS_IlJZofV55XYcVuDcnbg_q589tDp5q5BvG3QkVuxoB2lzyirxAWAXGH6LQr_e75UVHdLQLSehbJvZEFeOpUJWrDVn8/s320/IMG_8579.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhleD16YRDLf-y0B-Hp_GOPhmZiWjrCUX53piemnpm8NaF38LmQH0uiQjoO5GiGjJnI0DL-IKl6Lgp_XqeF5FirU3dOc2uywxGo-RhI1ydtLraK5wpPBRCecUFBR1j7UGJAnTjWGyPSFEA/s1600/IMG_8516.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 402px; display: block; height: 268px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541452767178864898" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhleD16YRDLf-y0B-Hp_GOPhmZiWjrCUX53piemnpm8NaF38LmQH0uiQjoO5GiGjJnI0DL-IKl6Lgp_XqeF5FirU3dOc2uywxGo-RhI1ydtLraK5wpPBRCecUFBR1j7UGJAnTjWGyPSFEA/s320/IMG_8516.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUlLsP_-yLwRyr8218W_20-xt7SvkUk9HvczwzG1A3Q4RnVgGN0C5geOiaGBOHhk1POM0t5OXvQxGbyK1Ewp6RMLemJ8cadrkU5ZWXjdorYhC_6y-_MuNgTwTm17AfzHTfeWjIH41HS8/s1600/IMG_8596.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 401px; display: block; height: 270px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534792440437266850" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUlLsP_-yLwRyr8218W_20-xt7SvkUk9HvczwzG1A3Q4RnVgGN0C5geOiaGBOHhk1POM0t5OXvQxGbyK1Ewp6RMLemJ8cadrkU5ZWXjdorYhC_6y-_MuNgTwTm17AfzHTfeWjIH41HS8/s400/IMG_8596.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Rebekah<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2668711578209408943.post-44186739004267292442010-10-03T21:56:00.012-08:002011-11-27T10:05:54.854-09:00Wrangell-St. Elias National Park<div>On Labor Day Weekend we decided to finally make the long drive to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/wrst/">Wrangell-St. Elias National Park</a> (#60 on the list). It is the largest National Park in the country, but there are only two roads that go into the park - the McCarthy Road and the Nabesna Road. They are both poorly maintained dirt roads, but we decided to take the 60 mile McCarthy Road.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>We left right after work on Friday and drove past Glenallen as far as we could until it got dark. We decided to stop and camp at<a href="http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspunits/matsu/libertyflsrs.htm"> Liberty Falls State Recreation Area</a> (new entry #114). That night was very clear and the stars were very bright and amazing. The next morning we woke up early and completed the short hike to the waterfall.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5AxPHgrzF5nixgT_X4RFPO7UZCflwKV7F7y3HY8SMJTIz4E3H7o54ipLV4WobtqCafPSHdbjIzoFtJtI-bkchtBaOrEk75AyVaW0o9zSQOLLiC8DkpgK3JUvbmyuxV5yQ_IwFKclBec/s1600/IMG_7762b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 213px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524077330823911090" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5AxPHgrzF5nixgT_X4RFPO7UZCflwKV7F7y3HY8SMJTIz4E3H7o54ipLV4WobtqCafPSHdbjIzoFtJtI-bkchtBaOrEk75AyVaW0o9zSQOLLiC8DkpgK3JUvbmyuxV5yQ_IwFKclBec/s320/IMG_7762b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Afterward we got back on the highway and soon began the slow, bumpy drive along the McCarthy Road. The National Park Service recommends 3 hours to complete the 60 miles. Early on we got to see the sun rising over the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper_River_%28Alaska%29">Copper River</a> (famous for its tasty Red Salmon)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSU_sicHRjt94TN4tQUPYMwBgYMqzrF-i0O2PMYJ_ESMCyLsEDAAV0t8gfZN-OUxunwRd9KniGLEzmqqvPVW67vP01gRhLM4bB5XCL-MpaKujmxTyA-rzSXRnfOpwnpN5h_HFJm5KRunw/s1600/IMG_7764b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 213px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524077336857655570" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSU_sicHRjt94TN4tQUPYMwBgYMqzrF-i0O2PMYJ_ESMCyLsEDAAV0t8gfZN-OUxunwRd9KniGLEzmqqvPVW67vP01gRhLM4bB5XCL-MpaKujmxTyA-rzSXRnfOpwnpN5h_HFJm5KRunw/s320/IMG_7764b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We managed to complete it in around 2.5, but this is probably the worst road we have driven on in Alaska. There were even some narrow 1 lane bridges over river gorges.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRvHd_QR9Wk6DbaOEwiMbu_N0FvDg7LD11hT1JTHv0sTrgNBhyu0Mrm62Iwcj68opqQOnLz_MHlYQ1iOYlQlzjvRUW2kX8dIVLCAjkX1Owx8W2E3xs1HsehFiFWuRDoCOTngpHpwTuO0/s1600/IMG_7785b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 213px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524077343325381426" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRvHd_QR9Wk6DbaOEwiMbu_N0FvDg7LD11hT1JTHv0sTrgNBhyu0Mrm62Iwcj68opqQOnLz_MHlYQ1iOYlQlzjvRUW2kX8dIVLCAjkX1Owx8W2E3xs1HsehFiFWuRDoCOTngpHpwTuO0/s320/IMG_7785b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />After 60 miles the road just ends. There is a campsite and a couple of bed and breakfasts, but not much else. In order to get to Kennecott and McCarthy you have to cross a long foot bridge over the river that is fed from the Kennicott and Root glaciers.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-fnojgVGfWLdxDEIa8kGJ-xLLgwJ6YWbT_w6dyOgJZuCqWvqhfQCvSDy9v7ZpI_vgr-axrH-vuX-ZnDf_lPQ8-DSNd2JI7qrZfXu_eSQaHRGkYK5KqZ2xQInE4OncLJEfQORSfvfbPA/s1600/IMG_7799b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 213px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524077342595218322" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-fnojgVGfWLdxDEIa8kGJ-xLLgwJ6YWbT_w6dyOgJZuCqWvqhfQCvSDy9v7ZpI_vgr-axrH-vuX-ZnDf_lPQ8-DSNd2JI7qrZfXu_eSQaHRGkYK5KqZ2xQInE4OncLJEfQORSfvfbPA/s320/IMG_7799b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />From there you can either pay to take a shuttle or you can walk the .5 miles to McCarthy or 4.5 to Kennecott. Since we were going to Kennecott first we decided to pay the $10 each for the shuttle. Kennecott was a copper mining town run by the Kennecott Copper Corporation which started operations in 1903. By the time they were done, this proved to be the richest and purest concentration of copper in the world.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfIH2hlmW_6V4ONNZb3Vhl40PlEGBNVyYdfokrW7uEswpxa456mLs0LYaYyEwO5U4RD1v5YgqnPstTvflSCLFicanAQbwA_Ebd4jWA9vu5NrNTTD_fUIHztgejwUwUuzx3Ysr6c4IG3o/s1600/IMG_7838b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 213px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524078116620649906" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfIH2hlmW_6V4ONNZb3Vhl40PlEGBNVyYdfokrW7uEswpxa456mLs0LYaYyEwO5U4RD1v5YgqnPstTvflSCLFicanAQbwA_Ebd4jWA9vu5NrNTTD_fUIHztgejwUwUuzx3Ysr6c4IG3o/s320/IMG_7838b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We toured the picturesque town along the edge of the valley.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8I2iFuunghjd4wOD9DaZSNoCm_l4jAgL1J0dv3anvXuGble35a1A9JlFzcXjSwjYSa1L3VyBsc4aKxZsOYiqJfMWUAMe6u8H7ffstM064UwWP26H2jo8ncdBnSExSpORjknUNezLz9uQ/s1600/IMG_7800b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 213px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524077351524086674" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8I2iFuunghjd4wOD9DaZSNoCm_l4jAgL1J0dv3anvXuGble35a1A9JlFzcXjSwjYSa1L3VyBsc4aKxZsOYiqJfMWUAMe6u8H7ffstM064UwWP26H2jo8ncdBnSExSpORjknUNezLz9uQ/s320/IMG_7800b.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpjlEqo2GhDxAK-MB2GS03msb_NP1jfLQKuJwhThxrtUIy_Cx7ee8HiiD5xFJbuC3nHlrQKJTvz1Jz7_yFnaKIAUf9loofx3vo265Uw88mecd_V2snmZJV5MEn4tvtp_0nd6YfbW2bV8/s1600/IMG_7821b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 213px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524078113487821346" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpjlEqo2GhDxAK-MB2GS03msb_NP1jfLQKuJwhThxrtUIy_Cx7ee8HiiD5xFJbuC3nHlrQKJTvz1Jz7_yFnaKIAUf9loofx3vo265Uw88mecd_V2snmZJV5MEn4tvtp_0nd6YfbW2bV8/s320/IMG_7821b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />When the town was created, they did not know they were in a valley. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kennicott_Glacier">Kennicott Glacier </a>filled the valley completely. It has now receded greatly, but you can still see it in the valley. Most of what you see now is the terminal moraine, which is where all of the dirt, gravel, and rocks the glacier pushes with it are deposited. Under those hills of dirt and rock (which are not man made) is still ice. The Kennicott Glacier moved back to the left, while the smaller Root Glacier moved back to the right.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEPYmxxIVUlZ1s2SX_qbwJvgXJ-YOIzIKn77IMLc9Ny8x-aqEVA_adhCh3IUX0jnhIcNLrwfFZa2HSUOWJDGxfKZ8zHlZE6XatCa23EZ2T9mglv61Ltx3oCxhndmkaQoOkHs7zbxRSPA/s1600/IMG_7848b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 213px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524078121321124498" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEPYmxxIVUlZ1s2SX_qbwJvgXJ-YOIzIKn77IMLc9Ny8x-aqEVA_adhCh3IUX0jnhIcNLrwfFZa2HSUOWJDGxfKZ8zHlZE6XatCa23EZ2T9mglv61Ltx3oCxhndmkaQoOkHs7zbxRSPA/s320/IMG_7848b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We even got to tour inside the building, including the mill where they did all of the sorting, crushing, and other processes. The technology here was very advanced for the day.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGeP3WEp9DxLr9DvFvOohbXuWTP8jyZ36SwU8YnbemETtIjuPaO_z8GJx_3ygkNXA-d7MSYyEFPMn5G1Voc2VNqmAatJvwzcx_q7fLk2HbuT41D2fSMUT6PVbDCQeSjcJ7240LHd8JEU/s1600/IMG_7856b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 213px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524078126453060818" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGeP3WEp9DxLr9DvFvOohbXuWTP8jyZ36SwU8YnbemETtIjuPaO_z8GJx_3ygkNXA-d7MSYyEFPMn5G1Voc2VNqmAatJvwzcx_q7fLk2HbuT41D2fSMUT6PVbDCQeSjcJ7240LHd8JEU/s320/IMG_7856b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />That evening we went into McCarthy to the bar (yes, there is only one bar). Everyone gathers at the bar in the evening. From the tour company guides, to people you went on tours with, to the few people that live and own land/businesses in McCarthy - everyone was there. This weekend was their final operating weekend so they brought in a live band! (exciting, huh?). McCarthy was created originally as a town to support the Kennecott Mine. Kennecott was a dry town and only workers as well as upper management's families were allowed to stay in Kennecott.<br /><br />The next day we had scheduled a rafting trip, so naturally it was the only day of the weekend that was wet and very cold. We went with <a href="http://www.copperoar.com/coriver.html">Copper Oar Rafting </a>and the trip was very well done. They had some wet and warm gear for us and then we loaded into the boat. Now I was expecting we would have to row (and with how cold it was I was actually looking forward to having to move), but the guide is the only one to row. There were only 4 of us going, but since we were going to the middle of nowhere the company had to take 2 rafts for safety. We put in just South of the footbridge on the Kennicott River. From there we floated into the Nizina River and into the Nizina Canyon. Once we were in the canyon, and safely out of the wind, we stopped for lunch along the banks. The lunch was actually very nice as we had hot chocolate and sandwiches. They put up a tarp so we could be out of the rain and had portable tables (complete with tablecloths) and chairs.<br /><br />After warming up and eating more than enough food we continued on our journey through the canyon. Later that afternoon we met the Chitina River and pulled ashore at a little grass airstrip. Since we had floated in the middle of nowhere to the middle of nowhere the only way to get back to somewhere was to fly back. So, the rafting company had arranged for the local pilot to pick us up. I did not take any pictures on the rafting trip because of the rain, but I did get a few pictures from the small plan on the way back. Typically they take the scenic route back over the Root Glacier and the 7,000 foot Stairway Icefall (basically a very steep part of the glacier as it comes down from the tall mountains of the Wrangell Range), but due to the weather and bad visibility we did not get that part of the trip.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WrvqtdU5Bedq6ocnn1cEwDLg2QVxez6xnI7Gyk7wpC6GjSrEMsLg4aPF-CZOTJW_cqwsVks3y4jA-tFona6np1sKRYTRVoAu46vWL0jY7rTnxvhlAOHp3sNiBUGSDIYhbLk8-igp63c/s1600/IMG_7883b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 213px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524079772767982978" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WrvqtdU5Bedq6ocnn1cEwDLg2QVxez6xnI7Gyk7wpC6GjSrEMsLg4aPF-CZOTJW_cqwsVks3y4jA-tFona6np1sKRYTRVoAu46vWL0jY7rTnxvhlAOHp3sNiBUGSDIYhbLk8-igp63c/s320/IMG_7883b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />That evening after dinner we were still a little cold. And our tent was still wet from the rain the night before.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhx4I6BTEzRj90YH1V-OsLu6wHY_AZdUpoWuFH9MrSfWju52LD0A34n_oDKe8Ed1NPGsbEjlPImaaio-DuTkLH5mP7zjKVKUJy-I_dMD3zWuI31c9QaBmb3pZAf3mYy3G4jvFhIQ__8I/s1600/IMG_7874b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 213px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524078128859504562" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhx4I6BTEzRj90YH1V-OsLu6wHY_AZdUpoWuFH9MrSfWju52LD0A34n_oDKe8Ed1NPGsbEjlPImaaio-DuTkLH5mP7zjKVKUJy-I_dMD3zWuI31c9QaBmb3pZAf3mYy3G4jvFhIQ__8I/s320/IMG_7874b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Even though it had stopped raining already (and actually turned into a very nice Labor Day Monday), we decided to make the long drive back to Anchorage that night. We arrived just after 2 am and spent Monday resting and relaxing.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLX9e-KbT8LhlT19SPuVtDiicz-T_sy7Bg31tYsODw59Hx-pV3z5NAd_ltMYlNvYgx9YHGFDcKlbOLlQrVhcvHaoCrjiF51vRUNOJQnwzFc1YUmzsvEAtLNqPFiwNKe5bP99ON30ZRNo/s1600/IMG_7888b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 226px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524079778307003250" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLX9e-KbT8LhlT19SPuVtDiicz-T_sy7Bg31tYsODw59Hx-pV3z5NAd_ltMYlNvYgx9YHGFDcKlbOLlQrVhcvHaoCrjiF51vRUNOJQnwzFc1YUmzsvEAtLNqPFiwNKe5bP99ON30ZRNo/s320/IMG_7888b.JPG" border="0" /></a>(a police officer rolled up to us as were taking this picture wondering what we were possibly doing)<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br />Steven<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15999216494953854873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2668711578209408943.post-3191750270117168372010-09-19T21:23:00.011-08:002011-11-27T10:02:47.096-09:00ValdezWe were lucky this summer to have many visitors! The most recent one being my cousin Emily! We took her to Valdez, Alaska (#58) to see the amazing waterfalls, glaciers, pipeline and abundant wildlife! We started out the drive on Friday afternoon after work. We had booked 2 nights at a local Valdez bed and breakfast. The drive would have been very scenic although it was dark by the time we turned off on the Richardson Highway from the Glenn Highway. It was also very foggy that evening too. However, we weren't worried as 2 weekend days were still ahead of us!<br /><br />The next morning, we had a glacier and wildlife cruise booked with <a href="http://www.stanstephenscruises.com/">Stan Stephens</a>. It was a 9-hour cruise to both the Meares and Colombia glaciers. We were excited because the skies cleared and it was actually pretty sunny!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25Hzath5ojJApu39PmUHKNsdoC4PTI2L-30v5buv9vYDRVVubyMTM9ofkwaZf1ZnJgmTTMJrj2onf5trMXa-BZjaUoR3M6HRVNlVwCpfWLczchhhIHG2Re13ckKIJ9ZF7Ed9boKzTing/s1600/IMG_6334a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25Hzath5ojJApu39PmUHKNsdoC4PTI2L-30v5buv9vYDRVVubyMTM9ofkwaZf1ZnJgmTTMJrj2onf5trMXa-BZjaUoR3M6HRVNlVwCpfWLczchhhIHG2Re13ckKIJ9ZF7Ed9boKzTing/s400/IMG_6334a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518864061079594706" border="0" /></a>The first glacier that we were going to go see was the Columbia Glacier (#54). However, there were lots of icebergs at that time, so we went to the Meares Glacier first, instead. Here is a picture of the icebergs!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rz6Ul1D6zQMorlS6K7cU3uOYGNiKyghw_9-2ErzeCKKycDDMSK7VN2pxbH68xL4u9IfbNVBy8K4fOdtI7DNWklFaWV7kVpN-7OI9RsZyqiid61r9VO6ONUMrzoVXQr-TJ6atePWasqM/s1600/IMG_6372a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rz6Ul1D6zQMorlS6K7cU3uOYGNiKyghw_9-2ErzeCKKycDDMSK7VN2pxbH68xL4u9IfbNVBy8K4fOdtI7DNWklFaWV7kVpN-7OI9RsZyqiid61r9VO6ONUMrzoVXQr-TJ6atePWasqM/s400/IMG_6372a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518864068478475362" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHrrt1ZgkYhpT8iMuzCTMXoJtHuutTqQdShx3szjPqOgbIba7O7jBRSOo9BQBtXOQhACLNje7Pk9HxF49WPWLF_QVYAnBcZDj9INsXtSXNijXtbsmJGH_BCbOdBxxkygrH6HKX7mDiOQ/s1600/IMG_7051a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHrrt1ZgkYhpT8iMuzCTMXoJtHuutTqQdShx3szjPqOgbIba7O7jBRSOo9BQBtXOQhACLNje7Pk9HxF49WPWLF_QVYAnBcZDj9INsXtSXNijXtbsmJGH_BCbOdBxxkygrH6HKX7mDiOQ/s400/IMG_7051a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518865118412994194" border="0" /></a><br />While we were out cruising, we saw a commercial fishing boat. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZ9jK1h1dHj9ow8eqmnrlK4rzG6Jg64fI_9RQgSZaJcMTrLm8EUT4bkeXPkaqur437TkzebhFzAy_Bs8al5tCYrvk7NJwKuCfO17NVPaa3oTeGNpU4kDBbxz_OxfI8X7jU27sp_8Z5AA/s1600/IMG_6592a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZ9jK1h1dHj9ow8eqmnrlK4rzG6Jg64fI_9RQgSZaJcMTrLm8EUT4bkeXPkaqur437TkzebhFzAy_Bs8al5tCYrvk7NJwKuCfO17NVPaa3oTeGNpU4kDBbxz_OxfI8X7jU27sp_8Z5AA/s400/IMG_6592a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518864092185787666" border="0" /></a>We learned that the boats sometimes have to wait until the fishing times open up. Then they work very hard and very fast until the fishing times end. There are also tender boats that go around to all of the small fishing boats and to buy and off-load all of the fish. This saves the fishing boats time and they do not have to go all the way back to the harbor.<br /><br />We saw many animals on the cruise (#86). Puffins,<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqTHioBWDzEl2Ds7zaLQZjQSrn1KGxAAyKedb21dyWLyk87oc-0HBbmD9z_cehi0K4ayIyN5h-E1LlwVTlcrsVC8Bz-TerBEwQ0aulR8wQPIRN2uOiUTIedsVAP4ddjqurO7PggmlyU8/s1600/IMG_7010b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqTHioBWDzEl2Ds7zaLQZjQSrn1KGxAAyKedb21dyWLyk87oc-0HBbmD9z_cehi0K4ayIyN5h-E1LlwVTlcrsVC8Bz-TerBEwQ0aulR8wQPIRN2uOiUTIedsVAP4ddjqurO7PggmlyU8/s400/IMG_7010b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518865113235912722" border="0" /></a>Seals,<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2m5cmOtyo6oAVOB_98SuV-waGvv6uL-F8MMYxHxjgO_M-UsZy4JXA9OaGviSR7ApP5qJcdcyC6-Q_Qoudy-_X8gM5qSrM9_mjBbjBA_5cnkxfdZYwWiS-Qhz505qL0ohO-FvRxPuBOEk/s1600/IMG_6731b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 263px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2m5cmOtyo6oAVOB_98SuV-waGvv6uL-F8MMYxHxjgO_M-UsZy4JXA9OaGviSR7ApP5qJcdcyC6-Q_Qoudy-_X8gM5qSrM9_mjBbjBA_5cnkxfdZYwWiS-Qhz505qL0ohO-FvRxPuBOEk/s400/IMG_6731b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518864702823132818" border="0" /></a>Sea lions,<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EL9g7Wnqyl9SZvUGhuqvHw1vN9ri4PG401JIWx48uFjbc9LY2jravxR0BInKwvKsgXWezSAbRLdRuE_DSU8SLJNHBaLqhTUyH99gSvQIMsmN4QBxmV24CqH6eZrUEDxWG_jHKgRhfJ0/s1600/IMG_6480.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EL9g7Wnqyl9SZvUGhuqvHw1vN9ri4PG401JIWx48uFjbc9LY2jravxR0BInKwvKsgXWezSAbRLdRuE_DSU8SLJNHBaLqhTUyH99gSvQIMsmN4QBxmV24CqH6eZrUEDxWG_jHKgRhfJ0/s400/IMG_6480.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518864084854623298" border="0" /></a>Orca whales,<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TcYZyLjEcv1UFEnlli6b7Cq7qATtImmbyIWhAUAk79dT9QRP_A4yVnQwsl4qqxgYqSFUNlawkj9zgrkvQJcw8posR8ibicilYKDjYcQ66L_f6TbGiTSg6-n9Y_gM1rvFQFZUysDcuw8/s1600/IMG_6436a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TcYZyLjEcv1UFEnlli6b7Cq7qATtImmbyIWhAUAk79dT9QRP_A4yVnQwsl4qqxgYqSFUNlawkj9zgrkvQJcw8posR8ibicilYKDjYcQ66L_f6TbGiTSg6-n9Y_gM1rvFQFZUysDcuw8/s400/IMG_6436a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518864072911999634" border="0" /></a>and finally, humpback whales. We were very lucky that the humpback was "performing" for us! We sat and watched him for about 45 minutes!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIopPOA9AjXEkRWigtg7kD9sy-kgx_d973PK-T-Iregb4DqVX7MadYGJ_IV2NxRLH-8IvbxPhqgFWtu1hPBphafz8Hff_wTukMN1zil7Umvv7GNgj5975lwQqLmw2FO1RKMA8o80mRzI/s1600/IMG_6949a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIopPOA9AjXEkRWigtg7kD9sy-kgx_d973PK-T-Iregb4DqVX7MadYGJ_IV2NxRLH-8IvbxPhqgFWtu1hPBphafz8Hff_wTukMN1zil7Umvv7GNgj5975lwQqLmw2FO1RKMA8o80mRzI/s400/IMG_6949a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518864718317420930" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPw5mIuknyDN2HsVib9rVExWneUNeROOZO-4xyCwuKMvPVNbMpd6Y_JEIex43bw8G7xUvaNBRhfkz78lYU_Omv2EsQkz4vRTpoepfnDGtX02EzOA1P456BCUSBAjVrkmas_xA4eEwPcvI/s1600/IMG_6859a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPw5mIuknyDN2HsVib9rVExWneUNeROOZO-4xyCwuKMvPVNbMpd6Y_JEIex43bw8G7xUvaNBRhfkz78lYU_Omv2EsQkz4vRTpoepfnDGtX02EzOA1P456BCUSBAjVrkmas_xA4eEwPcvI/s400/IMG_6859a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518864712266130658" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53KOPH5tybfbBsVxRJ9rf6A9CDZXHpAll1Czj5SWjkpYPPe5vGp1c1U7k63DKbXNn5eU1envUtf-o3udACLIHGsUbqtsQUT4KaIu9b2nNu8tiT75UmlTfZ1y1b39fKdFNo24BaZMsJnY/s1600/IMG_6818a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53KOPH5tybfbBsVxRJ9rf6A9CDZXHpAll1Czj5SWjkpYPPe5vGp1c1U7k63DKbXNn5eU1envUtf-o3udACLIHGsUbqtsQUT4KaIu9b2nNu8tiT75UmlTfZ1y1b39fKdFNo24BaZMsJnY/s400/IMG_6818a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518864709309361698" border="0" /></a>Here is a picture of Emily and I in front of the Meares Glacier! It was a beautiful day and great to spend time with my cousin! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhix0JaZDY4Nb6_EBBbAHbANtESVi2gah5im8kgHj5KBGL3V6qGVcsIVk9e0mHwRz5g2vWHPumFLqd-VoRkaPEwFB9sZkbTQZnzRmEV-st_lFJlqdMdEUXwSVowMLYmf7zT1-CzCXTZSxU/s1600/IMG_6707a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhix0JaZDY4Nb6_EBBbAHbANtESVi2gah5im8kgHj5KBGL3V6qGVcsIVk9e0mHwRz5g2vWHPumFLqd-VoRkaPEwFB9sZkbTQZnzRmEV-st_lFJlqdMdEUXwSVowMLYmf7zT1-CzCXTZSxU/s400/IMG_6707a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518864698109425186" border="0" /></a><br />We even got to hold some glacier ice!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0b-HN1_A_EBhjav20vniVhbnieq2lgASp1dYuWAkXZP2JiKYEt1lUNizMon_FfNKfTQ08x9ZLl3JOsJDHXAmi59EZvjfZnyaaLpYUqqKIct687BFXSoArEb4V55ghmqd9_FFV3-xAOys/s1600/IMG_7057a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0b-HN1_A_EBhjav20vniVhbnieq2lgASp1dYuWAkXZP2JiKYEt1lUNizMon_FfNKfTQ08x9ZLl3JOsJDHXAmi59EZvjfZnyaaLpYUqqKIct687BFXSoArEb4V55ghmqd9_FFV3-xAOys/s400/IMG_7057a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518865122494458994" border="0" /></a><br />When we were coming back into port, we saw an oil tanker that was about to leave the port of Valdez , headed for the lower 48.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZVF8qeFjg6IsZuMS2LrmdPmFAtMFK8DQCgIpl701b9qWy4pkSPrwVzOIXEL_FWnVANFj9qUVYXKxAF49WldtOT2BLundZcmbdpLBII7nLO5BWwjEJ1KYpdr2VnPNmzpKKZQbnIrsLm4/s1600/IMG_7107a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZVF8qeFjg6IsZuMS2LrmdPmFAtMFK8DQCgIpl701b9qWy4pkSPrwVzOIXEL_FWnVANFj9qUVYXKxAF49WldtOT2BLundZcmbdpLBII7nLO5BWwjEJ1KYpdr2VnPNmzpKKZQbnIrsLm4/s400/IMG_7107a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518865136418509490" border="0" /></a><br />After the glacier cruise, we took a short drive around Valdez to see the waterfalls. They were very beautiful and the water was running very fast. The top one is Horse Tail Falls and the bottom one is called Bridal Veil Falls.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIBgwX6M71Gh7zhD6Ulfdxk-T-rS88aeEdcZKUt4BXWeqnsqrINVKHgTkKzFfGxQ40blvEfDQDi57bgsSxWzGDZzhYtpaAsNvQ8btlhUZT_w1jnb2L_D82IxR4SmxaUuLLZLH0F-O3n8/s1600/IMG_7126a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIBgwX6M71Gh7zhD6Ulfdxk-T-rS88aeEdcZKUt4BXWeqnsqrINVKHgTkKzFfGxQ40blvEfDQDi57bgsSxWzGDZzhYtpaAsNvQ8btlhUZT_w1jnb2L_D82IxR4SmxaUuLLZLH0F-O3n8/s400/IMG_7126a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518865954968597730" border="0" /></a>The next day on the drive back, we made a quick stop at Worthington Glacier (#113).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SA45AixBPiWsS5lX4TdFwrlY88FKe3-AsB0QvAJ4JnHNsCkM7SSLuHHXkBZlM_YJ59OO3ECpbXZCi9EA2h_dMumMNbK2p_DE32d7dDqzzmne6ZdIoM2E1TeYCh6-y4pPamITEOLuBuE/s1600/IMG_7155a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SA45AixBPiWsS5lX4TdFwrlY88FKe3-AsB0QvAJ4JnHNsCkM7SSLuHHXkBZlM_YJ59OO3ECpbXZCi9EA2h_dMumMNbK2p_DE32d7dDqzzmne6ZdIoM2E1TeYCh6-y4pPamITEOLuBuE/s400/IMG_7155a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518865959584474002" border="0" /></a><br />There were some nice views of the Wrangell Mountains.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9K5macgOyOtaPkYHnVjNPhpharxfImTJhROHm7b8QH1qK7hQ8cHZ2NYurKiMfnooAC9sxRKw_VrSiursy3qwEuzzKimou6R3f6X7BUypJM26dSJKhOXjr3_QllAHiLJ3WaeBjAIW0F8/s1600/IMG_7164a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9K5macgOyOtaPkYHnVjNPhpharxfImTJhROHm7b8QH1qK7hQ8cHZ2NYurKiMfnooAC9sxRKw_VrSiursy3qwEuzzKimou6R3f6X7BUypJM26dSJKhOXjr3_QllAHiLJ3WaeBjAIW0F8/s400/IMG_7164a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518865964043597970" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And Emily got her picture by the trans-Alaska pipeline.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXBbfW76Na3lOZyhZcyiAmd2Wxm5jIWxyqBjxfrSmNLt5oatj0NNyCIOITJW826vqLvViACJnpHOKorB43lDZ8bmp-5JxHbTyssTgeKuJSNsCJzjzn9wMCG8wQK5itJ3WdBSu-Kh74ew/s1600/IMG_7177a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXBbfW76Na3lOZyhZcyiAmd2Wxm5jIWxyqBjxfrSmNLt5oatj0NNyCIOITJW826vqLvViACJnpHOKorB43lDZ8bmp-5JxHbTyssTgeKuJSNsCJzjzn9wMCG8wQK5itJ3WdBSu-Kh74ew/s400/IMG_7177a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518865972588770802" border="0" /></a>Finally, out last stop was at the Matanuska Glacier. A popular spot for all of our out-of-town guests. We got to do a glacier walk!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Eg1p3vZcLXU0IkaAjGVhhTqG8DTYR5S1LWucYyhGrYNEAtF4ny6MqoydyM_QE1YDF2ZUoiyMKMDpf6DcVDzpK_M-EIJ01DEMrCbKgU8h9zTLHXJC_QgQHVQGUb1WaT0MCt6dQcnFO8I/s1600/IMG_7200a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Eg1p3vZcLXU0IkaAjGVhhTqG8DTYR5S1LWucYyhGrYNEAtF4ny6MqoydyM_QE1YDF2ZUoiyMKMDpf6DcVDzpK_M-EIJ01DEMrCbKgU8h9zTLHXJC_QgQHVQGUb1WaT0MCt6dQcnFO8I/s400/IMG_7200a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518865981058505730" border="0" /></a><br /><br />RebekahUnknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2668711578209408943.post-37707899930390756362010-09-15T21:11:00.012-08:002011-11-27T10:00:57.497-09:00Crow Pass TrailOn July 21st I sprained my ankle playing softball. It hurt, but I finished the game and the next day I could barely tell anything had been wrong with my ankle. On July 28th, during the next softball game, I was sliding into second base and I sprained my ankle again. This time it hurt worse, but I still finished the game. By the time we got home it was already swollen and there was a golf ball sized protrusion on the side of my ankle. The next day it was worse. The third day it started bruising. I couldn't walk until Saturday (I just hopped around the apartment on 1 leg).<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>That weekend our friends Brian and Sarah told us they were hiking <a href="http://aktrailhead.com/crowpass/crowpass.shtml">Crow Pass Trail </a>(#28 on the list). Crow Pass Trail begins in Girdwood and rises fairly quickly to Crow Pass, the highest point along the Historic Iditarod Trail (which some may remember we saw the sign for the historic starting point in Seward). It is about 3.5 miles one way to the top and we had originally just planned on hiking up and back.</div><br />However, the trail continues for a total of 24 miles through Chugach State Park to Eagle River. And the entire hike from Girdwood to Eagle River is what our friends were doing. It is supposed to be a great hike, so we said yes contingent on my ankle.<br /><br /><div>Well after resting and rehabbing the ankle, as well as consulting with a medical professional (my sister Christina), we decided to give it a go. We rented backpacking packs from REI and purchased freeze dried meals (surprisingly good). Early Saturday morning we made the drive down to Girdwood where we met up with 2 more friends and began our ascent.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3ccOFAUltfs8U3EiLtvgsQU5LxSIXHLbYxqn8B-ZRY40aDOwcAt8geYzGK1_7avhtWdqS4VEypjgDxLONZEhRfDnEDNAqZS5t4thXxUdYJQ53K945TBRPz5E7cBa7xFWOILTV6CAKMY/s1600/P1060345b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517393195195607122" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3ccOFAUltfs8U3EiLtvgsQU5LxSIXHLbYxqn8B-ZRY40aDOwcAt8geYzGK1_7avhtWdqS4VEypjgDxLONZEhRfDnEDNAqZS5t4thXxUdYJQ53K945TBRPz5E7cBa7xFWOILTV6CAKMY/s320/P1060345b.JPG" border="0" /></a>The hike up was gorgeous. You pass by some mining remnants. The most notable are the heavy duty metal cables that cross the steep pass in a few places. We took our time and didn't press too hard, since after all we had an additional 20 miles to go after reaching the summit.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyPBcabluAiaNOYfORVLRgIdO12CBC7OaLdcfjCK_vR25R3mUpaV3dfZqbL9Mr0xJKZnZe0YsOINWHySyXSiKgEsaoYMcHIgu80BYytAj69MhoUkvXXdHcS7ZWimo2UWFDKigrUq7FAI/s1600/P1060351b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517393205266275618" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyPBcabluAiaNOYfORVLRgIdO12CBC7OaLdcfjCK_vR25R3mUpaV3dfZqbL9Mr0xJKZnZe0YsOINWHySyXSiKgEsaoYMcHIgu80BYytAj69MhoUkvXXdHcS7ZWimo2UWFDKigrUq7FAI/s320/P1060351b.JPG" border="0" /></a>The weather was overcast, but it was warm and wasn't raining so we didn't complain. At the top we met up with 4 more friends who had camped there the night before. Right as you reach the top of the pass Raven Glacier comes into view. It is a fairly large glacier that dug out the valley we would be hiking in for the rest of the day.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUoAgwQ4M6Eo-LREXsjXQs8-h06CRdCA0F0Uc2Frf3bi_J-gHFNXgqMQHXOxFVfRqsmFv4-0SMCN36BXt2vaxwxuTkLerdRGZIc8uhJm_t1tkKGnI7XAAwzmamJdkSccdX61yGoHSiUjs/s1600/P1060352b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517393220872585826" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUoAgwQ4M6Eo-LREXsjXQs8-h06CRdCA0F0Uc2Frf3bi_J-gHFNXgqMQHXOxFVfRqsmFv4-0SMCN36BXt2vaxwxuTkLerdRGZIc8uhJm_t1tkKGnI7XAAwzmamJdkSccdX61yGoHSiUjs/s320/P1060352b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />After pausing for some pictures we began the descent. On the way down we came across some snow patches (left over from the previous winter).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPU70gRudR8wH-qyxURgEaDR03RwBijI5pkfp_karn6NEz6CSZNacKK-hydS1GCTrhIcQfqNQB9tSXRs4mn5Q1gcfWWKYZeUNmLyZ6NpS2I_2qrnynEDDHaU5CtV8iwsWKca7iLyMolCA/s1600/P1060384b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517393481785799234" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPU70gRudR8wH-qyxURgEaDR03RwBijI5pkfp_karn6NEz6CSZNacKK-hydS1GCTrhIcQfqNQB9tSXRs4mn5Q1gcfWWKYZeUNmLyZ6NpS2I_2qrnynEDDHaU5CtV8iwsWKca7iLyMolCA/s320/P1060384b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Most were tiny and crossed without problem, but the last one we came across was rather large and steep. The crossing was towards the top of the snow patch and there was about 50 feet of snowy slope beneath us before it ended in rocks. Rebekah and I were the last to cross, so unfortunately the foot holds had become rather worn and slippery. We slowly made our way across with the help of poles, but the tracks were just too worn. Rebekah slipped and slid about 5 feet down where she caught herself again (as she screamed "Steven!!!"). As she tried to take her next step her legs went completely out from under her. She slid all the way down to the bottom, but with the help of the pole and her feet was able to control her speed and stopped short of the rocks. I slipped down a few feet as well, but was able to make it over to the other edge without additional incident.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-Z23MTFeWMVZCEX6ZUaFnB-IFqKk8-Z1EsTwpZuXr9BgQZ7od3zwq5t2GEuW8GU9ScIwDslaPZw1QApBhMP7QQD9YTvmRpZUweXX5qUpAYOpfd9WriJF1UqrHjKLw7ACOoez9eoOnAg/s1600/P1060357b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517393231229130162" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-Z23MTFeWMVZCEX6ZUaFnB-IFqKk8-Z1EsTwpZuXr9BgQZ7od3zwq5t2GEuW8GU9ScIwDslaPZw1QApBhMP7QQD9YTvmRpZUweXX5qUpAYOpfd9WriJF1UqrHjKLw7ACOoez9eoOnAg/s320/P1060357b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />At the bottom was our first river crossing (there is typically only 1, but the rain level was high and this creek was above all of the stepping stones). I had bought cheap flip flops for the crossing, which I realized was a mistake as upon my first stop the flip flop slipped off my foot and floated away. We stopped for lunch shortly after as we watched a rather large Black Bear roaming around the slope (and what looked like 2 hunters tracking it).<br /><br />From there the hike was mostly flat and the going was easier.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHFVfGHagDhn2wwXxdl_6i74d71jC4bjg_grMD_AwfjSRkBLZiCaqu7WKg345YBVlCpmCMQOMmNX3qzHjc6K2FOEPlZJ3mbMRrLHlqfwt1IDb2p33cAm7X8UmBHcaAL7tCoT2up14Dzk/s1600/P1060374b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517393446789358018" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHFVfGHagDhn2wwXxdl_6i74d71jC4bjg_grMD_AwfjSRkBLZiCaqu7WKg345YBVlCpmCMQOMmNX3qzHjc6K2FOEPlZJ3mbMRrLHlqfwt1IDb2p33cAm7X8UmBHcaAL7tCoT2up14Dzk/s320/P1060374b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We came across a bridge over an impressive waterfall flowing down into a gorge (the same creek we had earlier forded).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMAm_WukCPinIrKSlYY1jJiYwiXSqkFcjs6vEJwdRxh4gslyVOvUCkOPOuw6JbVZt0_mbzl6vubPWeG6AjoEFBdcIfT5HM71c-dgJz43JQeNvO1waD6KzrUQwyJUOpfn4MvStO6-nnpk/s1600/P1060381b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517393454974218210" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMAm_WukCPinIrKSlYY1jJiYwiXSqkFcjs6vEJwdRxh4gslyVOvUCkOPOuw6JbVZt0_mbzl6vubPWeG6AjoEFBdcIfT5HM71c-dgJz43JQeNvO1waD6KzrUQwyJUOpfn4MvStO6-nnpk/s320/P1060381b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Right after the bridge it began to rain. The trail took us deep into some brush for the next few miles. There were roots and stumps in the trail, but the brush made it hard to see the ground. The rain made the trail muddy and slippery. Morale was low and we hiked quickly and silently hoping for the weather to clear.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSAiKni0wj92Mvr4BtkYl0eE4Vr9K3VGAbiq72vDFThOYIfvh8lNfX7OUbS3Y0UGuyaMDXLJ4rdDFnu1FfBoI_h0DskXNtHwY0eWo1nFvXUtq0qmla73cmtXYp1wor54gQ_ZfvOargLA/s1600/P1060366b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px; display: block; height: 320px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517393242434573282" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSAiKni0wj92Mvr4BtkYl0eE4Vr9K3VGAbiq72vDFThOYIfvh8lNfX7OUbS3Y0UGuyaMDXLJ4rdDFnu1FfBoI_h0DskXNtHwY0eWo1nFvXUtq0qmla73cmtXYp1wor54gQ_ZfvOargLA/s320/P1060366b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>In one clearing we noticed a moose up ahead. One big old male with a giant rack eating right next to the trail. We waited about 10 minutes and he finally moved off far enough for us to safely pass (but still close enough to get a decent picture).</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjytCkdsOhfVH4V0eAyY0AaHcg_FuAnyasW0GwaEFp2DG4qw4xLxelmvNFUDeVWj4-fiooS_PjIteptYLWHBWWZ4ow4cpI5f8hC1ykVXyp-1I1oZ1A-aK-6rmi3v-QPUI7Wc3stycrJGw/s1600/P1060392b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjytCkdsOhfVH4V0eAyY0AaHcg_FuAnyasW0GwaEFp2DG4qw4xLxelmvNFUDeVWj4-fiooS_PjIteptYLWHBWWZ4ow4cpI5f8hC1ykVXyp-1I1oZ1A-aK-6rmi3v-QPUI7Wc3stycrJGw/s400/P1060392b.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517403098859375602" border="0" /></a><br />Now I wore my winter boots with winter socks (only ones I had high enough to wear with the boots) on this first day to give my ankle some support. However, the heavy boots made my feet sweat which led to blisters. And it was about this point in the hike that I began to notice them. They hurt worse and worse with each step until just about the point where I could no longer walk we came across a campsite along the trail. Since the campsite was just before the main river crossing (also known as the halfway point) we decided to set up camp.<br /><br /><div>Luckily, right after we set up camp the rain stopped and we were able to set up a fire to warm up and dry off. Without that break it would have been a long, wet night. To save on space we had bought a new tent (the Hiker/Biker II) and new smaller fleece sleeping bags. They were both much smaller and lighter than the current ones we owned. However, we neglected to notice the tent was technically classified as a 1 person tent. And I would say it was barely that. The tent was shaped like a long diamond, with the longest points being in the middle on top and the middle on the bottom. And if I was stretched out by myself in the tent my head was pressing against the top and my feet were pressing against the bottom. And Rebekah had to sleep there as well. On top of this, the sleeping bags were not nearly warm enough. And we had no pillows. Needless to say it was a fairly miserable night of shivering, tossing, and turning.</div><br /><div>The next morning we woke up rejuvenated (kind of) and to sunshine! We quickly made up camp, ate breakfast, and headed for the river. Now the river is cold (it begins at a nearby glacier) and the bottom is very rocky. And I had lost my flip flops so I was crossing barefoot. And I already had blisters on my feet. We crossed in pairs and had some difficulty with our pair. Rebekah wanted to hurry since the water was freezing and I wanted to go slow since if I didn't step in just the right spot the sharp edges of the rocks would dig into my feet. Finally, we made it to the other side, rested, and changed.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeOohI8Cdg5w3XayPK-JG6riYrtPcXX26lA4dBHEHE7CPWY0tDisKeokc_VYAnv0hOfmqPqMe7lzuAcVf8EhlH4pPjQ6fiAdQDljXIwo-jLAN9YwNmn0h5l4Wrdbe9errr_kCs7s-Xoo/s1600/P1060405b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517393494336053842" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeOohI8Cdg5w3XayPK-JG6riYrtPcXX26lA4dBHEHE7CPWY0tDisKeokc_VYAnv0hOfmqPqMe7lzuAcVf8EhlH4pPjQ6fiAdQDljXIwo-jLAN9YwNmn0h5l4Wrdbe9errr_kCs7s-Xoo/s320/P1060405b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I got to pop and clean my blisters (the ones that didn't pop from the rocky crossing) and put on Second Skin, new socks, and my tennis shoes (which I decided to go with on the second day for comfort).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGCDdTOW9WgmnmFDwQp_8UU88UojhWSMdInrEwCqWfhv74qBY0-uaNU_O_aSie7sJ73Etw-9Dr_5kpklDi9oKTQwVXHwxLqeOFhe4Udw8FtlRYeHqBO4lRedtVcqfDA5XlH0j3qKYs2o/s1600/P1060406b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517393701767978194" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGCDdTOW9WgmnmFDwQp_8UU88UojhWSMdInrEwCqWfhv74qBY0-uaNU_O_aSie7sJ73Etw-9Dr_5kpklDi9oKTQwVXHwxLqeOFhe4Udw8FtlRYeHqBO4lRedtVcqfDA5XlH0j3qKYs2o/s320/P1060406b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We finally got back to hiking and this day was definitely easier going. The trail was open, it was flat, and much more interesting. We had to deal with ladders,<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7KRORdBXHSF7s7EjzVYCs2FLVTHzaeG9PODy_D_5V_PivDZZ8J_uLk4lTfeG4zam6iU4qHNUAbA8tY8vGtW0P-zclwqXgoBUWsXJwPa22FTCtR-Tah4vBFId_poeUFRuNeRIclbuFfo/s1600/P1060415b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px; display: block; height: 320px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517393730011358690" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7KRORdBXHSF7s7EjzVYCs2FLVTHzaeG9PODy_D_5V_PivDZZ8J_uLk4lTfeG4zam6iU4qHNUAbA8tY8vGtW0P-zclwqXgoBUWsXJwPa22FTCtR-Tah4vBFId_poeUFRuNeRIclbuFfo/s320/P1060415b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />and ropes, and many different types of river crossings (luckily all out of the water).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ele3tjhhZUjAr0tNZ3jv3UR3G8BiCG_Qa1ZMOqlFPxa2_0HF0nHOMHi4fCY7bgKT6VngB0toyFv-d3r9V6imm2kfYvpvgTUV45JbCFSq5alD6k_cN1vPqlSs4XMQYFRyJYNpKoz3ORs/s1600/P1060408b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517393707350956082" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ele3tjhhZUjAr0tNZ3jv3UR3G8BiCG_Qa1ZMOqlFPxa2_0HF0nHOMHi4fCY7bgKT6VngB0toyFv-d3r9V6imm2kfYvpvgTUV45JbCFSq5alD6k_cN1vPqlSs4XMQYFRyJYNpKoz3ORs/s320/P1060408b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The only real concern on this day was the bears. This area has a very large Brown Bear population and there was bear scat everywhere. On some spots on the trail we would see bear scat every 20 feet (and this was just looking on the trail itself). Luckily, and probably due to our large group size, we did not see a single bear the entire second day.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8V4v13j2XdKBVYy-pEMHMG4toGHhFaKLnJlRBNsWHxIS1rqqkcrKr5mFyRe_5abaP5ZSH8IIAgkRNixePI14udsFnRBLvKA84W73Z-k176FVNwZlTB2l1WCf9a5ioN5sCZQTIHW7-aM/s1600/P1060414b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517393721763935554" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8V4v13j2XdKBVYy-pEMHMG4toGHhFaKLnJlRBNsWHxIS1rqqkcrKr5mFyRe_5abaP5ZSH8IIAgkRNixePI14udsFnRBLvKA84W73Z-k176FVNwZlTB2l1WCf9a5ioN5sCZQTIHW7-aM/s320/P1060414b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We just hiked enjoying the beautiful weather and scenery. There were some very large waterfalls along the way.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDnKLr1NhW2AtyRLmYatiRHclZu3u4HykE5eUBLrKA4FHDxx24jdRAmxd4pMDwYOqE5gJpqB5gYBgC7Am4JWFOxHYxHoGanJdMQU1h7OW7zfRbZNv8fVgWIhwoO9RFZOamQp0NR8HN5s/s1600/P1060417b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517393739746561938" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDnKLr1NhW2AtyRLmYatiRHclZu3u4HykE5eUBLrKA4FHDxx24jdRAmxd4pMDwYOqE5gJpqB5gYBgC7Am4JWFOxHYxHoGanJdMQU1h7OW7zfRbZNv8fVgWIhwoO9RFZOamQp0NR8HN5s/s320/P1060417b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Finally we began to see signs of civilization. However, no one told us (and we failed to realize) that the first signs of civilization we would see (which were actual signs from the Eagle River Nature Center) were still 3 miles away from the Nature Center and the parking lot. Those last 3 miles were torture. We knew we were close, but didn't know how close. We were exhausted. We were hungry (we skipped lunch to try and get back at a reasonable hour since we all had to work the next day). Our shoulders were sore from carrying the pack. Our legs ached. My feet ached. Somehow my ankle was fine and hurt the least out of any part of legs.</div><br /><div>After all of that we did make it to our car. We collapsed, then drove immediately to Red Robin where we devoured burgers, milkshakes, beers, and about 4 helpings of their endless fries. We slept very well that night.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGAs5u2iAYQPmDVXXWvnf9n6ttQDCCad8kUcCbndVvAsFoEt_SeqGXzpAmc5-tJaqb4BTTC-Xz8pz-mf9kj5nb197kcAi5rzqfo_1x7Sp4r8DCf31NNp394G34ZG4DIWQbUd1JrKbdq0/s1600/P1060423b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px; display: block; height: 320px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517393835484669362" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGAs5u2iAYQPmDVXXWvnf9n6ttQDCCad8kUcCbndVvAsFoEt_SeqGXzpAmc5-tJaqb4BTTC-Xz8pz-mf9kj5nb197kcAi5rzqfo_1x7Sp4r8DCf31NNp394G34ZG4DIWQbUd1JrKbdq0/s320/P1060423b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I hope this post didn't come across as complaining, but I wanted you to know the ordeals that went into this hike. It was definitely worth the adventure and I would do it again or another one like it, just maybe in another year or two. I think it definitely completes #36 on the list of hiking throughout Chugach State Park.<br /><br /><br />Steven<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15999216494953854873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2668711578209408943.post-4392144207206213792010-09-14T20:14:00.022-08:002011-11-27T09:56:09.423-09:00Native Heritage Center and Arctic ThunderThis weekend we decided to stay around Anchorage and visit the <a href="http://www.alaskanative.net/">Alaska Native Heritage Center </a>(#13 on our list). The center includes an inside area with artifacts, art and traditional clothing on display as well as a stage for certain events and performances. Outside is a nice walking path with sample native houses from the different groups set up. The houses are all real, true-to-life size and are representative of the following group; Athabascan, Tlingit/Haida, Yup'ik, Aleut and Inupiat. Once you go inside each of the houses, there is a person there who talks to you about the different ways of life for that group of natives. This picture is of one of the houses. Outside, you can see the jawbones of a whale. You can tell that the people who lived in this type of house also depended on ocean animals and lived close to the water.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516989681203811522" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPVyrmd3hPadPxEvA1_z1n8jE3e84Rkzw_FzuG4EXMlGp3lB_zWFmGoNYuC6a_lMoBfQ01_Kv3nPXk5rNvy4uDegmgiYRMHFb7umXnHkhQiRpteOJ51H5RCRhUx38Re_KK98mAAg6jSk/s400/IMG_5118a.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://www.weio.org/">World Eskimo Olympics</a> is a competition made up of many different traditional games that used to be played for physical fitness. The people would play these games in order to stay physically fit during the long, cold, winter months. The game pictured below is the high kick.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9nXN5y4kucQM131ZN1dM_WfbqQ38c7zGARrwjL1WOwHDivPW1QCmjOBpjlcrm-xKpJyASvODxyzikbdCs-h-m3Qk6U2fX6hZdf9WZXJVD1L9JxvcyvFIaoSHodkPLvkAoRwWdITUwc8/s1600/IMG_5124a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516989842387342114" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9nXN5y4kucQM131ZN1dM_WfbqQ38c7zGARrwjL1WOwHDivPW1QCmjOBpjlcrm-xKpJyASvODxyzikbdCs-h-m3Qk6U2fX6hZdf9WZXJVD1L9JxvcyvFIaoSHodkPLvkAoRwWdITUwc8/s400/IMG_5124a.jpg" border="0" /></a>Next on the agenda for the weekend was <a href="http://www.alaskaairshow.org/2009/12/08/welcome-to-arctic-thunder-2010/">Arctic Thunder Air Show </a>that is held once every two years at the Joint Base Elemendorf-Richardson (Army and Air Force). This is the program booklet that was given out at the event. This event is #112 on our list of Alaskan things to do. The air show is put on to increase awareness of the Army and Navy within the community. There was no lack of recruiters on hand for those interested in enlisting.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuF8jLnHkhS4bz8rAJ9bLnJ1qNPUq0YbgxSfrN4WGBNY75C5SwQK2hdXlOFR7oUya6geO3TxODBDIPOv2bYSAPZ9WBuC_34IdeBONruQ8MV7xrE6vOQ6FqwMrh__86K-nqPLYdb2GPnU/s1600/IMG_5718a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516993384647335938" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuF8jLnHkhS4bz8rAJ9bLnJ1qNPUq0YbgxSfrN4WGBNY75C5SwQK2hdXlOFR7oUya6geO3TxODBDIPOv2bYSAPZ9WBuC_34IdeBONruQ8MV7xrE6vOQ6FqwMrh__86K-nqPLYdb2GPnU/s400/IMG_5718a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This plane was the first part of the show that we saw. If you look closely at the picture, you can see a stunt person doing tricks on the top of the airplane while it is flying. Actually, it is a stunt woman!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrGlMQQCXN9uByhnE6O1LsDyq38IgpSvUVuv0u_dOcgAW3Y8Maxc7jUdSXboFzzLnCRFrYdb9W0DvDv9Nb2-tKX0KBvykSTOcL61neE95uPIn-iF7oWo7W8Nl6tazeme4y1B20zDGd4w/s1600/IMG_5167a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516990342668125746" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrGlMQQCXN9uByhnE6O1LsDyq38IgpSvUVuv0u_dOcgAW3Y8Maxc7jUdSXboFzzLnCRFrYdb9W0DvDv9Nb2-tKX0KBvykSTOcL61neE95uPIn-iF7oWo7W8Nl6tazeme4y1B20zDGd4w/s400/IMG_5167a.jpg" border="0" /></a>These next planes were the Canadian Snowbirds. They are the show force for Canada.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLy9nwasSz7Ewgn-SHzij7DQhXW6HofqWM_BH7HrBEWZJjtqX-xFZJKpzGfXjdsnK2NUR3WUsGtzSf5Cf0E8TCxgRSua7X0JE9IRYiPjjtCtNI9umIFV1uXKsH4cllJbcOyz-lAPq_tPA/s1600/IMG_5278a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 381px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516990643532929122" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLy9nwasSz7Ewgn-SHzij7DQhXW6HofqWM_BH7HrBEWZJjtqX-xFZJKpzGfXjdsnK2NUR3WUsGtzSf5Cf0E8TCxgRSua7X0JE9IRYiPjjtCtNI9umIFV1uXKsH4cllJbcOyz-lAPq_tPA/s400/IMG_5278a.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTmC9VNgKAX8QXt9bID_FrFRnZMAklhuQdehzyPVtV-BozwwxWCgMlePJlo8qCY_uvlI8XTKjYYEdH_aobxw3c7arax97INxiXDiN58cBlL6BP1xb5Gv-G_GO9y3WuBKao4xxTW-_QHk/s1600/IMG_5292a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 224px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516991094930418050" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTmC9VNgKAX8QXt9bID_FrFRnZMAklhuQdehzyPVtV-BozwwxWCgMlePJlo8qCY_uvlI8XTKjYYEdH_aobxw3c7arax97INxiXDiN58cBlL6BP1xb5Gv-G_GO9y3WuBKao4xxTW-_QHk/s400/IMG_5292a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaAQOWzq_ydUOm8wvTQAXsVSefLdR_oPs5ThaGpEljn0nH4x6wAlyiqcihXGg5_JqVnRRCHXQJTshsDQSWnPUCZnGgp3_a08Otb4v1GE8vkEyCZlVumpLUFzbBJN6k69Y_5NTvc3EM2cE/s1600/IMG_5353a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516991607654741218" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaAQOWzq_ydUOm8wvTQAXsVSefLdR_oPs5ThaGpEljn0nH4x6wAlyiqcihXGg5_JqVnRRCHXQJTshsDQSWnPUCZnGgp3_a08Otb4v1GE8vkEyCZlVumpLUFzbBJN6k69Y_5NTvc3EM2cE/s400/IMG_5353a.jpg" border="0" /></a>This plane is called a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrier_Jump_Jet#BAe-McDonnell_Douglas.2FBAE_Systems_Harrier_II">Harrier</a>. It is able to float up above the ground. It is also able to turn sideways in midair and also land and take-off straight up and down. This plane was very loud and we had to cover our ears when it was flying overhead. There were many small children there with nothing as far as ear protection goes. Not too good!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKSTxz8ezM6HU7y-dmHHXidjgoS-zNqCIbK-RhjPtGjlyloSlCXzotjajg3aEId9Z7y0CqIMga-2AHjEPSKBt7yadIuagCAUSn1nMqA1qjzi0rTlNAQOCCzvR0HxDNDkZoUiscdWVCO0/s1600/IMG_5510a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516991811236398018" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKSTxz8ezM6HU7y-dmHHXidjgoS-zNqCIbK-RhjPtGjlyloSlCXzotjajg3aEId9Z7y0CqIMga-2AHjEPSKBt7yadIuagCAUSn1nMqA1qjzi0rTlNAQOCCzvR0HxDNDkZoUiscdWVCO0/s400/IMG_5510a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Next, was a live demonstration and explanation of a bombing and troops being put in and taken out of a hot zone. This was interesting to see the tactical side of the military. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHPnKy5zlGpbu17zQlxPRXuTrubJAnfZTBVbkFHmBSeZZeIOxGNaBw7oL3JLix8raSyHhaDfzGVwgrops8Ojwnr1wdTvOnRDYLgk5FNUCIlLLXg346iwlVNyAAdUkg665zvnLEoded1Q/s1600/IMG_5567a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516992391935963378" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHPnKy5zlGpbu17zQlxPRXuTrubJAnfZTBVbkFHmBSeZZeIOxGNaBw7oL3JLix8raSyHhaDfzGVwgrops8Ojwnr1wdTvOnRDYLgk5FNUCIlLLXg346iwlVNyAAdUkg665zvnLEoded1Q/s400/IMG_5567a.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSvoPuUzDnO7VjnSddiFCroj2MqCZdYBWGkjq0tUlOyxVdvnVg96LqJJCITRp7cxA-WX5oXy0JDkh2Iya4cTeP40gIZ9hTKaUKPV08Cs2PogekucOqrQyzxAAkbkkzRC5pKCa-4_Pd8o/s1600/IMG_5549a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 395px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 263px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516992035412470114" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSvoPuUzDnO7VjnSddiFCroj2MqCZdYBWGkjq0tUlOyxVdvnVg96LqJJCITRp7cxA-WX5oXy0JDkh2Iya4cTeP40gIZ9hTKaUKPV08Cs2PogekucOqrQyzxAAkbkkzRC5pKCa-4_Pd8o/s400/IMG_5549a.jpg" border="0" /></a>This plane is an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-14">F-14</a>. It can fly very fast and quietly, so it is called a stealth jet.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcaye_DYti2jqgt11BgBuYctOhycZAwUKgOgwfQUoGBZf2BLohQrrm1cgoIbGZX_jttD6tn6jgjTlDUt-LDtkzRSVzDf34g_tkzJ2428xIArepeqkqglf8bvI4xdKl7z2KwJhORb165cY/s1600/IMG_5648a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516992911849616386" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcaye_DYti2jqgt11BgBuYctOhycZAwUKgOgwfQUoGBZf2BLohQrrm1cgoIbGZX_jttD6tn6jgjTlDUt-LDtkzRSVzDf34g_tkzJ2428xIArepeqkqglf8bvI4xdKl7z2KwJhORb165cY/s400/IMG_5648a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This next plane is an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-22">F-22 Raptor</a>. It is also a stealth fighter jet.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNx2E9GjsXfZ-8CZfskbvj5VGeK9v1OuXJspWNhjG-Cictsgovf0miJhUSf_kREUbEpduVLUy82_plHsCpo6cGXRap9vl9a2Vm4LOJj9WMFg2dG3RVvBr5pT9nYQHcTm1YFrzJ6FuQG0E/s1600/IMG_5778a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516993618926643490" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNx2E9GjsXfZ-8CZfskbvj5VGeK9v1OuXJspWNhjG-Cictsgovf0miJhUSf_kREUbEpduVLUy82_plHsCpo6cGXRap9vl9a2Vm4LOJj9WMFg2dG3RVvBr5pT9nYQHcTm1YFrzJ6FuQG0E/s400/IMG_5778a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Next was the Blue Angels show. First was this plane, nicknamed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C-130_Hercules">Fat Albert</a>. This plane is used for transporting people and cargo that go along with the Blue Angels. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMF1QXH_jw1S7UxFhyzx32HdFqngMFbDvxho10jsP8nboETEEDEzWP3F4jlwQBnHsu5mqh8z-Q_1_7e40JZmiNpXW06ELdYamgVXMXGHytHO012D6GhNpmmPPkfKQTYb1vLkdIMD26VSY/s1600/IMG_5854a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516994727363321314" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMF1QXH_jw1S7UxFhyzx32HdFqngMFbDvxho10jsP8nboETEEDEzWP3F4jlwQBnHsu5mqh8z-Q_1_7e40JZmiNpXW06ELdYamgVXMXGHytHO012D6GhNpmmPPkfKQTYb1vLkdIMD26VSY/s400/IMG_5854a.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here are the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_angels">Blue Angels</a>. They are part of the U.S. Navy and is the Flight Demonstration Team. There are 6 planes in the fleet. Some of the pilots are from Georgia, which I thought was pretty cool! The planes are F18 Hornets. It was amazing to watch the planes fly and how they must communicate with each other in a certain way in order to remain safe. These planes are also very loud!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-u3uNcqhXchBfs04HCuaOLSv39HqeoEz-BdVAA0w_C-gxY3CtIgwtg8ZIY77-BsHXID9rY5rHkthlY38P-MNsxuK7I6NNwVeQBlR6Pp2iZAR83KCQM7MkWXmefcNjQcUQKXZcw11psA/s1600/IMG_5921a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 211px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516994737196834626" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-u3uNcqhXchBfs04HCuaOLSv39HqeoEz-BdVAA0w_C-gxY3CtIgwtg8ZIY77-BsHXID9rY5rHkthlY38P-MNsxuK7I6NNwVeQBlR6Pp2iZAR83KCQM7MkWXmefcNjQcUQKXZcw11psA/s400/IMG_5921a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vjo1UzGLeF-_TrkpZNVzHa2bFKPCi-GtI6FnkZTmpTKSpRen-oujJZgiuDsJgMV6gWWUjSva2knGqgE2jYH7ZawwaEHRjWFRRNhVwTvMAasTqHgSzRjRFR57Hp9WeBef1zL2pkn6ruA/s1600/IMG_6053a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516994767423272738" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vjo1UzGLeF-_TrkpZNVzHa2bFKPCi-GtI6FnkZTmpTKSpRen-oujJZgiuDsJgMV6gWWUjSva2knGqgE2jYH7ZawwaEHRjWFRRNhVwTvMAasTqHgSzRjRFR57Hp9WeBef1zL2pkn6ruA/s400/IMG_6053a.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxmbhkNBLJvV_Xcqxull0Yv1gF2pCi-PeT-FAJjvOvgcsINE7m5qoVhC4lf53FEIuOWCweGkSTeRO74eiabhTVkkiEsUxm0WRWX0nNcwBvdmBgw6oQskHFMNBun-POApLyt2mivumjJg/s1600/IMG_6035a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516994751516300098" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxmbhkNBLJvV_Xcqxull0Yv1gF2pCi-PeT-FAJjvOvgcsINE7m5qoVhC4lf53FEIuOWCweGkSTeRO74eiabhTVkkiEsUxm0WRWX0nNcwBvdmBgw6oQskHFMNBun-POApLyt2mivumjJg/s400/IMG_6035a.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YsWhcXrIuBXeYflGhn1FkDjoAEerNbdsOxQuA71yLLxNq2Vnu8iNKHR5Rj5RO1Gtqie5iNk6E9-hchpiJ4WUkX2tDmNAh3fgGS1td-EhwCaJbujIB8DTzxbHb0nqzl4gbR6HV4N3NTQ/s1600/IMG_5951a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516994750813226066" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YsWhcXrIuBXeYflGhn1FkDjoAEerNbdsOxQuA71yLLxNq2Vnu8iNKHR5Rj5RO1Gtqie5iNk6E9-hchpiJ4WUkX2tDmNAh3fgGS1td-EhwCaJbujIB8DTzxbHb0nqzl4gbR6HV4N3NTQ/s400/IMG_5951a.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYd0qlg1XsLxjCRR1xn01rW4LTH_Qf-SRtVYRtK4xgARQSnJaurv5R2ZkXghVgROfVhxcV55gNihJO2p8DkAEM29JGyjGoUyoLoCmMUjDq1-S0rEdbQRxWDsYPjTTYouKQrEN3ksVMfCc/s1600/IMG_6222a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516995423127631634" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYd0qlg1XsLxjCRR1xn01rW4LTH_Qf-SRtVYRtK4xgARQSnJaurv5R2ZkXghVgROfVhxcV55gNihJO2p8DkAEM29JGyjGoUyoLoCmMUjDq1-S0rEdbQRxWDsYPjTTYouKQrEN3ksVMfCc/s400/IMG_6222a.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGp9pbT4986eL2FYTfpRvEAEyLExxJNjYBiVL71OR_zRPP_Jp7Ap_T8lrll8wnWt-70wzBA1d9cQIDQABghJ2ok3PoulcPQ6pEthFRyT1lUZCFz5avcbRUoXl4SF9DpEK2GRUeF9yUlo/s1600/IMG_6209a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 316px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516995411465057250" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGp9pbT4986eL2FYTfpRvEAEyLExxJNjYBiVL71OR_zRPP_Jp7Ap_T8lrll8wnWt-70wzBA1d9cQIDQABghJ2ok3PoulcPQ6pEthFRyT1lUZCFz5avcbRUoXl4SF9DpEK2GRUeF9yUlo/s400/IMG_6209a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />After the Blue Angels show, Steven and I got our picture inside this plane which is used by the Alaska Air National Guard for search and rescue operations.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClFDXbMsK_xqtIh4tKM2NtdSLrJD7AQMQO6sip66-I2Bv0GGhF1oYCyUrSsvhJ_dZlZpCjWH6Tg-C7Y70Ihr2D62HBD4IwsJxr0RZ2wNKGGM0e1Akycx4oRuZEbYjHFeTVybisydUuxk/s1600/IMG_6256a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517007074600665186" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClFDXbMsK_xqtIh4tKM2NtdSLrJD7AQMQO6sip66-I2Bv0GGhF1oYCyUrSsvhJ_dZlZpCjWH6Tg-C7Y70Ihr2D62HBD4IwsJxr0RZ2wNKGGM0e1Akycx4oRuZEbYjHFeTVybisydUuxk/s400/IMG_6256a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />They also let us take a picture inside the cockpit! All in all it was a fun and busy weekend!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6vfvJWn2B4UGIdh2d8KTrAvMCQfWakNVpCviUzTFnxZfehCID8YpVGQIIH0cIS4lLBESmU0oOmt2RAUqBkdx65nvPA3MWP_dfqpFK4Nu9Jm7YYWexajnApAkmAGY8aA15V3ezsjmEb0/s1600/IMG_6253a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516995432963945330" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6vfvJWn2B4UGIdh2d8KTrAvMCQfWakNVpCviUzTFnxZfehCID8YpVGQIIH0cIS4lLBESmU0oOmt2RAUqBkdx65nvPA3MWP_dfqpFK4Nu9Jm7YYWexajnApAkmAGY8aA15V3ezsjmEb0/s400/IMG_6253a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />RebekahUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2668711578209408943.post-29662590052179387482010-09-08T21:12:00.008-08:002011-11-27T09:54:12.321-09:00Dip Netting<div>The weekend after my family left we headed down to the Russian River for some more fishing. We stayed at the <a href="http://www.campgrounds-alaska.com/sterling-highway.php">Crescent Creek Campground</a> for the second time. It is near this little creek that is just great for grayling fishing.<div><div><br /><div></div><div>It was the first weekend the sanctuary was open so we started there. However, after about 30 minutes it was apparent that the salmon weren't running again. So, instead we took a nap by the river and enjoyed the beautiful weather (one of the best days we have had all summer). After nap time we headed back to the campground to play some Frisbee and spend the day relaxing.</div><br /><div></div>Since the fish weren't running at the Russian, we decided to head down to the mouth of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenai_River">Kenai River </a>on Sunday for some Dip Netting. The only problem was we didn't have a dip net and we had no idea what we were doing.<br /><br /><div></div>Dip Nets are huge nets that have about a 6 foot diameter opening with a net on the end of about a 10 foot pole. You go on the beach at the mouth of the Kenai or other rivers where salmon are running and walk out in chest waders and hold out the net as far as you can. If you are lucky and time it right (the best time is right after high tide) fish will swim into your net. Once they hit you twist the net to trap them in there and drag them to shore. Dip Netting is used for sustenance fishing in Alaska and only residents can do it (must live in the state for 1 year). You can catch up to 25 for the head of household per year (more for each other member), and if you have the right net you can catch that many in just a couple of days.<br /><br /><div></div><div>All we had was regular fishing nets about 3 feet in diameter and with a 4 foot pole. And we only had an idea of where to go. We picked the South side of the river and drove as close as we could towards the mouth. There were other people with dip nets parking there so we felt content in our location.</div><br /><div></div>We walked to the beach and started walking towards the river. There were no people around, but plenty of fish carcasses. So, we thought it might be a good place to try fishing... but we soon learned our mistake.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfe8AHT65cgmpC8bacSW-eXL4L07lXXE9pTOfqQ33JICMtgo0O4u9wchFzP3-x0FkXJVW6xw6EGGTYiuBwJwcWpWGEThkS3zFBd10yc-miZDLb76wv1e_wBsXevEO3PxLdWf3dIBSxlE/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514789445127713394" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfe8AHT65cgmpC8bacSW-eXL4L07lXXE9pTOfqQ33JICMtgo0O4u9wchFzP3-x0FkXJVW6xw6EGGTYiuBwJwcWpWGEThkS3zFBd10yc-miZDLb76wv1e_wBsXevEO3PxLdWf3dIBSxlE/s320/1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The waves were still breaking in this location which meant the waves rolling in would splash above the top of your waders. We got soaking wet.<br /><br /><div></div><div>Starting to get a little cranky we continued walking towards the mouth of the river. Once the waves stopped breaking we immediately came across about 200 people with nets in the water. We found a little opening and walked out into the ocean and stood there with our nets. Now everyone else was using proper dip nets and were catching the occasional fish. Our tiny nets seemed to miss all of the fish as we stood there in the freezing ocean water.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bSuNke4O06uUcDJTfiJuiZ7o3NyxjCTtjFCGFK0EQy5Yr0idpHpJ3A8rpIYIlYB6AScaeann9tqTwp7WTqhkPnTCUQapRnoQAllEhg8EKt3EyZEEVjU8MGzlro0OqSMmZAd9074oKdQ/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514789454243410658" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bSuNke4O06uUcDJTfiJuiZ7o3NyxjCTtjFCGFK0EQy5Yr0idpHpJ3A8rpIYIlYB6AScaeann9tqTwp7WTqhkPnTCUQapRnoQAllEhg8EKt3EyZEEVjU8MGzlro0OqSMmZAd9074oKdQ/s320/2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>As we were about to give up and call it a day I felt a tug on my net. Curious, I twisted the net to keep whatever had entered my net in there and walked up to the beach. Sure enough it was a fish!</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOo9kQkMQcDCW1O1Bah3RTMR2oOqJanvemfoFxb6VPsbuRENXZ3Nr6tJ8rZ7GrDQblzczBJVL5brHJi_4ilIZITgjtYlfl-GtOKEuqHhisRs6pvISNAXAlDkfRPrg0wM1QtOZBIYTbO3g/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514789460560943410" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOo9kQkMQcDCW1O1Bah3RTMR2oOqJanvemfoFxb6VPsbuRENXZ3Nr6tJ8rZ7GrDQblzczBJVL5brHJi_4ilIZITgjtYlfl-GtOKEuqHhisRs6pvISNAXAlDkfRPrg0wM1QtOZBIYTbO3g/s320/3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>A small Silver Salmon, probably the smallest we had seen hauled in all day, but it was a fish! After that we deemed it a successful trip and went to change out of our cold, wet clothes and head home.</div><br /><div></div><div>I don't know that I would ever want to go dip netting again, but it was definitely and interesting and eventful experience.<br /><br /><br />Steven<br /></div></div></div></div>Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15999216494953854873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2668711578209408943.post-2012225483032302372010-09-01T20:35:00.016-08:002011-11-27T09:52:31.738-09:00Alaska Wildlife Conservation CenterOn our way back to Anchorage from Seward on the last day of the family's vacation, we stopped at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage, Alaska. This place is home to many animals who have been injured or orphaned. It is a non-profit and they depend on our entrance fees to take care of the animals. The first animal that we saw was the grizzly bear. It was lunch time and our bear friend was enjoying some moose roadkill that was donated to the center. The bear came to the center because its mother was killed when it was just a cub. If it had not been brought to the center, then it would not have survived on its own.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRBrlu3kst-ipdJsRKEtuR0umw2hgD6v_g5KzUsjWxPcXjy5gGx_mvQYXFZUhZbstpQZE8Z3Jwa0kQlc0_i-YsKwx4jErWWjWZXb9Oi61PYHcASpqkQ1xnpntQsfvMguRFUYVdsuB9jY/s1600/IMG_4966a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513949299678855074" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRBrlu3kst-ipdJsRKEtuR0umw2hgD6v_g5KzUsjWxPcXjy5gGx_mvQYXFZUhZbstpQZE8Z3Jwa0kQlc0_i-YsKwx4jErWWjWZXb9Oi61PYHcASpqkQ1xnpntQsfvMguRFUYVdsuB9jY/s320/IMG_4966a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>The next animal that we saw was the moose. Actually, more than 1 moose lives at the center. Here is a picture of the moose that we saw. He was resting as the afternoon heat was too much for him. </div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclOFgBlBAOfgDhS1PBq6BYT23CAvfgEGloY-z4mS-OpsRuj7b_PyNu7oSTNWo30NBqCNSejuOn2RpZko-wp2RLEQpbsoad0YDJmiM6bdQ2GXS-srFVAajGvqEaeLPIWMHL_65TC9sl4I/s1600/IMG_4943a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513949294873986018" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclOFgBlBAOfgDhS1PBq6BYT23CAvfgEGloY-z4mS-OpsRuj7b_PyNu7oSTNWo30NBqCNSejuOn2RpZko-wp2RLEQpbsoad0YDJmiM6bdQ2GXS-srFVAajGvqEaeLPIWMHL_65TC9sl4I/s320/IMG_4943a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19oi13Jc0diZFwrl3Om62K3t_KMKXtqySda1B-bzF76Rg16949ojVBnC8SV7kY3hkzFvXOPluxdmTok-50gzw2CqTH4BlnPtygHgP0Am7JtM9TTO-0fa9e1KHHAi3S2aP-UDkEAdVi9Y/s1600/IMG_4943a.jpg"></a>Next, we saw the wolves. Here is one gray wolf. He was a shy little thing. I much prefer to see the animals at the Conservation Center rather than at the zoo because I feel that their habitats are more humane, comfortable and natural. All of the animals have lots of space to roam and explore.<br /><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEW3eTJoUrIfy13eMYuUW2k2bPtlZLL2hvBxp4NDq4DilbbGbXEFSi1ki4B1yWcAzQDEuUBmY0guvwLaZXD9PnZIETwYKSa0n3IMl4BvJdeJ5FphTS3I77l8H59IK_jbFchZglY3v27FU/s1600/IMG_4983a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 222px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512183520145642018" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEW3eTJoUrIfy13eMYuUW2k2bPtlZLL2hvBxp4NDq4DilbbGbXEFSi1ki4B1yWcAzQDEuUBmY0guvwLaZXD9PnZIETwYKSa0n3IMl4BvJdeJ5FphTS3I77l8H59IK_jbFchZglY3v27FU/s320/IMG_4983a.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p>Here is a picture of a caribou. He was looking a little mangy due to it being summer and the molting that was occurring. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoYgMjx36OAad3o6Otz78kIDK9QoM2qp7bYXDztzAg2QZ1z4zO9EoGHmIGPm7uzNNaJAcCZEzrRqFOMdbceY8YEaoYlaKUoiFRxIBVkGsWGDyTPq2ae0RnUaLkSFUrJiWgfXLgreZPF4/s1600/IMG_5070a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513949304967622882" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoYgMjx36OAad3o6Otz78kIDK9QoM2qp7bYXDztzAg2QZ1z4zO9EoGHmIGPm7uzNNaJAcCZEzrRqFOMdbceY8YEaoYlaKUoiFRxIBVkGsWGDyTPq2ae0RnUaLkSFUrJiWgfXLgreZPF4/s320/IMG_5070a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We also saw a bison. He is quite hairy and moves slowly as well due to his size.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xZdfniJaQPvPfK_urK_vAqPMEAJr-S7ZbKBnEp_HzUT78zQreHPwdCa9s2L5CwdjPuOV0g5XkFctu0WQ7qRq_SgsW0ggzF9PMn4my_1FyYoCervrZ4ja6OkkvHAw61zzHvWIOAuW0a8/s1600/IMG_5087a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513949318318022946" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xZdfniJaQPvPfK_urK_vAqPMEAJr-S7ZbKBnEp_HzUT78zQreHPwdCa9s2L5CwdjPuOV0g5XkFctu0WQ7qRq_SgsW0ggzF9PMn4my_1FyYoCervrZ4ja6OkkvHAw61zzHvWIOAuW0a8/s320/IMG_5087a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We saw some baby animals as well, including a baby musk ox (which we didn't get a picture of) that was super little and cute. The last animal that we saw was an eagle. he was rescued because he had an amputated wing. Although you cannot tell in the picture, he does only have one wing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu70zdzVYG-wBK3XREgAKvhHGtMIlkWKcJQp2ELbdGqRMn15U2UMPPG2ODNjrteoeFhxeVN70d12hrFAoPFwUrb1wG4FDHAor3urkOsNZ8pyh2zjjD_5zstmN0fsPISwoKTWQR7B219sw/s1600/IMG_5073a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513949307677844994" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu70zdzVYG-wBK3XREgAKvhHGtMIlkWKcJQp2ELbdGqRMn15U2UMPPG2ODNjrteoeFhxeVN70d12hrFAoPFwUrb1wG4FDHAor3urkOsNZ8pyh2zjjD_5zstmN0fsPISwoKTWQR7B219sw/s320/IMG_5073a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Getting to see all of these Alaskan animals up close was such a great end to a fun trip! I know that this will surely be a talked about trip for many years to come!</p><p><br /></p><p>Rebekah<br /></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2668711578209408943.post-19937570338797942522010-08-25T19:30:00.016-08:002011-11-27T09:51:06.354-09:00Kenai & SewardThursday night we drove to Soldotna where we stayed at the <a href="http://www.longmerelakelodge.com/accommodations.htm">Longmere Lake Lodge</a>. The rooms were very comfortable and the french toast breakfast was excellent. In the morning we woke up and drove north through Kenai to <a href="http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/captcook.htm">Captain Cook State Recreation Area </a>(new entry #110). It is just about 30 minutes north of town and is one of the least visited accessible parks in Alaska. From there we walked out onto the beach for some great views of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Spurr">Mt Spurr</a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8O7dZSYRSa3A9_0yg_IkFsxH4gNdlN22cZ_pflcan2BF6Y-GT0KFlvXWkOzMm2Jveuuve31Mp-R7x6zE9d6ixR-x88jy27oyYhPXDsZ3eOSkgGfnQ6BozSCqhOZ5wCvKkXwL_3k48OM/s1600/IMG_4722b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509562165071569234" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8O7dZSYRSa3A9_0yg_IkFsxH4gNdlN22cZ_pflcan2BF6Y-GT0KFlvXWkOzMm2Jveuuve31Mp-R7x6zE9d6ixR-x88jy27oyYhPXDsZ3eOSkgGfnQ6BozSCqhOZ5wCvKkXwL_3k48OM/s320/IMG_4722b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mt-Redoubt_volcano">Mt Redoubt </a>(the volcano that delayed our move and two of the first mountains on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleutian_Range">Aleutian Range</a>).</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7l_bYsb_x7qFe8vEnCR7FBw9QmTz1_ODMwD4XQzCCgrVdQdr5dNMbMqAx9PcEUmkJgfqLTYIkNKyMnE53YCpJ0eHLIdwLa5goJAPq25_rYCUZNq1YRIWnsWhvJhVekPQ2Urm9Z8gk_DA/s1600/IMG_4737b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509562361110228306" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7l_bYsb_x7qFe8vEnCR7FBw9QmTz1_ODMwD4XQzCCgrVdQdr5dNMbMqAx9PcEUmkJgfqLTYIkNKyMnE53YCpJ0eHLIdwLa5goJAPq25_rYCUZNq1YRIWnsWhvJhVekPQ2Urm9Z8gk_DA/s320/IMG_4737b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />After a nice rest and some pictures we drove East to the Russian River to try our hand at fishing for salmon. While we were there a black bear roamed the shores looking for fish carcasses left behind.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggj2XFSWadaWo5uh7zZr7A5OqTsXbqpQyUt12CQWdPq1yA73sJBZPEqTdwR6HfamVZRQgNCYYW3w6URU-aQPz2fb8nCmSyAA6BSmEkTnhntFKrRQkgzunBtX3N9W7HfLpkoo5piiV63SY/s1600/IMG_0460b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509561925512196034" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggj2XFSWadaWo5uh7zZr7A5OqTsXbqpQyUt12CQWdPq1yA73sJBZPEqTdwR6HfamVZRQgNCYYW3w6URU-aQPz2fb8nCmSyAA6BSmEkTnhntFKrRQkgzunBtX3N9W7HfLpkoo5piiV63SY/s320/IMG_0460b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />However, the reds weren't running so after everyone getting a turn we packed up and continued heading to our final destination on the trip: Seward.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-9qG0E7p2GuNjU2bS2bgt_vkPxsfAwSY4Po7PkFqxChll0l7w3N4QZYdbh10Mb2mRASaXL8ZxvW6XeE8rp_NXhGREMnyHdPzxM8C6QeQFMpnBcPGY-9mIqkS783UYP1YBcQ7RUvq0KI/s1600/IMG_0454b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509561917051253362" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-9qG0E7p2GuNjU2bS2bgt_vkPxsfAwSY4Po7PkFqxChll0l7w3N4QZYdbh10Mb2mRASaXL8ZxvW6XeE8rp_NXhGREMnyHdPzxM8C6QeQFMpnBcPGY-9mIqkS783UYP1YBcQ7RUvq0KI/s320/IMG_0454b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>That night, after we checked in to our own apartment at the <a href="http://www.sewardhotel.com/">Harborview Inn</a>, we made fresh halibut for dinner. The next morning we were all supposed to take a Northwestern Fjord Cruise into <a href="http://www.nps.gov/kefj/">Kenai Fjords National Park</a>. However, the weather did not look promising so Rebekah and I decided to stay behind. The weather cleared up nicely and on the trip they saw orcas,</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTmiesP7ItFZx0Dj80IEE_gpArya02ZKHWGEJPvoxRpHhuAfw7zumtIrmfZfdvtp4sfqWNJEW-UeebV_L34j2msFkzDfY0TgaMTVg8WxC_Z4QXA9k7J7-uOAj0RW2x2Yxc1lNoBrX5ns/s1600/IMG_0610b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509562140161626802" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTmiesP7ItFZx0Dj80IEE_gpArya02ZKHWGEJPvoxRpHhuAfw7zumtIrmfZfdvtp4sfqWNJEW-UeebV_L34j2msFkzDfY0TgaMTVg8WxC_Z4QXA9k7J7-uOAj0RW2x2Yxc1lNoBrX5ns/s320/IMG_0610b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />puffins,<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LTHalQIaJow1blj5_g7YAZSVmBMMQdxpsv68-rv0bhVjldJvz-HNQ0N2GMy9vy3xNO6hVI0gr8qpoab_X-iPKK8QRhm70uoR3Shhn57eqwZoq3HDHc5bO6JGidILNi5-x_TcA2ulF_Q/s1600/IMG_0672b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509562162745813474" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LTHalQIaJow1blj5_g7YAZSVmBMMQdxpsv68-rv0bhVjldJvz-HNQ0N2GMy9vy3xNO6hVI0gr8qpoab_X-iPKK8QRhm70uoR3Shhn57eqwZoq3HDHc5bO6JGidILNi5-x_TcA2ulF_Q/s320/IMG_0672b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />humpback whales,<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq60J5qqFphwb4nJSwIVye4T5aAxD5Vzazc9nfLj5DXx-2DAsj-mGXeAbUl9nkhH1kr-_PcJYDMg-VH-_AWNeLHaGG-YlMT1yQsjZF1lIKVOF8dteOEGNDJbDU8wVt2KmeUFCpysIfGrI/s1600/IMG_0648b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509562155383071442" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq60J5qqFphwb4nJSwIVye4T5aAxD5Vzazc9nfLj5DXx-2DAsj-mGXeAbUl9nkhH1kr-_PcJYDMg-VH-_AWNeLHaGG-YlMT1yQsjZF1lIKVOF8dteOEGNDJbDU8wVt2KmeUFCpysIfGrI/s320/IMG_0648b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>sea lions,</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHWj0FCb12WLdkfcM_Ow7i4iGzdbdY55fCEOfSfYVFe8umvceIbqUFXy-gW454YBSQlD6kpgCaT37LWMKatVtjBw2-ERlcBe2UwT1XiZSfiZw0nwYA9jOBGvc40EIEh8eFTmxlLSWlos/s1600/IMG_0633b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509562147980635874" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHWj0FCb12WLdkfcM_Ow7i4iGzdbdY55fCEOfSfYVFe8umvceIbqUFXy-gW454YBSQlD6kpgCaT37LWMKatVtjBw2-ERlcBe2UwT1XiZSfiZw0nwYA9jOBGvc40EIEh8eFTmxlLSWlos/s320/IMG_0633b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>harbor seals,</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbQGgTAD05nvZF__3tdQ0HquTVWe5z9FBXG2BdJv62IjEuqQKcL86nUTs-57CoAfCi9Jwku0LbVX4ZMZNtQ0Vyf8fIbN5YXDWGrF_fFrNrLWEdOKt-ulxGLztXA6RuZLVhfL7SFGSA2Q/s1600/IMG_0543b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 182px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509561935594082226" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbQGgTAD05nvZF__3tdQ0HquTVWe5z9FBXG2BdJv62IjEuqQKcL86nUTs-57CoAfCi9Jwku0LbVX4ZMZNtQ0Vyf8fIbN5YXDWGrF_fFrNrLWEdOKt-ulxGLztXA6RuZLVhfL7SFGSA2Q/s320/IMG_0543b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />waterfalls,<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3vK_ubln1WmvkZvOyBXhlNu3bWsHNzyErBRaTSSiKQx70cJeJYlsjfEKNGMK7RkJvbT4g8IVpMrf4vMVzE2TPc3tMCaO47EBnjTrODbX0XeFaen6M7cFdlZNRADDeLUXindcd-7WO8k/s1600/IMG_0567b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509561943202554514" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3vK_ubln1WmvkZvOyBXhlNu3bWsHNzyErBRaTSSiKQx70cJeJYlsjfEKNGMK7RkJvbT4g8IVpMrf4vMVzE2TPc3tMCaO47EBnjTrODbX0XeFaen6M7cFdlZNRADDeLUXindcd-7WO8k/s320/IMG_0567b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />glaciers (they are wearing Glacial Camouflage - sold at any good Alaskan outfitters),<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeDyA-S4KS0BtU4gJoC-CtaJ8_Xu9Ir3y0N_c4rQcdAbWD15GhXcmhW_-lkypfO8eq3PEhD-AdpSj4NE9WJ7BRpvlEWj7rjiw_BY7hPblBvjPhsFVc7fyMYAwYzAQConO1W6R7NQoa0o/s1600/IMG_0537b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509561931284519170" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeDyA-S4KS0BtU4gJoC-CtaJ8_Xu9Ir3y0N_c4rQcdAbWD15GhXcmhW_-lkypfO8eq3PEhD-AdpSj4NE9WJ7BRpvlEWj7rjiw_BY7hPblBvjPhsFVc7fyMYAwYzAQConO1W6R7NQoa0o/s320/IMG_0537b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />and many other types of wildlife and scenery. While they were on the cruise Rebekah and I explored south of Seward and found a couple of sea otters playing in the surf.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFb4rFs42yy3HsjwFneAGFhdFzl2qMqsfOVwLw17ykqAvMLLi9zzRo8uLjJ5Lr9QL2Gxm0AFH0ipC9wBwCJ_p5lV_XodGf6S6yL9UdKbjPUpNqW1tMwEzecSbcnVNhLYCE8LUSnSTsiq4/s1600/IMG_4824b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 143px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509562364725384610" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFb4rFs42yy3HsjwFneAGFhdFzl2qMqsfOVwLw17ykqAvMLLi9zzRo8uLjJ5Lr9QL2Gxm0AFH0ipC9wBwCJ_p5lV_XodGf6S6yL9UdKbjPUpNqW1tMwEzecSbcnVNhLYCE8LUSnSTsiq4/s320/IMG_4824b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>That night when we were all back together we drove over to Exit Glacier for an after dinner hike.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2Dbemmbp-0JnuFSzVtpcgPhAMJhzKrH95wTJUYqNquE7E9Eqdz9_GtSuWCfjfAu3DgN7PULivFD9BfZ69Lmoqx-SSNhxxXrujJCBNjbCEsSpoIyInLBHTlrAwB0av3L2OxY4PWC92Mg/s1600/IMG_4934b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509562368447279474" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2Dbemmbp-0JnuFSzVtpcgPhAMJhzKrH95wTJUYqNquE7E9Eqdz9_GtSuWCfjfAu3DgN7PULivFD9BfZ69Lmoqx-SSNhxxXrujJCBNjbCEsSpoIyInLBHTlrAwB0av3L2OxY4PWC92Mg/s320/IMG_4934b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>With only one day left in our trip (and 8 hectic days down) we were very tired and got some much needed sleep so we could enjoy our last day!<br /><br /><br />Steven<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15999216494953854873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2668711578209408943.post-24668738762060687902010-08-24T18:20:00.015-08:002011-11-27T09:49:58.492-09:00HomerAfter visiting Denali and then staying the night in Alyeska, we headed on down to the Kenai Peninsula and our first stop, Homer. On the way there, we stopped in Whittier to experience the world's longest highway tunnel. Although there is not a lot to do in Whittier, we did stop to see the old military barracks and a scenic river.<br /><br /><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrYTPjOwAJ8yJQwqb93F53XAI1I0BUx4X2jssCOM3h9RDhKeCv7SVy7GQnzv-MsM9TxuhV0IkBA4KII8ubFyLyV72uPXrJ0qcuxNtsRrNBVyP-wUkC54ueZKe8Xh9r6cIkdF_2n70aoU/s1600/IMG_4501.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509167921384222370" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrYTPjOwAJ8yJQwqb93F53XAI1I0BUx4X2jssCOM3h9RDhKeCv7SVy7GQnzv-MsM9TxuhV0IkBA4KII8ubFyLyV72uPXrJ0qcuxNtsRrNBVyP-wUkC54ueZKe8Xh9r6cIkdF_2n70aoU/s320/IMG_4501.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0_Mpo-Ruy3I05tPNpkyd0tJX91Hv59C3yQG0HN_qDsT_DjyV57pq49sShIu_uHJZQx7yeKOrDpd7LUOVFuh6vBKwQGHvtxd0kJegP2Z2mRYHz2b0GSNFveZzzaoTSMQ9vocZQWbvcBw/s1600/IMG_4496.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509168663361770674" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0_Mpo-Ruy3I05tPNpkyd0tJX91Hv59C3yQG0HN_qDsT_DjyV57pq49sShIu_uHJZQx7yeKOrDpd7LUOVFuh6vBKwQGHvtxd0kJegP2Z2mRYHz2b0GSNFveZzzaoTSMQ9vocZQWbvcBw/s320/IMG_4496.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Our next stop was further down the road. We stopped in Ninilchik to see an old Russian Orthodox church. It was interesting to see and built right on the cliff overlooking the ocean. It was very scenic and also historic.</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSg66poRDQ14nBJfnUU7Wpi-nc0F-Ve6fU2r-ZP-M2Oq2MYNgtDmPQ_qY_KRsep_y2cfvDw2CGwGbHpBSTrqnqeqOQtD4fx7W_Xk10G5_k6GKDmA0crBlyDREHS9e3Fr3umSVJcLmzw-E/s1600/IMG_4519.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509167429556163282" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSg66poRDQ14nBJfnUU7Wpi-nc0F-Ve6fU2r-ZP-M2Oq2MYNgtDmPQ_qY_KRsep_y2cfvDw2CGwGbHpBSTrqnqeqOQtD4fx7W_Xk10G5_k6GKDmA0crBlyDREHS9e3Fr3umSVJcLmzw-E/s320/IMG_4519.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Once we arrived in Homer, we went to the <a href="http://www.freshsourdoughexpress.com/">Fresh Sourdough Express</a> (restaurant and bakery) for some supper. It is billed as the first eco-friendly restaurant in Alaska. Serving only organic and locally grown (when possible) foods, it is also owned by the same couple who owned the bed and breakfast that we stayed at in Homer, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.amemorableexperience.com">A Memorable Experience</a>. Donna and Kevin were great hosts and we found both the restaurant and accommodation comfortable, clean and cozy. They have a very beautiful backyard and we were able to take some nice family photos.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittZivydgK6lwL-533g7aQ07p2dVL6Kfe4-yNDUldEPdRPsGBO4RC3RThHn1PFIZEBt6I_PgGWGBftedqta9J7TWnjIomsnzIfAETiu0YuMUA06eMOOucp2mW68b3YTTt-8gT8MLQENzo/s1600/IMG_4559.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509170956061599010" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittZivydgK6lwL-533g7aQ07p2dVL6Kfe4-yNDUldEPdRPsGBO4RC3RThHn1PFIZEBt6I_PgGWGBftedqta9J7TWnjIomsnzIfAETiu0YuMUA06eMOOucp2mW68b3YTTt-8gT8MLQENzo/s320/IMG_4559.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHXH7Hz4JEzn9oGJtAG0PtrZyiYh5kX83j33J3uQIpDIVmdRqO8Q6dJ5-qAx-ETWLNjIYDhM9z140eAnualtm3z2AF9aphPkuIZrYu0ORQuGP9m5EUrV0lZ-LBIMfvRW2cT2MAlky1DM/s1600/IMG_4566.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509171161724593362" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHXH7Hz4JEzn9oGJtAG0PtrZyiYh5kX83j33J3uQIpDIVmdRqO8Q6dJ5-qAx-ETWLNjIYDhM9z140eAnualtm3z2AF9aphPkuIZrYu0ORQuGP9m5EUrV0lZ-LBIMfvRW2cT2MAlky1DM/s320/IMG_4566.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPC9x7_D3T-Lfd-HtEu3WZXVXjw4SOzAU8tOhKK0tgCyd1flwtwRyUEMVxg5luesZ9hx5PHtfPH0Oz95BXh-qP0lLCh5t-jsfrSrNO8l_vH2gRerag6PTbSeDI7Hach42EGFg6IiS01Tk/s1600/IMG_4613.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509171396443752738" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPC9x7_D3T-Lfd-HtEu3WZXVXjw4SOzAU8tOhKK0tgCyd1flwtwRyUEMVxg5luesZ9hx5PHtfPH0Oz95BXh-qP0lLCh5t-jsfrSrNO8l_vH2gRerag6PTbSeDI7Hach42EGFg6IiS01Tk/s320/IMG_4613.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />There was also a beautiful view of the Homer spit and the sun just happened to be shining on it just right!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IAnaVd9-8P-OJok7m1uonno7lpBqbfM5uH0WqeaxGW3Stc4I8H1Hk5tztYJgSXS2uDP79iMYtBEJz08EJxleHwbTWclag8bBVZG0Nmcp8OTJaRwvqYJLrRB1LcvxomAOAn15R93cfy8/s1600/IMG_4656.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509171871693815346" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IAnaVd9-8P-OJok7m1uonno7lpBqbfM5uH0WqeaxGW3Stc4I8H1Hk5tztYJgSXS2uDP79iMYtBEJz08EJxleHwbTWclag8bBVZG0Nmcp8OTJaRwvqYJLrRB1LcvxomAOAn15R93cfy8/s320/IMG_4656.jpg" border="0" /></a>The following day, some of the group was going out on a halibut fishing charter (new entry #109 on the list). We went out with <a href="http://www.bearforce1.com/">Bear Bear Halibut Charters</a>. It was a long day with some rough, high seas, but we all caught 2 large halibut each! Here we are with our Catch of the Day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPvfgNd53Xpo-ZhM7IuHL6DEr0ZIgK_vfIs6ZtBeysuCDRO_9b3JHqFnG_vhPmVyMPYkqe78PdeRJuoMA2bQqf6KyYsv_6ahQR2ep7mX_qpR1P0S4Z4ZG0XO-E4NnU6PoEoZbjV-qDvE/s1600/IMG_4685.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509172299362944226" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPvfgNd53Xpo-ZhM7IuHL6DEr0ZIgK_vfIs6ZtBeysuCDRO_9b3JHqFnG_vhPmVyMPYkqe78PdeRJuoMA2bQqf6KyYsv_6ahQR2ep7mX_qpR1P0S4Z4ZG0XO-E4NnU6PoEoZbjV-qDvE/s320/IMG_4685.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p>Rebekah<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPC9x7_D3T-Lfd-HtEu3WZXVXjw4SOzAU8tOhKK0tgCyd1flwtwRyUEMVxg5luesZ9hx5PHtfPH0Oz95BXh-qP0lLCh5t-jsfrSrNO8l_vH2gRerag6PTbSeDI7Hach42EGFg6IiS01Tk/s1600/IMG_4613.jpg"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2668711578209408943.post-49764399318963953122010-08-22T14:29:00.015-08:002011-11-27T09:48:57.575-09:00Denali National Park and Hatcher PassAfter a short nights sleep in the <a href="http://www.denalirivercabins.com/">Denali River Cabins</a> we got to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/dena/">Denali National Park</a> in time to make our reservation on the 5:30 AM bus into the park. It had rained the previous night, but as the day went on the weather cleared up very nicely.<br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqfNEij6U96-dHbY8O8wD05NepsZjo1K1lrqRiQjlwVrjkCqHhckBsFR5ZM4ue2WuL1zOvbkRtFaRbrR6sDnw-nG3yf39ppHxtkICRvdzOp76DEIjUx1aptvYJfAZgFRjvxh40VU9NJU/s1600/IMG_0266b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508374131847532226" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqfNEij6U96-dHbY8O8wD05NepsZjo1K1lrqRiQjlwVrjkCqHhckBsFR5ZM4ue2WuL1zOvbkRtFaRbrR6sDnw-nG3yf39ppHxtkICRvdzOp76DEIjUx1aptvYJfAZgFRjvxh40VU9NJU/s320/IMG_0266b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>On the bus ride into the park we saw Brown Bears, </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbk537EIQ6i4IgktCE3eaxEA3jwC-1qGRRWPKdaiR92TjLvn7H_KvVv6wcNE7SBDZ9vAU3bpXjfe3g7k2fUPJDoezmdtAWAs1Lp9re-MAKggMAdj3HyLlZqKGzaYFtdPPFLunl8Dou8cQ/s1600/IMG_4123b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 194px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508374135089224450" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbk537EIQ6i4IgktCE3eaxEA3jwC-1qGRRWPKdaiR92TjLvn7H_KvVv6wcNE7SBDZ9vAU3bpXjfe3g7k2fUPJDoezmdtAWAs1Lp9re-MAKggMAdj3HyLlZqKGzaYFtdPPFLunl8Dou8cQ/s320/IMG_4123b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Moose, </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDLXBpOHVSbfvy5VpOElaclt8EsT4RI8DEG4A3Nz6_X3RwTkewbeBAUgY9q7KX0OLj4nRrhz6UYjwNb0xTDDkSgQg_gGa16_OhR6We1BHbRbX73mEZNqn_ySl7YwWqZuFqO3wVNZdJSs/s1600/IMG_4431b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508382606679742962" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDLXBpOHVSbfvy5VpOElaclt8EsT4RI8DEG4A3Nz6_X3RwTkewbeBAUgY9q7KX0OLj4nRrhz6UYjwNb0xTDDkSgQg_gGa16_OhR6We1BHbRbX73mEZNqn_ySl7YwWqZuFqO3wVNZdJSs/s320/IMG_4431b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Wolves,<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOs0szC1xrUUqiwaL6D30S-tsAK11l7KFOkdffhJcau7r60Mvg734w8d6_wcIeZC3Dj95-P0t5nnNt5ueR4TyPhnnA3kF4cDhKrtm59s-FyIEg5HdwuG6HVl_-nY7xxjd7QQscNjc7qhc/s1600/IMG_4204b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 272px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508374447419790706" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOs0szC1xrUUqiwaL6D30S-tsAK11l7KFOkdffhJcau7r60Mvg734w8d6_wcIeZC3Dj95-P0t5nnNt5ueR4TyPhnnA3kF4cDhKrtm59s-FyIEg5HdwuG6HVl_-nY7xxjd7QQscNjc7qhc/s320/IMG_4204b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Caribou, </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCGEJdygIkTWuMN1iaEae6I8kenrTvxYXXh8XZDyOPGqw8_44Nb3_BwPvDUOag12zKoxqk_COt7jzlNqBcvodM1NK3v42_jt2tsXtviDtaiLbXfk72HfUolSdJpQalM12W7koyATanC8/s1600/IMG_4411b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 227px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508375727874811698" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCGEJdygIkTWuMN1iaEae6I8kenrTvxYXXh8XZDyOPGqw8_44Nb3_BwPvDUOag12zKoxqk_COt7jzlNqBcvodM1NK3v42_jt2tsXtviDtaiLbXfk72HfUolSdJpQalM12W7koyATanC8/s320/IMG_4411b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Marmots,</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3cf8tv7TamTtpxaCfOabxL1N-r0ltspFaYl0LdNMeVjlAkkIyWt_C9bNlXF7j3f2LnhY-HW7pxMCkZbWdqd7z4aEBIjSdyPJKDnn7mE3uEnnFVfoavgKjW66hdnd7UI3K7Za2go-UzQ/s1600/IMG_4310b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508374455040802674" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3cf8tv7TamTtpxaCfOabxL1N-r0ltspFaYl0LdNMeVjlAkkIyWt_C9bNlXF7j3f2LnhY-HW7pxMCkZbWdqd7z4aEBIjSdyPJKDnn7mE3uEnnFVfoavgKjW66hdnd7UI3K7Za2go-UzQ/s320/IMG_4310b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Dall Sheep, </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskL5i7VIjr0ZCNpOKikH3SJv52Es3NAGTh4wz1K_jIkkaY77ocqQzEEcDNr6tk968SmxIhmjsvsGbBp87bZIIX_EUihTVvQvs1vnAwD1gaSiESQDP3551L_sSKE7wkXTvzc56_AGIhAc/s1600/IMG_4165b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 219px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508374141784667842" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskL5i7VIjr0ZCNpOKikH3SJv52Es3NAGTh4wz1K_jIkkaY77ocqQzEEcDNr6tk968SmxIhmjsvsGbBp87bZIIX_EUihTVvQvs1vnAwD1gaSiESQDP3551L_sSKE7wkXTvzc56_AGIhAc/s320/IMG_4165b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Falcons, </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdt6macoinbNZWYmdjmKGVkiZY5_REA_YXOtnAXWmDnyHuKbahiBdN8WdX2NkT77Jsvg5td0GKbFRp4tcvQ9lE3URWkgUfWwv9jioR3NP65OABcyY2AGJ16rTUkofygSm22EywjklybUU/s1600/IMG_4181b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 274px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508374446098854466" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdt6macoinbNZWYmdjmKGVkiZY5_REA_YXOtnAXWmDnyHuKbahiBdN8WdX2NkT77Jsvg5td0GKbFRp4tcvQ9lE3URWkgUfWwv9jioR3NP65OABcyY2AGJ16rTUkofygSm22EywjklybUU/s320/IMG_4181b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>and many other birds and wildlife (all part of #86 on the list). There were also some great views as the bus winded through the park.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_I054UT5tDkg4qDkZ3pj-fgjl9eAdevuGI_ndV6BL_4uO9xEP8tOWJR8GkvbZH8lqgHLQfzaRD0JxZ3sdU1OwPv74qE04YegSyaM_G_w46M5r9MN8qBnKTykNfMNufWyWmLrjKuKBe8M/s1600/IMG_4172b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508374143610408722" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_I054UT5tDkg4qDkZ3pj-fgjl9eAdevuGI_ndV6BL_4uO9xEP8tOWJR8GkvbZH8lqgHLQfzaRD0JxZ3sdU1OwPv74qE04YegSyaM_G_w46M5r9MN8qBnKTykNfMNufWyWmLrjKuKBe8M/s320/IMG_4172b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We took the bus in all the way to Wonder Lake at the 85 mile mark. However, the mosquitoes there were so bad that we didn't even get off the bus. So, we took the bus back to the Eielson Visitors Center at the 66 mile mark. From there we got a clear view of the peaks of Denali.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONPcfzn7VqgVOZn7v82HKiJ3sp2sAcD9jSqmvzCzJdR7HyFT06lFHbsFboz354FoFL4VBIOh8-2gYqQJfvbjnCpQ82Hly_NtFl-XblWTzXvLkyVxjIG-BDrdAhg1xtnKrzrvUtSMidqE/s1600/IMG_0233b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508374127511915426" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONPcfzn7VqgVOZn7v82HKiJ3sp2sAcD9jSqmvzCzJdR7HyFT06lFHbsFboz354FoFL4VBIOh8-2gYqQJfvbjnCpQ82Hly_NtFl-XblWTzXvLkyVxjIG-BDrdAhg1xtnKrzrvUtSMidqE/s320/IMG_0233b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>And since the sun was out we decided to take a hike up the mountain side by the visitors center.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfRZVxwGujwjNE87xrf-pqBNuGXu_kkMJ05bfxCr7NsiIGwIGlPHxENQU4DZn4nv5XZi3-JEwZiwmnI4G0IkvDvY0PYAfkvNA9_pBRMyQ6Ra7ps9CdCNPEK-BLcdTjkiUAgTxjLEAuy0/s1600/IMG_4358b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508374461688163378" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfRZVxwGujwjNE87xrf-pqBNuGXu_kkMJ05bfxCr7NsiIGwIGlPHxENQU4DZn4nv5XZi3-JEwZiwmnI4G0IkvDvY0PYAfkvNA9_pBRMyQ6Ra7ps9CdCNPEK-BLcdTjkiUAgTxjLEAuy0/s320/IMG_4358b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />It was very windy at the top, but there were some great views of the surrounding areas.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeAfOgDyUMtekmVah02haVhAEcr8T5_4EK7Ac4Lp7xQAg1N_oGHsELzOpASDYtD5q4AkXs4_m4v1kmsxdlJcD2Z20PDHfXQep_gAayYAvVoh4HMksdwzhTAEBcmk31SRlS5avKH_3xqk/s1600/IMG_4334b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508374458848543890" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeAfOgDyUMtekmVah02haVhAEcr8T5_4EK7Ac4Lp7xQAg1N_oGHsELzOpASDYtD5q4AkXs4_m4v1kmsxdlJcD2Z20PDHfXQep_gAayYAvVoh4HMksdwzhTAEBcmk31SRlS5avKH_3xqk/s320/IMG_4334b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The next morning we got up and started heading down to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girdwood,_Alaska">Girdwood</a> through <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatcher_Pass">Hatcher Pass</a>. On the way through the pass we stopped at a garden for some pictures.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfxW_8cCIrV-oQXPZgyN-5fpdugZCNvhGs4IpIVQm65Yhf8A7lRcrsfQxrkDkgYOjA-p8EzcsmYq9mk0wgdG1mBv3ek-l5kETmQhtlXAWbUnD0g8NCNTZJSUsgQId3s_RbAdvTdNAE3g/s1600/IMG_4478b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508375734646500082" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfxW_8cCIrV-oQXPZgyN-5fpdugZCNvhGs4IpIVQm65Yhf8A7lRcrsfQxrkDkgYOjA-p8EzcsmYq9mk0wgdG1mBv3ek-l5kETmQhtlXAWbUnD0g8NCNTZJSUsgQId3s_RbAdvTdNAE3g/s320/IMG_4478b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />When we reached the pass and Summit Lake we hiked around the lake to a remaining late summer snow bank.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYjIp9i7wSZB5qY5mBnw_6R1lpTwAcF77cs7-0KT8A0e2MuBnrI6X3e2_XCPUVKun925thhnfjpCwPCXDXvcHitJznnIcoPzB3qspicqRZCvNkc8FFnhd4uMmJSyXZzsYy9rX0l8WpUA/s1600/IMG_0301b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508375720277223794" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYjIp9i7wSZB5qY5mBnw_6R1lpTwAcF77cs7-0KT8A0e2MuBnrI6X3e2_XCPUVKun925thhnfjpCwPCXDXvcHitJznnIcoPzB3qspicqRZCvNkc8FFnhd4uMmJSyXZzsYy9rX0l8WpUA/s320/IMG_0301b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />While some of us ate lunch, the others hiked up the hillside to the top of a nearby waterfall.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbGzTjnHoYEE18e6zOV-8jdzV46A8rSZQXgUEC10Y4RWbKea9advql__KbsjWH31zTyxTYEIPVGOPZWB6bkDZrVKF-zFtW8O3AkIY-3HjDbI-uc-GJGMwZvxm2CAY14WZjxfWyKTMm8M/s1600/IMG_0340b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508375725246490722" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbGzTjnHoYEE18e6zOV-8jdzV46A8rSZQXgUEC10Y4RWbKea9advql__KbsjWH31zTyxTYEIPVGOPZWB6bkDZrVKF-zFtW8O3AkIY-3HjDbI-uc-GJGMwZvxm2CAY14WZjxfWyKTMm8M/s320/IMG_0340b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We were running behind and still had a long way to go, so we quickly drove the rest of the way to Girdwood stopping only in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wasilla,_AK">Wasilla</a> so Mama could see where <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_palin">Sarah Palin</a> is from.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_WhQn6347j7BU4U-jyjtzGdmw93mMG4jNu9ZaJsHMJovcPlcGfAIVXB2w5-yNK3fZHoadmGxwUURHbD8i6Kkzl2ZTYEuRJFQnH-oyCtnjULDDpAm-XPtuwgqTtQENvKLmpb1F-lNRWc/s1600/IMG_0349b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508375736766874306" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_WhQn6347j7BU4U-jyjtzGdmw93mMG4jNu9ZaJsHMJovcPlcGfAIVXB2w5-yNK3fZHoadmGxwUURHbD8i6Kkzl2ZTYEuRJFQnH-oyCtnjULDDpAm-XPtuwgqTtQENvKLmpb1F-lNRWc/s320/IMG_0349b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />That night we ate at the <a href="http://www.doublemuskyinn.com/framed.html">Double Musky</a> restaurant, which was excellent. It is a New Orleans style restaurant that has a famous French Pepper Steak. We stayed that night in a house we rented from a local agency and used the opportunity to sleep in and (try to) catch up on our sleep.<br /><br /><br />Steven<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15999216494953854873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2668711578209408943.post-55427143611335085002010-08-19T21:47:00.018-08:002011-11-27T09:47:50.520-09:00Ridin' the Salmon in FairbanksFairbanks was our first stop on our Alaskan road trip with the Connors clan. We had a peaceful nights rest at the Sophie Station Hotel and all of the family was very glad to have heavy curtains that blocked out all of our Alaskan "Midnight Sun"! We headed out for a full day of adventures and sightseeing. Our first stop was the beautiful <a href="http://www.georgesonbg.org/">Georgeson Botanical Gardens</a> on the University of Alaska-Fairbanks campus! These gardens are the northernmost public gardens in North America and are dedicated to plant science and research relating to growing plants in the "Far North". Basically, they are experimenting to see which plants will grow well and which plants (and flowers) will not.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9CNDT40y2HyFvqcobUSYoUyKvx5mbFkyqELkLKi1An7IhtBX8ZMQPhbR8W87nwB918DfQtLYTer038vqu3MYMH48Z7PsaoOPFq3UmeZDlfZ5hSY2Wyvcq-jZMx5VipetDj1nFGlrCBM/s1600/IMG_4022.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9CNDT40y2HyFvqcobUSYoUyKvx5mbFkyqELkLKi1An7IhtBX8ZMQPhbR8W87nwB918DfQtLYTer038vqu3MYMH48Z7PsaoOPFq3UmeZDlfZ5hSY2Wyvcq-jZMx5VipetDj1nFGlrCBM/s320/IMG_4022.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508384811804140978" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TUT9iHL1qwYmp6Xd4uXtS_UKsxWIUSJTvZ1jaxwusNhHNhfJ_JN-EZnRRO83YsAVtshdowp_WrVK3ML34SRCPi2Zh0oTF7fdix8XCfDWDe53lHfJlRu33fdeQDYhtJRxP_2idYk1l3U/s1600/IMG_4052.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TUT9iHL1qwYmp6Xd4uXtS_UKsxWIUSJTvZ1jaxwusNhHNhfJ_JN-EZnRRO83YsAVtshdowp_WrVK3ML34SRCPi2Zh0oTF7fdix8XCfDWDe53lHfJlRu33fdeQDYhtJRxP_2idYk1l3U/s320/IMG_4052.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507371117909240226" border="0" /></a>After the gardens, we headed just down the road to Creamer's Marsh. It is named that because there is a Creamery there and the person who used to own it also had the last name of Creamer. He used to gather the milk and then deliver it around town. We learned that he used to have to keep a heater on in the delivery truck so that the milk would not freeze. Part of his land is a big field and is now used as a waterfowl and bird sanctuary. We enjoyed seeing the different types of birds that live there. The picture below is of the baby birds inside the nest and the momma bird bringing them food.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uxFnvBio8ZECsA8aV0ji8DzwJTjiHQt5v7oqcfnr1yy1eopr1B0jkQaSmI95tONe0HxyIslvJ0Nc2rdo5s9SAUJSFPtdXAnGUHdM0hObg5d4DZh6vr-6nTetSwm8rplMeHUORcLhQlo/s1600/IMG_4082.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uxFnvBio8ZECsA8aV0ji8DzwJTjiHQt5v7oqcfnr1yy1eopr1B0jkQaSmI95tONe0HxyIslvJ0Nc2rdo5s9SAUJSFPtdXAnGUHdM0hObg5d4DZh6vr-6nTetSwm8rplMeHUORcLhQlo/s320/IMG_4082.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508384812480379298" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQx4SH50WEJw_-r4TKs-MDNuGN-n2fHu2XcbC3Jj61uLVzKqt-xR99WvUF5VLfqnBHmVVqER5Zlgj_3Rco9BApbVyvQAurlvgx7RIsuXsepZxrGFnec-0lBwqYg-IDsW2jPaDtLJwcDWI/s1600/IMG_4069.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQx4SH50WEJw_-r4TKs-MDNuGN-n2fHu2XcbC3Jj61uLVzKqt-xR99WvUF5VLfqnBHmVVqER5Zlgj_3Rco9BApbVyvQAurlvgx7RIsuXsepZxrGFnec-0lBwqYg-IDsW2jPaDtLJwcDWI/s320/IMG_4069.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508384823369141970" border="0" /></a><br />The field was full of small, lovely yellow flowers and it had a cute little fence around the field too!<br />After leaving the marsh, the visitors headed over to the Ice Museum. Steven and I did not go through this museum because we have already visited one at Chena Hot Springs. They enjoyed seeing all of the ice sculptures though and also watching a movie about how the artists carve and create things out of the ice.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_WDTAPmNi_-jmpJDmMR-_Ckh8tjb_AhETRbdmmo-ljCsHRweWPTUV0zrfCJfmx9R5NbRWtAmrnVWO0tPV0PoKBiE7uz6zxXF2m2if4nb2MSCjwfKtQpZKkKSX9WKEFNcPq6eyQgjvME/s1600/IMG_0188.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_WDTAPmNi_-jmpJDmMR-_Ckh8tjb_AhETRbdmmo-ljCsHRweWPTUV0zrfCJfmx9R5NbRWtAmrnVWO0tPV0PoKBiE7uz6zxXF2m2if4nb2MSCjwfKtQpZKkKSX9WKEFNcPq6eyQgjvME/s320/IMG_0188.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507374072033862226" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0I3T1I0ug-YqLrc7e9a7AcUvHrt_whZp10QrP7aZ_iSOfqMxO-bA9UELfxdF_JiGvegg2l-IaSFytxkflGkSRmOZjF-W6MZOj1GfzFHfFq1EtLfAOS9za-I0ny5yqjBS5AoI04Y-JKU/s1600/IMG_0184.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0I3T1I0ug-YqLrc7e9a7AcUvHrt_whZp10QrP7aZ_iSOfqMxO-bA9UELfxdF_JiGvegg2l-IaSFytxkflGkSRmOZjF-W6MZOj1GfzFHfFq1EtLfAOS9za-I0ny5yqjBS5AoI04Y-JKU/s320/IMG_0184.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507374428207742626" border="0" /></a>After the Ice Museum, we all were starving, so we headed over to <a href="http://www.co.fairbanks.ak.us/pioneerpark/">Pioneer Park</a> (basically a touristy shopping, music, museum, food outdoor park) to go to the Salmon Bake. It was a nice outdoor, all-you-care-to-eat buffet that not only has salmon, but halibut and prime rib also. The fish was wonderful as were the different sides (beans, slaw, salad, pasta salad etc.) and the desserts.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjOUvayqmuc-P97qsmcU8Sz-p-cXlP5rg_IjMI2GzwS1vvt4FuLV-Ha1Ojbr8eQMQ5u6l-UMXyqRIDW3EkKA35ElHYD-5oNupI23fcMDE_WbPI7xZpwdCuF2blWt1EcqVsKgXxUenSBI/s1600/IMG_0202.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjOUvayqmuc-P97qsmcU8Sz-p-cXlP5rg_IjMI2GzwS1vvt4FuLV-Ha1Ojbr8eQMQ5u6l-UMXyqRIDW3EkKA35ElHYD-5oNupI23fcMDE_WbPI7xZpwdCuF2blWt1EcqVsKgXxUenSBI/s320/IMG_0202.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508384825609193618" border="0" /></a><br />After stuffing ourselves Alaska-style, we went to check out the -40 Below room (#108 on our list). It is basically a big cooler that is chilled to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. We all bundled up as best we could with hats, boots, parkas and even gloves. I was wearing a skirt and my legs were cold in there and very red when I came out. We got to hammer a nail into a piece of wood with a frozen banana and also throw boiling water up into the air and watch it freeze before it hit the ground. It was really interesting and CRAZY to think that the people of Fairbanks have to go to work and school when it is really that cold outside!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMfai-krXOuLzqx2yia9xLZbiLHLLtd7mjMHpyVqiSshhboanK3XrQrK3QYh5UQ1hSaZETMqsEMKQlFLOquFomZXSYDU8LpVYzEtI-nrO6VMZHakCDVI1v0JlmoVVqZaraIb4i0QFGGs/s1600/IMG_4089.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMfai-krXOuLzqx2yia9xLZbiLHLLtd7mjMHpyVqiSshhboanK3XrQrK3QYh5UQ1hSaZETMqsEMKQlFLOquFomZXSYDU8LpVYzEtI-nrO6VMZHakCDVI1v0JlmoVVqZaraIb4i0QFGGs/s320/IMG_4089.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507377901390615778" border="0" /></a><br />The last thing we did before leaving to head to Denali, our next destination was ride the giant salmon at the park. Mama really liked this part as you can see!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_dOsbWHlGaFV87xVEAFu6qlRcxnCrOdpzUjt75aAuheQawva53VdFNzlaGii-7CW6rrt7kmHfxr0kSg40gZzpRSZc-2ehTWSZN8lvSNjPEbPogLuFhGIJ64FhfRm78mxhTh84RDcv4c/s1600/P1060326.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_dOsbWHlGaFV87xVEAFu6qlRcxnCrOdpzUjt75aAuheQawva53VdFNzlaGii-7CW6rrt7kmHfxr0kSg40gZzpRSZc-2ehTWSZN8lvSNjPEbPogLuFhGIJ64FhfRm78mxhTh84RDcv4c/s320/P1060326.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507378532070347538" border="0" /></a><br /><br />RebekahUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2668711578209408943.post-14856486165826495362010-08-16T21:03:00.013-08:002011-11-27T09:45:20.248-09:00I want to see a MOOSE!My family came into town at the beginning of July (I know, we are way behind). They landed on my birthday and took us to <a href="http://www.simonandseaforts.com/page/home">Simon & Seaforts</a> for dinner! While I finished up my work week, Rebekah took them around to Thunderbird Falls, Shopping on 4th Avenue, the Anchorage Museum, and Potter's Marsh to see the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic_Tern">Arctic Terns</a> (part of #86) my dad had read about.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfzQTxNHfzJXZG3S468QpTwyUtbjUu31XLPeuYa4VVQkwoOyXMoTAkvC_p8DUcrmO8A14ZOhMUREUxj32kuT658ek_KVl4GAaUWwxhSINk4bzx0akcmFTs3Xz459TqSKQ7KEinjA6U0A/s1600/IMG_0134.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfzQTxNHfzJXZG3S468QpTwyUtbjUu31XLPeuYa4VVQkwoOyXMoTAkvC_p8DUcrmO8A14ZOhMUREUxj32kuT658ek_KVl4GAaUWwxhSINk4bzx0akcmFTs3Xz459TqSKQ7KEinjA6U0A/s320/IMG_0134.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508385679146467538" border="0" /></a><br />We would spend the next 9 days traveling around the state doing everything from glacial trekking to halibut fishing.<br /><br />Early Saturday morning we got up to drive the Richardson Highway north to Fairbanks. While the weather wasn't great (it was raining), it cleared up long enough for us to stop at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matanuska_Glacier">Matanuska Glacier</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5R3wvRsjgJfCeCIM9huapFmfOsnC8kBI7J0xHSZG5lrEW_NT-sSlxK3gAGgQgOwc02-BwnpN8Sauydkc3GmuYYYBEV0FG66Xcwe-lts_DmuiycX3gKXmw7hs0a0BrtVYRTEj0gCzLjA/s1600/IMG_4000.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506256439510651890" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5R3wvRsjgJfCeCIM9huapFmfOsnC8kBI7J0xHSZG5lrEW_NT-sSlxK3gAGgQgOwc02-BwnpN8Sauydkc3GmuYYYBEV0FG66Xcwe-lts_DmuiycX3gKXmw7hs0a0BrtVYRTEj0gCzLjA/s320/IMG_4000.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />For those that don't remember from a very early blog, it is the largest glacier accessible by car in the United States and Rebekah and I had visited it on one of our first trips around the state. The access is privately controlled, so you have to pay an entrance fee. But, you can actually hike out onto the glacier which is a very interesting experience.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFd0F8EtMpfUz9Wua-hsGnEpjNQa7yXPSrhsi9ntKUUk9csrbqEGsXdsXMLP1xfjumQOlUg0s21acp9iL3eTHpFoEAj0RsBO8Yjz1k92G5xzNYCJciKN-_W700M0VmUuEpmua6btZXV0/s1600/IMG_3933.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFd0F8EtMpfUz9Wua-hsGnEpjNQa7yXPSrhsi9ntKUUk9csrbqEGsXdsXMLP1xfjumQOlUg0s21acp9iL3eTHpFoEAj0RsBO8Yjz1k92G5xzNYCJciKN-_W700M0VmUuEpmua6btZXV0/s320/IMG_3933.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508385689195220882" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>Last time we had just walked a short way onto the glacier, but this time we were more adventurous (after hearing stories from friends) and hiked down to a cool glacial lake on top of the glacier itself.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Jz0JxePxBVllykXGu5TGPfwSlZdxvhtTbOGaMuYQn-kGF4cHmUyE19vt1eXWGTXcuEc8TkWD7KPUiiR5NxE_s6wt2VW4tS-Q4MCPAQkXtjdQDWXyNTt9vKjv9p84b3aHeVL3i8SQhgw/s1600/IMG_0152.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506256442599905778" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Jz0JxePxBVllykXGu5TGPfwSlZdxvhtTbOGaMuYQn-kGF4cHmUyE19vt1eXWGTXcuEc8TkWD7KPUiiR5NxE_s6wt2VW4tS-Q4MCPAQkXtjdQDWXyNTt9vKjv9p84b3aHeVL3i8SQhgw/s320/IMG_0152.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The lake sat at the face of a cliff of ice around 100 feet tall.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3nn76gkcZwcKr0FtXqIxeHGhQTUT5lzGfFeXQtCn18JhcOn1B-Q1fOFNA0Lne_30AOTeNdlfkOIrsu0xYuAuTwcZ0IGf_HoJhf06ToGbH6JnTV5VmfuQ-APLNE3Jn4sxWk9xyEdJDcM/s1600/IMG_3948.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506256428183132866" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3nn76gkcZwcKr0FtXqIxeHGhQTUT5lzGfFeXQtCn18JhcOn1B-Q1fOFNA0Lne_30AOTeNdlfkOIrsu0xYuAuTwcZ0IGf_HoJhf06ToGbH6JnTV5VmfuQ-APLNE3Jn4sxWk9xyEdJDcM/s320/IMG_3948.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />When we left the glacier we continued driving the Richardson Highway viewing the Trans Alaska Pipeline along the way. However, the beautiful scenery, pipeline, and walking on a glacier apparently wasn't enough. Everyone kept saying that they wanted to see a moose, why wasn't there a moose, where are all the moose?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJWSdYhNlKwZY4HA7e9cHMigOB4wINYDzOukdnEiX8TsEX1Rawjzc90JkU8M89UHRJkVinipi8RJUojLj9f-cTAqgYEB1f1me5-ZLdaOue9fWDC0-XV4NLa_hq8GY977UsAGmqEe7124/s1600/IMG_0174.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506255016781042658" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJWSdYhNlKwZY4HA7e9cHMigOB4wINYDzOukdnEiX8TsEX1Rawjzc90JkU8M89UHRJkVinipi8RJUojLj9f-cTAqgYEB1f1me5-ZLdaOue9fWDC0-XV4NLa_hq8GY977UsAGmqEe7124/s320/IMG_0174.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>So, after looking and looking I finally found a moose drinking in a small pond just off the road. I thought this would end it there, but soon found out that this moose wasn't good enough as it didn't have a big enough rack (apparently my family has gotten shallow since I left).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1ixEwv8QDiWCI1lhU2wWtkgTdStIiAFX4Y7e8KD_4QlrBdB0CYKjNLyZMyQsXi0LxcXbeq2siAvEkqxTQff4UNe5htgDt6hlp3R4-0qQD8Eekm4E74GJhhs0PP2s-1Iilv4wY0tmDoY/s1600/DSCF0675.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1ixEwv8QDiWCI1lhU2wWtkgTdStIiAFX4Y7e8KD_4QlrBdB0CYKjNLyZMyQsXi0LxcXbeq2siAvEkqxTQff4UNe5htgDt6hlp3R4-0qQD8Eekm4E74GJhhs0PP2s-1Iilv4wY0tmDoY/s320/DSCF0675.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508385689166482050" border="0" /></a><br />Almost 12 hours after we left that morning we made it to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Pole,_Alaska">North Pole, Alaska</a> and the Santa Claus House. We looked around the gift shop and of course took a picture with Santa!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqLMaEKgZv_2C_HVNDCmkYMaLu_GMqRSz3g5Aq7yr5GGvPfrXy0xhGBgWkdSf_RHbB-06Km6dXfH9lwjBS2hcDrVqVPg6sTFa7TVghLGYSNYPN4aHab8KT0_HXxWNiXkEgOTHkiamAyQ/s1600/P1060266.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506255033287102578" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqLMaEKgZv_2C_HVNDCmkYMaLu_GMqRSz3g5Aq7yr5GGvPfrXy0xhGBgWkdSf_RHbB-06Km6dXfH9lwjBS2hcDrVqVPg6sTFa7TVghLGYSNYPN4aHab8KT0_HXxWNiXkEgOTHkiamAyQ/s320/P1060266.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Next, we finished the final 10 miles to Fairbanks and immediately headed to our favorite restaurant this far north, the <a href="http://www.silvergulch.com/">Silver Gulch</a>.</div><br /><div></div><div>The longest driving day of the trip was complete, so we headed to the <a href="http://www.fountainheadhotels.com/sophie/sophie.htm">Sophie Station Hotel </a>for a restful night's sleep!<br /><br /><br />Steven<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15999216494953854873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2668711578209408943.post-80226595708917663062010-08-02T22:11:00.017-08:002011-11-27T09:43:59.576-09:00Sea KayakingBack in June, Steven and I went sea kayaking out of Homer, Alaska in Kachemak Bay State Park (#37). Kachmeak Bay is part of the Cook Inlet (#57). It was our first time traveling to Homer as well (#46).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8WnS3fgkuKrzgIGr5JycYQKLONp1_e_nV4WWt9IjLj3n8sIjxppnbxFcOizgPT-oQISxyRdwSizV5sGAvlZNvkQO3m-RQY4H8tordwyHd_3cipK2DE6qCWVSrbwhUunJm7BxxNqqTWc/s1600/P1060201.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8WnS3fgkuKrzgIGr5JycYQKLONp1_e_nV4WWt9IjLj3n8sIjxppnbxFcOizgPT-oQISxyRdwSizV5sGAvlZNvkQO3m-RQY4H8tordwyHd_3cipK2DE6qCWVSrbwhUunJm7BxxNqqTWc/s320/P1060201.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501068662012904002" border="0" /></a>On the way to Homer, we stopped by the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/normanlowellgallery.net">Norman Lowell</a> art gallery (#47). Norman Lowell is a famous painter who paints Alaskan scenes from rivers to mountains to cabins. His paintings are pretty well known. We enjoyed looking through his gallery and even the store. Although we would have liked to bring one home, they were a little out of our price range and went well into the $30,000 range. We got to see the painter himself, who is quite elderly, but was getting around just fine in his "rascal" motorized scooter.<br /><br />On the way to Homer, we also stopped by the <a href="http://bearcreekwinery.com/">Bear Creek Winery</a> (#107) and did a tour and tasting.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3q9P8TdI1dd7BAbqvKg52ZUmvfoS8GSYjo-fWE6Z9qsPL4dM-bpJ_o6lfVUTvRKMaGPTvCMNXrDATHIiFQOSZpT9Zrh3U5VTG19wexMGOzrsJgjFa4S-wgltsVtJYH9B_vzQUJ554q-U/s1600/P1060204.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3q9P8TdI1dd7BAbqvKg52ZUmvfoS8GSYjo-fWE6Z9qsPL4dM-bpJ_o6lfVUTvRKMaGPTvCMNXrDATHIiFQOSZpT9Zrh3U5VTG19wexMGOzrsJgjFa4S-wgltsVtJYH9B_vzQUJ554q-U/s320/P1060204.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501068337424002210" border="0" /></a><br />This winery is famous for fruit and berry infused wine. I really liked the strawberry wine and Steven liked the port. This winery is definitely a home-grown business venture as it is operated out of a small building next to the owner's house. Outside of the house was a very cool rope swing with 4 seats surrounding a tall metal pole. As you swing around, your momentum really gets you flying high! I got a little but dizzy, but Steven LOVED it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMFfwfFzEdTPho4P3rpMheKPh1-sLbhX5sVFqPMM2kck5zvxYVvd0IbA8W88mGWbgp-LzxhdqfwUmeoGQrdg1dpTw7I1CcHpdSi4qKEM51_HWh09i3DPl_H0E-p_7CDQgyflpA216cYM/s1600/swing.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMFfwfFzEdTPho4P3rpMheKPh1-sLbhX5sVFqPMM2kck5zvxYVvd0IbA8W88mGWbgp-LzxhdqfwUmeoGQrdg1dpTw7I1CcHpdSi4qKEM51_HWh09i3DPl_H0E-p_7CDQgyflpA216cYM/s320/swing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501204409212847986" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The next day, we were headed out on a sea kayaking adventure through Kachemak Bay. We had a great guide who took us. We went with the group, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/homerocean.com">Homer Ocean Charters</a>. Our guide was very experienced and she taught us many great things about the bay.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIk3d26VDFCT0mSmUplk2FdfkfWqSwIrv4BoaHr7J-jxzf92bUU13ly-mnN61OEBLdT4HGgmDCVOZT2VNhcaDCC_U-Yd_3lXMwrefAadoEiT5-oivXNvcqfhdqmmQG4fQ3v0FJ48hBUqo/s1600/P1060253.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIk3d26VDFCT0mSmUplk2FdfkfWqSwIrv4BoaHr7J-jxzf92bUU13ly-mnN61OEBLdT4HGgmDCVOZT2VNhcaDCC_U-Yd_3lXMwrefAadoEiT5-oivXNvcqfhdqmmQG4fQ3v0FJ48hBUqo/s320/P1060253.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501070351795219618" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMXDbBR-7uDk1hYbPYUL-Uyx1WqQ611fPyPgDD1js0ROs-oM5FcOURcZoi6t0u9dbW7zvV1v1Sg1k_zg03nqgwDitXN6lcrK_BY1RnXcmlycjiQa00Z8z4B6pViC3pFSVzSCSvu83lDg/s1600/P1060214.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMXDbBR-7uDk1hYbPYUL-Uyx1WqQ611fPyPgDD1js0ROs-oM5FcOURcZoi6t0u9dbW7zvV1v1Sg1k_zg03nqgwDitXN6lcrK_BY1RnXcmlycjiQa00Z8z4B6pViC3pFSVzSCSvu83lDg/s320/P1060214.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501069980416336322" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4N3lGbsKQPtsIlfGj729Y0gn4UsBlX3ifVqj3oicAdEfsfF603Z9Taho-x0KpRhTJfTYS8kO94fQZOawzPgvke8BeAnesHEHTioHv8QRIb9oYSNZ2JaJi6nsLXWKKVttXVJbu_O7Evc/s1600/P1060209.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4N3lGbsKQPtsIlfGj729Y0gn4UsBlX3ifVqj3oicAdEfsfF603Z9Taho-x0KpRhTJfTYS8kO94fQZOawzPgvke8BeAnesHEHTioHv8QRIb9oYSNZ2JaJi6nsLXWKKVttXVJbu_O7Evc/s320/P1060209.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501069704591936642" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_coKDDtlJENj_bP2hixla-MRDWqu3_j85_mLKsHB64Lv2Jlk-7tSL6z1NAwd1jG7bHIfquDamvRP6MbvhzufsJIauXl9K9pTXhGcr0PHoUjpI6wmcylzBJBx_VxOe1olduMvcd6h94vQ/s1600/IMG_3826.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_coKDDtlJENj_bP2hixla-MRDWqu3_j85_mLKsHB64Lv2Jlk-7tSL6z1NAwd1jG7bHIfquDamvRP6MbvhzufsJIauXl9K9pTXhGcr0PHoUjpI6wmcylzBJBx_VxOe1olduMvcd6h94vQ/s320/IMG_3826.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501069361689804978" border="0" /></a>As you can see, kayaking fashion is pretty trendy and cute! The highlight to the trip was two-fold. First, the calm seas were perfect for kayaking. We also enjoyed the sunshine, which has been a rarity in Alaska this summer. The other best part to the trip was getting to kayaking into a small cave after the tide had gone down a little bit. Inside the cave were TONS of sea stars and sea urchins.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7VpPMVP0sMfFLBQ9EmpA_nZNmb4JmLdnW6u6nUfMf_ZVZ_ofzMyvr2WY64obeVv1I-rHuKyBEZGY2sBd3_r1_htiWfiVb3m7usPDp-R2WcXHFbC2LH2dSRyJMLkT_uggAHAAXQKOrVNM/s1600/P1060242.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7VpPMVP0sMfFLBQ9EmpA_nZNmb4JmLdnW6u6nUfMf_ZVZ_ofzMyvr2WY64obeVv1I-rHuKyBEZGY2sBd3_r1_htiWfiVb3m7usPDp-R2WcXHFbC2LH2dSRyJMLkT_uggAHAAXQKOrVNM/s320/P1060242.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501071385272324370" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WD3ZkN9pqL-XNO0F18gerRjESM5pIwz6TIz_-cxVffdsXafOk6Yr60MGc2OjafBRsOgcZLrFbDRUR_PYJKFMEWGKnSVeIwKiokHS5-zRlqkt2i8t5ivFqkadYTvEFMCKrRFBeqKh3_E/s1600/P1060244.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WD3ZkN9pqL-XNO0F18gerRjESM5pIwz6TIz_-cxVffdsXafOk6Yr60MGc2OjafBRsOgcZLrFbDRUR_PYJKFMEWGKnSVeIwKiokHS5-zRlqkt2i8t5ivFqkadYTvEFMCKrRFBeqKh3_E/s320/P1060244.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501071800224548466" border="0" /></a>We also got a GREAT view of Mt. Iliamna, one of the volcanoes. It is near Mt. Redoubt.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbvFG1BBvwXwG6oP-mrD-VdPEEBFXiQ4M1VbEckkMXUfUBHzisp-bVBL5qZpR8w5NwvEXmVQ6G4Lh5_MSu9hRefBguiyt72VosRYKSFMoWepbCWjprarQ_JkGvsRayuZnR3ZMuv3ReTU/s1600/IMG_3838.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbvFG1BBvwXwG6oP-mrD-VdPEEBFXiQ4M1VbEckkMXUfUBHzisp-bVBL5qZpR8w5NwvEXmVQ6G4Lh5_MSu9hRefBguiyt72VosRYKSFMoWepbCWjprarQ_JkGvsRayuZnR3ZMuv3ReTU/s320/IMG_3838.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501072224217042738" border="0" /></a>On the way out of town after the kayaking trip, we took a scenic picture of the Grewingk Glacier (#38).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnq9is7thyj0WStfoe30zR6pxqI1Rq1lJo2Y-_GkC8HKJOuP1dyBz8UC6fISLESyoOsEnjt11iEdqg_yqZpSndcIOdbN2LjSOfCv0tE98ip1bGZtuDPKiB4lqc-JrSCS9X9Xn5Jq-ju8/s1600/IMG_3873.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnq9is7thyj0WStfoe30zR6pxqI1Rq1lJo2Y-_GkC8HKJOuP1dyBz8UC6fISLESyoOsEnjt11iEdqg_yqZpSndcIOdbN2LjSOfCv0tE98ip1bGZtuDPKiB4lqc-JrSCS9X9Xn5Jq-ju8/s320/IMG_3873.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501072856893782770" border="0" /></a>We got got a great view of the Homer Spit from East End Road.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHe4hWlTo4htIY9ybZ39J_oE3ckLx2_LU8jFmTQ5lfnrvkP1E49oiqd5xMplOs16DAYEFPW0a8sMgFX91eu90hAHREdvxUHV1-bkBsQMDgbb2oh92Si_0HOW33TuNzEL5W87R_mPx3cU/s1600/IMG_3880.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHe4hWlTo4htIY9ybZ39J_oE3ckLx2_LU8jFmTQ5lfnrvkP1E49oiqd5xMplOs16DAYEFPW0a8sMgFX91eu90hAHREdvxUHV1-bkBsQMDgbb2oh92Si_0HOW33TuNzEL5W87R_mPx3cU/s320/IMG_3880.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501203291540536066" border="0" /></a><br /><br />RebekahUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2668711578209408943.post-15475220163465086682010-08-02T20:04:00.013-08:002011-11-27T09:42:25.600-09:00Fishing the Russian<div><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Wow we are behind. We have been very busy over the past month and have not had time to do a blog post. And since we were busy doing fun things around the state we have much to write about...so stay tuned!</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9kvepDe_SUZ71Ly9xFWgmZoP3_FzXPtnfcmk8P2zInaCNbbZSacVmhf2x9Zg22hna-cSeb2L6LDTvDoClMX0dVRRLbEgjSa8hadoIRCwW6YcriI7_jD7CZu6lCcaL70QU3VPGNXsLTY/s1600/P1060159.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501038234527499410" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9kvepDe_SUZ71Ly9xFWgmZoP3_FzXPtnfcmk8P2zInaCNbbZSacVmhf2x9Zg22hna-cSeb2L6LDTvDoClMX0dVRRLbEgjSa8hadoIRCwW6YcriI7_jD7CZu6lCcaL70QU3VPGNXsLTY/s320/P1060159.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />On June 15th the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_River_%28Alaska%29">Russian River</a> (#61 on the list) opened to salmon fishing so that weekend we went down to try our hand on this popular fishing river. The river is very shallow, so you walk through the river with waders looking for fish. You can actually see the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sockeye_salmon">Red's</a> (sockeye salmon - one of the best eating salmon) swimming upstream and they do not chase any lures. However, they swim with their mouth open and you try to pull the hook across their path in front of them and hook the fish in their mouth. It is a very interesting and different way to fish.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3URZH1wcWWMZYjrrVp9EdCBleyUV7hnTktIBSAwhAry6PEk3lM3KXHmkli_d1FWB-m1Ac-S3ZHjSZErlvtA_eVJZ3rJDBoT19qw5KQ7cWnrXlo8mc3mwvFDHCothkyYRwon-3h7rxnQ/s1600/P1060160.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501038242511346338" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3URZH1wcWWMZYjrrVp9EdCBleyUV7hnTktIBSAwhAry6PEk3lM3KXHmkli_d1FWB-m1Ac-S3ZHjSZErlvtA_eVJZ3rJDBoT19qw5KQ7cWnrXlo8mc3mwvFDHCothkyYRwon-3h7rxnQ/s320/P1060160.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Unfortunately, it was too early for the first run and we saw no fish the entire time we were down there. However, we did see the other thing the Russian is famous for - bears!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhVtg6BAXtfYLoSeUS37-ZFaHww-uJGIfbf-PdwAdj4c0Zbi6InG9qPoOSoatFF8Tp8ZOHVPReLKO6ZPlUj5aepAuCw4lQdw-Q4KRq7ZeHN0el25mJqscUL95WFDALX4_SIDLmAtaoQ8/s1600/P1060162.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501038246059934130" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 219px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhVtg6BAXtfYLoSeUS37-ZFaHww-uJGIfbf-PdwAdj4c0Zbi6InG9qPoOSoatFF8Tp8ZOHVPReLKO6ZPlUj5aepAuCw4lQdw-Q4KRq7ZeHN0el25mJqscUL95WFDALX4_SIDLmAtaoQ8/s320/P1060162.JPG" border="0" /></a>There were two cubs up in a tree and the mother was across the river fishing. We stopped to take a picture, but didn't stay long enough to attract the attention of the mother.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JSqJGtBw8468-YNK19pcfRYy7FLu4uwXJcv5w3dr0OTBPC3VcIQEGewyKTPx_nlsLFBtQfBQbzBr_BrLVlTP9eWxa2Tc6duSVup5OmcFy2MUr_vSCLig4FU3_pHdoKmlorRagIVU618/s1600/P1060171.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501038248851096738" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 206px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JSqJGtBw8468-YNK19pcfRYy7FLu4uwXJcv5w3dr0OTBPC3VcIQEGewyKTPx_nlsLFBtQfBQbzBr_BrLVlTP9eWxa2Tc6duSVup5OmcFy2MUr_vSCLig4FU3_pHdoKmlorRagIVU618/s320/P1060171.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Since there were no fish we left around lunch time to hike the Skilak Lookout Trail (#52).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3LIEzhyphenhyphenaWJ-maHxCe05ysMHu30dIRtoAzsIe6a1VVpcc52NSJX01vydBBe_SQmaineQOp5yh9Oha5A_ubGmPvlxu9Leo0iKiYb_rJ6FRye5LuWuvHdilxscYqT-hmJlaS9428TXQPAM/s1600/P1060177.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501038254637199074" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3LIEzhyphenhyphenaWJ-maHxCe05ysMHu30dIRtoAzsIe6a1VVpcc52NSJX01vydBBe_SQmaineQOp5yh9Oha5A_ubGmPvlxu9Leo0iKiYb_rJ6FRye5LuWuvHdilxscYqT-hmJlaS9428TXQPAM/s320/P1060177.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />It is a hike up one of the hill sides along the Skilak Lake (where we camped earlier this summer). The lake is 10 miles long and is very gorgeous. You can see the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenai_River">Kenai River </a>flowing into the lake on the left and a glacier flowing into the lake towards the back right. The Kenai River continues towards the ocean flowing out the other side of the lake.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMebjsblO0tJwYMHcU3cE0T8B2_g98wxT_4gwd-wyUa2vjdJZrwcfFdcWAwG20fDDm94TrI5N4mwCHMwOTHKcLzzJxIzUHUHImZuO_Jcy_mtgpucYfIQvV6OfxjPOadb_WHHq85L_G3dw/s1600/P1060184.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501038420825540626" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMebjsblO0tJwYMHcU3cE0T8B2_g98wxT_4gwd-wyUa2vjdJZrwcfFdcWAwG20fDDm94TrI5N4mwCHMwOTHKcLzzJxIzUHUHImZuO_Jcy_mtgpucYfIQvV6OfxjPOadb_WHHq85L_G3dw/s320/P1060184.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We had driven to the trail head with some of our friends and when we got back to their car it wouldn't start! Luckily a lady we had passed on the trail came out shortly after we did and offered to give us a ride. She was a Swiss police detective named Chantalle who was traveling Alaska by herself in an RV for a month. She gets lots of vacation time each year and has done similar trips to Australia, South Africa, and many other places. We repaid her by giving her a real American S'more (her first, and first marshmallow)! </div><br />The next day we drove to the towns of <a href="http://www.ci.kenai.ak.us/aboutkenai.html">Kenai</a> (#48) and <a href="http://visitsoldotna.com/chamber/">Soldotna</a> (#106). They are towns near the mouth of the Kenai River popular for fishing and hiking. We explored, saw a mother moose feeding her young, and more importantly got parts for their car!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQk8xJQRVyXFfyLBb42VeqVVrUfCk4ug1OsdhwTTAjnZ9RzCrgjU0GDXxOKi5Vr3KY5-XXHbf2GPIgjDDUCQl36In7xi_ruy-q07iLFr3U7yvnyrXP7ezF5rJPWGvX2Cj7-L0o-4C7wY/s1600/P1060197.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501038434825101330" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 231px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQk8xJQRVyXFfyLBb42VeqVVrUfCk4ug1OsdhwTTAjnZ9RzCrgjU0GDXxOKi5Vr3KY5-XXHbf2GPIgjDDUCQl36In7xi_ruy-q07iLFr3U7yvnyrXP7ezF5rJPWGvX2Cj7-L0o-4C7wY/s320/P1060197.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>After this long weekend we made the drive home and got ready for the next weekend's travels!<br /><br />Steven<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15999216494953854873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2668711578209408943.post-32908127059984125512010-06-23T18:04:00.012-08:002011-11-27T09:40:39.225-09:00Day at Sea in College FjordAfter a very scenic and beautiful day in Glacier Bay, we had another sea day cruising across Prince William Sound (#55 on the list) and going through College Fjord (new entry #105 on the list). In Norwegian, fjord means "mountains out of the ocean". It does look just like the mountains are coming straight out of the ocean. Not only are the mountains very scenic, but like Glacier Bay, College Fjord has lots of glaciers. Steven went out of the dining room during supper to get this shot, but look how gorgeous!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSSw3qbVuqdQrf4khGBsBukMVcZrzH4BkwtzmFLZWWYSrixGQFgWtfeVd469H9c5b_0AuWWSNsNuXrvHNwwNxGPxttOcTM5eW2JLTnu_uADoVmFNgFNrBSM5y_ak5U3KLmgmZTAFSQXQ/s1600/IMG_3815b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486161983059607138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 69px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSSw3qbVuqdQrf4khGBsBukMVcZrzH4BkwtzmFLZWWYSrixGQFgWtfeVd469H9c5b_0AuWWSNsNuXrvHNwwNxGPxttOcTM5eW2JLTnu_uADoVmFNgFNrBSM5y_ak5U3KLmgmZTAFSQXQ/s320/IMG_3815b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />While we were on the boat, we took a cooking class with the head chef on the Pinnacle Grill, which is the small and intimate upscale restaurant. It was a Spanish cooking class and the menu was chili-rubbed swordfish kabobs, shrimp, mango and jacama salad and chocolate flan. I helped with the kabobs and Steven helped with the flan. I had never heard of jacama, but it was a pretty tasty vegetable that they eat in many other countries, such as the Phillipines. It can be likened to a potato. Here is a picture of me with the kabobs before cooking them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93cAjLsmMDG96J8UGX9tpbw9cfx4Bxrmfnjn6VRaEjPeEu9nzfckldrH791JMg8_plgZ9aq8GA4FSaUF0v0dbnUoTSovfw-EWF3Yd5c-zsYT4c0c4xps1AmM9Ht2owaPyP-guV-czwgA/s1600/P1060158b.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486164128224391074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93cAjLsmMDG96J8UGX9tpbw9cfx4Bxrmfnjn6VRaEjPeEu9nzfckldrH791JMg8_plgZ9aq8GA4FSaUF0v0dbnUoTSovfw-EWF3Yd5c-zsYT4c0c4xps1AmM9Ht2owaPyP-guV-czwgA/s320/P1060158b.JPG" border="0" /></a>Steven was very proud of the chocolate flan. It was very good!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7Rq8ArIdw1ebohVQfDRt_29iCAEG68LpVtpCNg5z-UnXYrUS8X7enEFFRkTwkHDWxGkBdyKvR_FyU6bCmxU2PfmHPUZb0oNUpOamnt56JRtjV_ROefZwFKkAvCj4KwfvRqcfVpPbIg8/s1600/P1060156b.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486164744830408674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7Rq8ArIdw1ebohVQfDRt_29iCAEG68LpVtpCNg5z-UnXYrUS8X7enEFFRkTwkHDWxGkBdyKvR_FyU6bCmxU2PfmHPUZb0oNUpOamnt56JRtjV_ROefZwFKkAvCj4KwfvRqcfVpPbIg8/s320/P1060156b.JPG" border="0" /></a>After making the lunch, everyone who participated in the cooking class got to sit down for a lovely meal. I didn't really like the swordfish. It didn't taste like it was thoroughly cooked, although that is supposedly the way it is supposed to be. During the afternoon, Steven and I both went to the gym and then Steven went to play basketball with some other people on the ship. Dinner was a "formal" night so we got all dressed up.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh470_2Ap_DZpiBUfVllydhktOXDg1U24NzkYx8elFrxRTDCnncDVHF3tFktoJi5PZe8pYKmY-s8QkRv5K8rkDmkUtzwM7V_i3DVulJbTvvnypnE-pdq0EwlusjLSvLtU7rWG4RhU72a3o/s1600/P1060137C.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486166732936807874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 186px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh470_2Ap_DZpiBUfVllydhktOXDg1U24NzkYx8elFrxRTDCnncDVHF3tFktoJi5PZe8pYKmY-s8QkRv5K8rkDmkUtzwM7V_i3DVulJbTvvnypnE-pdq0EwlusjLSvLtU7rWG4RhU72a3o/s320/P1060137C.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />After supper, at 10pm, there was a Dessert Extravaganza. All of the pastry chefs worked very hard to make quite a spread of desserts that not only looked great, but tasted good as well. This is bread shaped like a dragon!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDdmjcekjAW2zS2x7yvnDTGavEblM3WoJvO_ZIqhdTS7_b-vXSlBa66yr_Ml6j3TaThCjm1XuPcH9RF23lII1vHQU9ci83uDl-5Bha5AlegGJmzTS6SHhHoKohXCTyTxYdqee03p5VUg/s1600/P1060140b.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486167674970718818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDdmjcekjAW2zS2x7yvnDTGavEblM3WoJvO_ZIqhdTS7_b-vXSlBa66yr_Ml6j3TaThCjm1XuPcH9RF23lII1vHQU9ci83uDl-5Bha5AlegGJmzTS6SHhHoKohXCTyTxYdqee03p5VUg/s320/P1060140b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhibe953BymPsQdZUVyl-4IplzfLYQw1iXvfvdGPL2J2pOGto0YHCgyQuAVY1oUukK1X2MQCvNILMPdEHdJpIqH_1mhLVj4qfMiV-I6eHH8TdA3WKEQqBLKO9rWeKCR2yVn6YA_g9vMStI/s1600/P1060146b.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486168058953401170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhibe953BymPsQdZUVyl-4IplzfLYQw1iXvfvdGPL2J2pOGto0YHCgyQuAVY1oUukK1X2MQCvNILMPdEHdJpIqH_1mhLVj4qfMiV-I6eHH8TdA3WKEQqBLKO9rWeKCR2yVn6YA_g9vMStI/s320/P1060146b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />RebekahUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0