Juneau's Fourth of July Festivities

The Fourth of July in Juneau is a BIG DEAL.  There are so many events taking place throughout the community that it's difficult to choose how to maximize your time.  I opted to start my morning with a pancake feed hosted by the downtown fire department, then I strolled over to Egan Drive for my first time watching the Juneau parade. 

In years past, I've only gone to the parade near my home on Douglas Island, so the downtown Juneau parade was a real treat.  I wrapped up the morning with a hot dog fest at my church, Resurrection Lutheran.  After traffic subsided, I mosied back over to the island for the Douglas parade, a real slice of small-town Alaska.

The Fire Department's Pancake Feed was terrific, with 50% of proceeds benefiting the families of the fallen firefighters from Prescott, Arizona.

The sun and blue skies finally peeked through the clouds.  Such a blessing there was no rain on the parade!

The hot dog fest at my church was very well attended.  It was a nice tribute to one of the church's members, Bill Johnson, who passed away recently.   

With Pastor Sue.  She's a gem! 

Fourth of July, Small-Town Alaska Style

There's a whole slew of Fourth of July events in Juneau each year.  But none are as unique and Alaskan as the parade on Douglas Island.  Check out my photos, and don't miss the video below - the kiddo's expression at minute 2:18 is PRICELESS!

To get to the parade on Douglas Island, one must first drive across the Juneau-Douglas bridge.  OR you can run across it, like these fellas. 

With Parade Grand Marshal, Jeff Brown.  He's a legend!

The view toward "downtown" Douglas.

Cozying up to my friend, Kathy, who's wearing the beautiful kuspuk my mother made especially for her.  She looks amazing!

Photo of me strolling after the parade, courtesy of my good friend, Kerry Howard. 

Steaks before the hot grill.  Yummo!

I was craving The South - so I made an apple crumb cobbler.  And by "made," I mean I opened a cardboard box and popped this in the oven.  It was awesome. 

A deliciously sweet ending to a tremendously awesome day, celebrating our nation's independence.  MERICA!

Boy Scout Beach

With the endless opportunities for adventure in Alaska, I haven't had much time to take advantage of the well-used trails throughout Juneau. After my recent jaunt on a well-kept trail to Boy Scout Beach, I'm realizing I need to do a bit more exploring of my Juneau backyard.

The Boy Scout Beach is aptly named for the nearby Boy Scout Camp.  You can access the trailhead by taking 25 mile Glacier Highway, to the left just before Herbert River.  The 1.5 mile trail is easy, with loads of shady areas, as well as plenty of direct sunlight (when it's actually sunny in Juneau).  And - in the summer - there are countless wildflowers blanketing the meadows.  The word 'picturesque' doesn't even begin to describe this spot.

All in all, the Boy Scout Beach is a must-see - a terrific place to lounge in the sun, smell the flowers, and appreciate God's handiwork. 

Skunk cabbage.  When this sprouts in the spring, you know the bears are on their way outta hibernation. 

A field of skunk cabbage.  Surprisingly, this area does not smell like skunk. 

Clearly, I am still fascinated by bear poop.

Something I've yet to see in Alabama: bear feces.  Yes, it has a green tinge.  He might have eaten a Leprechaun.

A carpet of moss along the towering rocks.  I was tempted to curl up and take a nap.

Devil's Club.  Self-explanatory.  Don't touch this stuff.

I enjoy transparency.

Clumps of moss, high up in the trees. 

I wasn't lacking in fiber after this impromptu nosh. 

Serenity.

Always exciting to run into the Guvnah and First Lady.  Such nice people.

A forest of fiddleheads.

Portrait of a fiddlehead.

Flora and fauna. 

Lupine. 

Keeping the balance.

Sandy spot. 

This so reminds me of the white beaches of Alabama. 

The perfect spot to stop off after a long hike in the sun.  The Hot Bite attracts tourists and locals alike. 

I dunno about you, but I can't stand dogs smoking. 

Reese's Peanut Butter Milkshake.  Best treat ever.  For good reason, the Hot Bite is known for their burgers and decadent milkshakes.

I can't imagine a better way to close out an afternoon of fun than spotting a faint rainbow in the sky.  Such a blessing from above. 

Life Begins at 30

It's hard to believe I turned 30 three months ago.  Feeling eternally young, I never thought that day would come.  But that day came - and went - and my 30th year has been spectacular so far!  

Robert Frost said, "Time and Tide wait for no man, but time always stands still for a woman of thirty."  I couldn't agree more.

Here's to 30 and thriving! 

Balloons, coffee, and cards at my office.  A wonderful way to start the day. 

An array of goodies on the bar.

Deconstructed avocado and bacon wrapped scallops.  Ah-mazing!

Baked Brie en Croute.

Becky's Famous Rum Cake + Häagen-Dazs + Chai Cream Liqueur = decadence

With my sweet neighbor, Mary.

With my bestie, Mary.  Love this lady!

Battle of the Sexes!  We ladies won - of course!

Sonny Bunny tolerates my embrace.