Heat Wave in Juneau!

May 11, 2013

Last week, there was a heat wave in Juneau. And by heat wave, I mean it was sunny for more than a few days in a row AND temperatures were in the mid-60s. It was downright BALMY - and a perfect reminder of why we live here.

Switch the 6 and the 3, and that's a more common temperature you'll see in Alaska.  I ain't complaining! — Switch the 6 and the 3, and that's a more common temperature you'll see in Alaska. I ain't complaining!

I awoke one morning to find Sonny Bunny lounging in the sun.  Yes, my hardwoods really are that clean. — I awoke one morning to find Sonny Bunny lounging in the sun. Yes, my hardwoods really are that clean.

Bluebird skies = perfect flying weather!

The sun compelled me to construct a small cairn on the beach on Douglas Island.

A lovely after-work hike, followed by a nap in the sun.

Great evening view of the float planes while on a hike at the Juneau Airport Dike Trail.

First Cruise Ship of the 2013 Season

May 2, 2013

Today was the start of the 2013 Cruise Ship Season in Juneau! Our first ship in port was the Carnival Miracle - a whopping 963 feet in length with a capacity for 2,124 passengers. Needless to say, it's a beast of a ship, and you can see it all the way down the Gastineau Channel when it makes its way into port.

Today's weather was typical for Juneau - and very unfortunate for our eager beaver tourists. It seems like it's been raining for weeks. We're in May already, and it's hard to believe it stopped snowing just three days ago.

I have lots of friends who poke fun when tourists have to experience our bad weather, saying that at least visitors will get the "real picture" of Southeast Alaska. But I wish our tourists could witness our rare bluebird days and our sunny moments - those times we locals know and love. Not only is great weather good for boosting the local economy, it's good for the soul. But for now, our warm hospitality will have to be the trade off.

From far away, the cruise ship looks more like a massive building than a seafaring vessel.

The umbrellas were out in full force today.

View of the stern of the Carnival Miracle.

IDITAROD WEEK: Snowmachine Trip to Safety Checkpoint

April 11, 2013

The last checkpoint on the Iditarod Trail before the Finish Line in Nome is Safety. During my Iditarod week-long vacation, some friends and I decided to load up the snowmachines and make the 22 mile trek to Safety.

It was a sunny blue sky day with temperatures hovering above zero. It didn't seem that cold. I mean, Nome was definitely colder than Alabama, but certainly not as cold as, say, Antarctica. Or so I thought. Once we got going on the snowmachines and were driving 40 mph against the wind, I realized I had never been so cold in my life.

I thought I was prepared for the elements. I was wearing silk base layer pants and shirt, fleece bodysuit, two sweaters, yoga pants, snow pants, two pairs of knee-high wool socks, Sorel snow boots, down parka, windbreaker, balaclava head covering, snowmachine helmet, Etip gloves, mountaineering mitts with handwarmer packets, and my qiviut nachaq. Y'all, to say it was not enough is an understatement. When we made it to Cape Nome, the wind was blowing 30 mph - and it was beyond unbearable. At this point, I started wondering if I would make it all the way to Safety - or if I would ever be warm again.

Along the trail, we passed dog team after dog team, all on their way to Nome. My crew and I pulled over each time to shoot videos and photos. After all, it's not everyday you have the opportunity to cheer on Iditarod teams while they're on the last leg of the Last Great Race on Earth.

At one moment, I jumped off the snowmachine and positioned myself to get a shot of a visibly exhausted musher before his team led him out of frame. In my frenzy to shoot an epic video, I removed my glove to better angle my camera. I mean, who has time for pesky gloves when you're busy capturing the moment of man vs. nature? Within seconds, my hand turned red, and my skin was starting to freeze before my very eyes. I'll never pull a stunt like that again. But I think the video below was a good tradeoff.

All smiles as we prep for the expedition.

Taking a short break on the frozen Bering Sea.

My crew and I were so eager - downright desperate actually - for the special warmth and hospitality found only at the Safety Roadhouse. The building was packed with checkpoint gear, happy fans, convos around the woodstove, and charming bathroom signs like "Go Make Yellow Snow."

The trip to Safety was by far the best experience of my entire Iditarod vacation and one of the more memorable moments of my life. I'd do it all again in a heartbeat - even with the frost nipped hands and nose.

The Safety Roadhouse also doubles at the Safety Checkpoint, last stop on the Iditarod Trail before Nome.

2012 in Review: Alaska Adventures Galore - PART ONE!

March 2, 2013

It’s already the third month of a new year, but I find myself still writing 2012 on letters, checks, and postcards. Perhaps it’s because I’ve just been too busy to notice that little detail. Or maybe – just maybe – I’m still recovering from all the whirl-wind adventures of 2012.

At the start of last year, I made the steadfast resolution to make the most of Alaska. For me, this meant meeting new people, learning new things, deepening my relationship with myself and God, and attempting a new adventure each day.

2012 was the year to discover that Alaska is both a fairly SMALL state and also a BIG state. We all know Alaska is HUGE (bigger than Texas), so there's countless adventures in every nook and cranny of the state. And Alaska's small because it's actually easy to get involved in the community and acclimated to the culture. Making friends up here is a breeze as long as you keep an open mind and show folks just how excited you are about living and playing in the Last Frontier.

Close friendships with real Alaskans can make all the difference in whether or not you love living here. In fact, my love affair with Alaska has been spectacular first and foremost because of all the terrific people I have met. So to the folks who made 2012 so awesome, here's a big THANK YOU for impacting my life, in more ways than one.

Here is a recap of the top adventures, fun introductions, and all around take-your-breath-away moments of my 2012. Because there were so many spectacular experiences, I am sectioning this recap into two parts. This blog is a synopsis of January - June 2012. Enjoy!