Old Man Winter, Meet Stunner Summer

May 29, 2013

When I was in Anchorage just two weeks ago, it snowed. SNOWED. IN MAY.

Apparently, Anchorage set a record for its longest snow season on record. Well, I'm all for setting records and such, but SNOW? IN MAY? Gimme a break, Mother Nature.

Juneau weather, on the other hand, has been spectacular lately! Usually when our rain and snow gets to me, I escape north to Anchorage - where the weather is drier and I can get my fix on big city delights, like Nordstroms, Second Run, and Spenard Roadhouse. But this latest trip was different. Warmer climes were on the horizon for Southeast Alaska, so I was in a big hurry to get back to Juneau.

I'm staying optimistic. Summer is on her way. I just know it.

That white stuff?  Oh, that's just a little snow.  In May. — That white stuff? Oh, that's just a little snow. In May.

Snow accumulation in Anchorage on May 17.  Photo and caption courtesy of Sharon Kim. — Snow accumulation in Anchorage on May 17. Photo and caption courtesy of Sharon Kim.

Snow at Echo Cove (north of Juneau) on May 17, 2013.

And then there was summer in Southeast...

FACT: usually the 7 and the 2 are switched.

After work R&R with a sleeping bag, juice box, and sun, sun, SUN!

Hanging out with Mary at Sandy Beach on Douglas Island.

Our version of sunbathing includes sweaters, qiviut scarves, and glam shades.  We were almost blinded by the sun. — Our version of sunbathing includes sweaters, qiviut scarves, and glam shades. We were almost blinded by the sun.

You know it's the end of winter when the sunroof is open.

Glaciers + Wildlife Galore = EPIC Cruise with Adventure Bound Alaska!

May 28, 2013

Looking for adventure in Southeast Alaska? Get yourself on the Adventure Bound! Last weekend, I went on the adventure of a LIFETIME to the Tracy Arm Fjord. I saw some of the most amazing and breathtaking sites in not just Alaska, but the entire world! Since my words pale in comparison to the magnificence of this trip, I'll leave you with a quote from Adventure Bound Alaska's brochure:

"The inland sea is a jade green. Icebergs redefine the color blue. Deeper colors come with the rain and brilliance with the sun. Granite walls reach to the heights. Waterfalls spiral from above. The air is fresh with a chill from the last ice. Cruise along, watch for bears, mountain goats, and seals. Every turn reveals a new and awesome scene. At the end see the source of it all - the twin Sawyer Glaciers."

And since a picture is worth a thousand words, check out my photos and videos below - and get ready to be blown away!

After passing massive and ancient icebergs, there was a foraging bear...

Wonderful waterfalls were at every turn. I was a bit thirsty when we passed this gusher.

The South Sawyer Glacier welcomed us with countless icebergs strewn across open water.

Harbor seals haul out on the ice. The fjord is a sort of refuge for them - free from predators like killer whales.

Captain Steve shared with us a mischievous joke:

A seal goes into a bar. The Bartender says, "What'll it be?"

The seal replies, "Anything but Canadian Club on the rocks!"

Those little dark spots on the ice?  Those are seals. — Those little dark spots on the ice? Those are seals.

Seals are just dog mermaids.  Think about it. — Seals are just dog mermaids. Think about it.

When we weren't hearing the ice crack at the face of the glacier, we were listening to the song of beautiful Arctic Terns. These stunning seabirds have by far the longest regular migration by any known animal.

I can only sum up the taste of glacier ice as "salty." My next visitors to Juneau will be treated to a cocktail featuring this stuff.

The Sawyer Glacier is my favorite of the twin glaciers because it is more active and seems to produce more awe-inspiring calvings than the South Sawyer Glacier. I can't get enough of the blue.

While cruising back to Juneau, Captain Steve slowed down to allow us to view what they have endearingly termed "The Wall." For my rock climbing friends, this is your paradise.

The strength of water has impressively carved out the rock at the water line.

Southeast Alaska isn't just playground for commercial fishermen and eager tourists. It's a haven for celebrities, corporate bigwigs, and whoever is on THIS boat. FYI: this is the M/Y Harmony, currently for sale for $36,750,000. And no, I didn't mistype any of those zeros.

About an hour from Juneau, Captain Steve announced across the loudspeaker to look for sea lions on the starboard side. Little did we know there would be a gigantic humpback whale off the bow.

As if the wave of a whale's tail wasn't enough to close out the trip, seaplanes returning from the Taku Lodge flew overhead as we cruised down the Gastineau Channel. This was the icing on the cake for me as I've always wanted to be on the water when a seaplane was landing.

It was a perfect trip. Outstanding weather, terrific sights and sounds, all while experiencing the best of Alaska. What a blessing to have this masterpiece right in our backyard!

Glacier Flightsee Adventure with Era Helicopters

May 23, 2013

I can't imagine a better way to spend a sunny Juneau afternoon than by going for a helicopter flightseeing tour and landing atop a glacier. Today, with temperatures in the high 60s, I was blessed to fly with Era Helicopters on their Juneau Glacier Adventure tour. It was by far one of the best trips of my life!

Era's Juneau base is just down the road from my Douglas Island home, and I've been saying for years that I need to go on one of their once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Plus, the Taku Glacier (namesake for the infamous Taku winds that sweep through Juneau in the fall) isn't far from home either - only it's not accessible by car! So, today turned out to be a perfect day to play in the sun. On a glacier.

G is for Gallbladder

May 21, 2013

It's hard to believe that just three months ago today, I was undergoing emergency surgery in Anchorage. Long story short, I was traveling on business and developed unusual and intense abdomen pain. After I tried for hours to shrug off the pain, the hotel concierge sent me to the nearest emergency room at Providence Alaska Medical Center, the state's largest hospital. After a few blood tests and ultrasounds, doctors discovered my bile duct was blocked by a gallstone, and my gallbladder needed to come out - stat! After spending the night in the ER, I was transferred the next morning to another facility, Alaska Regional Hospital, and in to the Operating Room I went.

From the speedy diagnosis to the decision on surgery to the wheeling me back to the operating table, everything happened so quickly. My mind raced with countless thoughts and anxieties. Not only was I scared because of the unexpectedness of the situation, but I didn't feel like I had all my affairs in order - which for a woman who prides herself on organizing and strategizing, this worried me immensely.

But I hadn't reason to worry. I was surrounded by an outstanding support system of terrific friends and colleagues who jumped at the opportunity to help a friend in need. I was beyond blessed. My awesome friend, Sharon, was with me through the ups and downs, through the dizzying nausea when I came out of my anesthesia, through all my pain management. She spent the night with me, making sure I was comfortable and safe. In my narcotic-laden state of mind, I probably had numerous obnoxious conversations with Sharon about Grumpy Cat and Paula Deen and Krispy Kreme. Sharon, with her impeccable bedside manner, tolerated me with a smile, and for that I'm endlessly grateful.

Sharon cozies up to me and my (unused) bed pan.  I was about three sheets to the wind in this picture. — Sharon cozies up to me and my (unused) bed pan. I was about three sheets to the wind in this picture.

Photo taken by Sharon, my personal paparazzi and one heckuva friend/nurse.

Also present was my sassy friend, Jenn, who looked after me for quite awhile before I boarded the jet back to Juneau. Jenn has such a genuinely sweet spirit and infectious laughter. Plus, she is full of surprises. She waltzed into my hotel room with a gigantic DVD player and an array of movies - all to entertain me and keep my mind off the four fresh cuts in my belly. Oh, and she brought hyacinths and Angry Bird graham crackers. Need I say more?

Am I lucky or what?  I can't imagine better caretakers.  There were so many giggles amongst us, I'm surprised I didn't burst a stitch. — Am I lucky or what? I can't imagine better caretakers. There were so many giggles amongst us, I'm surprised I didn't burst a stitch.

As if all this personal attention didn't put a smile on my face, God knew just what I needed exactly when I needed it! My post-op stay was at the Sheraton in downtown Anchorage. The morning after the surgery, I was having a particularly rough time with pain. I glanced out my window and saw the Fur Rondy International Sled Dog Race happening just a few blocks away. We had an awesome bird's eye view of the festivities. And for those of you who know how OBSESSED I am with Alaska dog-sledding and the Iditarod, this was definitely a treat!

While en route to Juneau, I made the following "on the bright side..." list while 20,000 feet in the air:

1) At least this didn't happen last week in Naknek. Thanks be to God!

2) There's so much leftover iodine on my abdomen that it looks like I've spent a week in Mexico.

3) Who needs baked Brie, Costco hotdogs, and Spenard Roadhouse's 'Bacon of the Month' anyway?

4) The average gallbladder weighs about 14 ounces, so I'm thisclose to achieving my newest weight loss goal of 10 pounds by March 10!

5) Surgery has prompted sweet and hilarious messages from friends such as this: "I hope they let you keep your gallbladder so you could make Alaskan jewelry out of it."

Once back in Juneau, I was spoiled rotten by friends and loved ones. Plus, I had the best heating pad ever - my 20 pound lap cat, Sonny Bunny.

Looking back at the list above, three months later, makes me chuckle. My spirits are still high, I've reintroduced bacon into my diet, and even without the gallbladder, I'm full of gumption and more than ever - ready to take on the world, one day at a time!