It's Ridiculously Hot In Alaska Right Now. So hot, in fact, I've been sweatin' like a sinner in church.
Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah, Alaska Style!
Talk about the sky being the limit! Alaska Zipline Adventures certainly knows how to pump up the adrenaline and make the spirit soar! Voted by National Geographic as the "Best Thrill" in Alaska, this zipline tour gave me the thrill of a lifetime and sent my heart aflutter - both literally and figuratively. I loved every second of it. Check out my videos and photos below, and visit Alaska Zipline Adventures to book your own breathtaking experience!
The Welcome Center is located at the Eaglecrest Ski Area on Douglas Island. Picture perfect location, if you ask me.
Suiting up.
Bird's eye view.
Catching my breath after crossing the suspension bridge.
Bear spotting!
Refreshments served in a carabiner cup.
I soooo wanted to take this cup home with me!
Several of the tree-top platforms were themed to give visitors a little insider knowledge about Alaska. This informational sign featured my favorite Alaska sport: dog sledding.
I was tempted to wear my stilettos, but alas - my Vibram FiveFingers were the footwear for the day.
Happy Hour in the trees.
Axe throwing time!
I barely hit the target.
I had the pleasure of being on the tour with a few fellow Southern Belles. They were easy to spot in their Alabama and Auburn shirts. Hearing their Southern drawls brought back fond memories of home - and prompted my own Southern slang to come back to the surface. Yeehaw!
Low Tide Critters
Today was one of the lowest tides of the year, a whopping -4.3 which occurred at 7:41 am this morning in Juneau. A few adventurous friends and I explored the inter-tidal zone, which was teeming with critters of all shapes, sizes, colors, and textures.
There are plenty of low-tide hot spots throughout Juneau, but for today we chose the area at Indian Cove. To get there, turn left on the first street (Otter Way) past the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal. Then drive all the way to the end of the street, and you'll see stairs leading down to the beach. Easily accessible and spectacular views - rain or shine!
An abandoned crab pot.
Photography buddies. Their gear is probably worth more than my car.
No wildlife were harmed in the making of this photo.
Three course meal: sea cucumber, starfish, and fish head. Yummo!
As I faced these rocks, I noticed they were towering above me. Hard to believe they're completely submerged during high tide.
Little treasures.
Sea cucumber.
Fragility.
Another lucky feather.
Chiton.
Photo courtesy of Becky Nelson.
Five and five.
Fresh bear scat.
With two lovely ladies, my good friends Becky and Kerry.
The Thunder Rolls in Juneau
Juneau experienced a rare - albeit thrilling - thunderstorm this afternoon, complete with an impressive lightning show. I've lived in Juneau since February 2009, and this was my first time hearing thunder and seeing lightning in Alaska. Needless to say, it brought back memories of Alabama and the torrential downpours that come right before a tornado. It goes without saying: I'm glad there are no tornadoes in these parts.
Taken by my trusty iPhone 4S.