Eaglecrest Has My Vote!

Juneau's Eaglecrest Ski Area is in the running for Powder Magazine's competition for the best ski town in North America.  Juneau is a pretty epic location, so please vote vote vote for Eaglecrest in the Ski Town Throwdown Finals! 

As of the last twenty four hours, Eaglecrest had 33" of new fresh snow at the summit.  As for the competition?  Crested Butte, Colorado, had ZERO snowfall in the last twenty four hours. 

You be the judge.  Juneau is Powder Paradise!

Below, just one of the many adrenaline pumping reasons to vote for Eaglecrest!

A Terrific Juneau Tradition

I love traditions, especially this time of year.  Big tinseled trees, bright lights, holiday cookies, and warm smiles - I can't get enough of the festivities of Christmas.

Since I'm relatively "new" to Alaska (compared to some of my Sourdough friends), I'm still discovering Alaska-styled holiday traditions.  One of my favorites so far has been getting a personal Christmas greeting from the Governor and First Lady during their annual Governor's Open House.  2013 marked my fourth year, and I have to say - I'm really enjoying this highlight on my calendar each December. 

The beauty of traditions is they can morph, but still largely stay the same.  As you can see from last year's photos, gingerbread houses and a warm and welcoming atmosphere are the norm for this annual Juneau tradition.  And I'm already looking forward to next year!

The Governor's House in downtown Juneau, Alaska.

From left to right: Lieutenant Governor Mead Treadwell, First Lady Sandy Parnell, Governor Sean Parnell, and me.

Catchin' Fish

Seafood is king at Seattle's Pike Place Market.  And I got up close and personal with plenty o' fish during a recent trip to Seattle, Washington. 

On my bucket list: catch fish at the market!  I'm not sure how I talked myself into getting chum salmon thrown at me, but once all the tourists were gathered, the pressure was on!  My fave quotes from that adventure were "Wash your hands, Honey" and "Oh my gosh, I'm gonna die."  Check out the video below for more laughs!

With Pike Place Market Fish Thrower, Taho Kakutani.

As if catching fish in Seattle wasn't enough, I had my fair share of delicious seafood.  Also on my bucket list was trying geoduck (pronounced "gooey duck"), a very unique looking (read: phallic shaped) saltwater clam.  The seafood sampling didn't stop there.  From cod to shrimp to salmon, I must say, Seattle has some outstanding seafood!

From Sushi Kappo Tamura: local geoduck tender with mustard greens and shemeji mushrooms sauteed in a sake soy butter sauce.

From Blueacre Seafood: ritzy line-caught ling cod with old bay aioli, buttered crumb, and whipped potatoes.

From Fuji Sushi: salmon and shrimp sushi feast.

Fashion, Alaska Style

Sealskin corsets, porcupine earrings, polar bear claw necklaces, ivory rings – you’re bound to see something out of the ordinary at the Alaska Federation of Natives Annual Convention.  And that’s why I love AFN.  It’s like a fashion show around every corner. 

Impeccable craftsmanship and luxe materials are synonymous with haute couture Parisian runways, and the same can be found right here in the Last Frontier, too.  I hope you enjoy a few snapshots of the Alaska Native wearable arts spotted at AFN 2013.

Jewelry

Beaded porcupine quill earrings made by my good friend, the very talented artist Keeley Kaveolook.  Check out ByKeeley Jewelry on Etsy.

Polar bear claw, ivory, and trade bead necklace.

Ivory and baleen ring - one of my big purchases this year.

Award-winning couture sealskin corset from Indigenous Princess.  Explore their website for plenty o' wearable eyecandy.

Metallic leather and claw spiked bracelet.

Pearl and claw dangles.

Fur Hats, Boots, and Fingerless Mittens

A gorgeous headdress during the Quyana performance.

Is it a beaver or an otter or a fox?  I'll never tell...

Seal, sea otter, and deer leather fingerless mittens from the outstanding artist Christy Ruby.

Kuspuks / Atigis

U.S. Senator Murkowski and I in our kuspuks.  Such a genuinely nice woman!

With U.S Senator Mark Begich.  I'm wearing a one-of-a-kind kuspuk made by my Momma.

Here's a tiny, sweet, and cozy parka.  I need one of these in my size!

With my gorgeous friend, Keeley, who made my porcupine earrings featured earlier in this blog.  Her stunning ensemble was made by her grandmother.