Just when life seems darkest, a rainbow of hope shines brightly in the Alaska sky.
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Becoming an Outdoors-Woman
It all began with learning how to hang a bear bag high up in the trees. Then came a yummy, yet valuable, lesson on mixing butter into a cup of hot chocolate to add crucial calories for survival.
Next thing I know, I’m camping in the wilds of Alaska. For the first time in my life. In bear country.
Last weekend, I became a woman of the wilderness when I participated in a three day program called Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW). At an "off the grid" location 40 miles north of Juneau, I developed new skills and tested my limits. Sans my iPhone's compass, I was surrounded by fresh air, campfires, and supportive new friends.
The weekend was an incredible experience that left me bright-eyed, refreshed, and ready to learn more. Thanks to this program and my new friends, my apprehensions are in check, and my self-esteem has blossomed. Thank you, BOW!
Juneau's First Cruise Ship of 2014
Summer in Juneau brings cruise ships and boatloads of tourists - and I love every minute of it! Our first cruise ship of 2014 came down the Gastineau Channel on Saturday, April 26. The 781 feet long M/S Volendam had a gorgeous sunny day and brought over one thousand tourists to town. Cruise ships (for me) signal longer days, beautiful foreign accents, and more fun moments in Alaska's Capital City.
Iinguak (Snow Goggles)
My sister-from-another-mister, Sharon, and I recently took an iinguak carving class at the University of Alaska Anchorage. "Iinguak" translates to "snow goggles" and they are traditionally used to prevent snow blindness. Not only functional, but many consider them to be a beautiful addition to Eskimo art.
Since moving to Alaska in 2009, I've been intrigued by these handmade eye-wares, but hadn't yet purchased a pair because I'm usually not in situations where I would encounter snow blindness. Little did I know I'd one day have the opportunity to hand-carve my own custom pair and that I'd be guided by Yupik artist/master carver James Afcan.
