North Of 60

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T18:17:00.001-07:00

Super Sable!

On the look out for trick-or-treaters.

Angela's Running Group

2010-09-27T23:07:00.000-07:00

We Jammin'

2010-09-08T18:40:00.000-07:00

2 out of 3 members of Hot & Awkward jammin with the new PA. Definitely taking it to a new level. New songs, new grooves :-)

Poundage!!!

2010-08-06T20:16:00.000-07:00

Here is a video clip from this years Delfest. My friend and band mate Matt "Crusher" Williams is singing his salmon fishing song "Poundage". Hot & Awkward may be playing a venue near you, keep an eye out.

Great News!

2010-07-27T16:59:00.000-07:00

Just received some really exciting news this last week. The high school that I completed my internship at had a biology teaching position open and they offered me the job. Of course I accepted, and am now officially a science teacher at Bartlett High School. Check out the website at BARTLETT.

Halibut!

2010-06-30T15:25:00.000-07:00

A work email from last week

2010-06-16T15:12:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder to be alert.

This morning, while my guests were on the TWT, I decided to get some exercise and hike Mt. Healy. I had only walked about a mile and was beginning the switch backs when I saw a black bear about 100 yards up the trail. I decided to turn around before the bear noticed me (or so I thought) and find another trail. About 30 seconds later I heard the bear running down the trail behind me. I turned around to see it bluff charging to about 5 feet from me. I began yelling “Hey Bear” and waving my hands, but the bear stood its ground. I walked backwards slowly and the bear followed. Pretty big for a black bear. I kept second guessing that it might be a darker grizzly, but no hump and completely black. The bear began moving closer than 5 feet towards me so I left the trail in hopes that it would just pass by. The bear followed me into the woods where we began to play a game a have named “chase Scott around the spruce tree a few times”. I got back on the trail and continued yelling and moving slowly backwards with the bear keeping a distance of 5 – 10 feet. After about 10 minutes I came across two other hikers who also helped yell at the bear and wave arms. Unbelievably, the bear followed all three of us all the way to the bus barn, and then walked off into the woods. This bear was not afraid of humans at all!

I reported the incident to the rangers who told me I was lucky. Most black bears do not follow people unless it is predatory. This is not an email to scare people off Mt. Healy trail, but I would give it a few weeks before going there or sending guests. Check and see if there have been more incidences at the visitor center.

I think if I had run it would have been a worse scenario. DON”T DO IT! Keep aware out there.

Scott

Finished!

2010-05-13T17:07:00.000-07:00

Well, finally done with the MAT Program and I now have a Masters of Teaching degree. I participated in the hooding ceremony, which I feel is a weird and solemn event. It has been a tough year with teaching internships and and classes. Good to be done.

Crazy Outfits

Heading Home

2010-04-15T14:18:00.000-07:00

Angela is on her way back from Japan. It is a 16 hour flight, but she lands about the same time and day that she left. Crazy!

Mt Fuji

Climbing Bird Ridge

2010-04-11T19:27:00.001-07:00

It is not spring until you climb Bird Point. Just a nice and strenuous climb from the Seward Hwy with beautiful views of Turnagain Arm. Still plenty of snow, strong cold wind, and temperatures just above freezing. When its springtime in Alaska .......

Derek Trucks at 13 years old

2010-03-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

Japan Pictures

2010-03-27T14:49:00.001-07:00

While I am in Akiachak, Angela is working in Tokyo, Japan. We don't get to talk much, it's like a twenty hour time difference or something. It is tomorrow there, that's all I know. She sent a few pictures and will hopefully have more shortly.

Mt Fuji in the distance

City Lights

Just another day on the Kuskokwim

2010-03-26T11:57:00.000-07:00

Just finishing up the first week in Akiachak. What a whirlwind. It is interesting how different the culture is here. Most of the residence practice a subsistence lifestyle (hunting moose, fishing, gathering ice for water, etc). I am not sure how well traditional education fits into this lifestyle. Most teachers that are from outside the village only last one year or less.
Despite the many problems, Akiachak is a great community. I can tell that the five hundred residence are connected like family. Very different than the disconnect that can be found in the neighborhoods of Anchorage, Atlanta, etc... The area is extremely flat, but there is natural beauty to be found. Just need to take a walk on the frozen Kuskokwim river.

Elementary Kids at recess

Typical house in Akiachak

Walking on the Kuskokwim River

Akiachak

2010-03-22T17:03:00.000-07:00

As the teaching program comes to an end, I have the good fortune to take part in a rural school visit. The majority of Alaskans live off the road system in what is known as the "bush". To understand education in Alaska, you have to leave the Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau areas and experience the rural lifestyle. I get to visit the village of Akiachak with fellow teacher interns Johnathan Rusch (Physical Education) and Jason Tan (Chinese Studies). This morning we flew from Anchorage to the West coast village of Bethel. From their we took a small plane to Akiachak. It promises to be an amazing experience.

The School In Akiachak

The Kuskokwim River from the air

Johnathan Rusch

Cy Two Elk

2010-03-12T11:09:00.000-08:00

My friend, Cy Two Elk, decided to record one of his originals, and invited me to play bass. Cy works on the North Slope of Alaska driving trucks on the ice roads around the oil rigs. He wrote a song, Me, these wheels, and the damn Ice Road, inspired by his experiences. Maybe a song for the Ice Road Truckers series? That would be great. it was an honor recording with him.

Cy Two Elk

At Mirror Studios

Spring Break?

2010-03-09T15:06:00.000-08:00

Well, after many years in Alaska, I still have not gotten used to blizzards during spring break. We accumulated about a foot today and the wind is blowing. No tropical vacation, but at least we got to watch the start of the Iditarod. Keep track of the mushers at http://www.iditarod.com/.

Scottish Team

Jeff King

Dee Dee

Mackey

Swimming & Fairbanks Friends

2010-03-03T20:47:00.000-08:00

This last weekend Angela competed in a swim meet. Some of Anchorages best competed, and Angela held her own. Maybe worlds swimming competition in Italy 2012?

Angela's friend, Kerry, visited from Fairbanks. Had a nice dinner with her and husband Bill. Good times.

The meet

Getting ready

Angela and Kerry

Valentines Kisses From Sable

2010-02-15T11:09:00.000-08:00

Wonderful Valentines weekend in Anchorage. Clear skies and warm weather. It almost felt hot climbing Near Peak on Saturday. Definitely warm for mid-February. Hope it cools off a bit for the start of Iditarod in a few weeks.

Super Bowl 2010!!!!!

2010-02-08T16:05:00.000-08:00

Winter Retreat

2010-01-31T21:11:00.000-08:00

This weekend we headed North to the small town of Talkeetna with James, Amanda, Cash, Amy, and Cillian. Sort of an "art" weekend, but mainly just relaxing. Absolutely beautiful weather (upper 20's) with clear skies. Known as a jumping off point for Denali expeditions, Talkeetna is often considered "a quaint drinking town with a climbing problem". It lives up to that reputation.

Moon setting over the Alaska Range at 9am

First light hits Denali

Angela and Amy painting with Denali in the background

Where have you been all my life?

2010-01-11T21:30:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I just feel behind the times. PanicStream.com, you got to be kidding me.

Here is the show Angela and I went to during our visit south.

http://panicstream.com/streams/wsp/2009_12_30/player.html

Enjoy

Ingredients for "Real" Kentucky

2010-01-07T07:59:00.000-08:00

1. An incredibly hospitable Hettinger family
2. One family built log cabin
3. A walk in Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
4. A birthday weekend
5. A musician and friend, named "Frank"
6. Dash of Bluegrass Parkway
7. "Organic Style" recordings
8. Songs like prayers

When I think of Kentucky...

Sisters (secret location)

Georgia

2010-01-05T12:53:00.000-08:00

Quick visit to Atlanta to see family and friends. We got to meet Bart's wonderful girlfriend Joya. Took a hike in North Georgia up Mt Yonah, ate lots of food, and had jams with friends.

Joya and Bart

Sandy, Scott, and Drew

Babies and Old Farts

2009-12-24T11:07:00.000-08:00

Angela with Mindy, Cash, and new baby Brooks

Dad, falling asleep while putting his shoes on. That was some nice punch he concocted.

Magic and Beach

2009-12-22T18:20:00.000-08:00

Angela's brother, Tony, was kind enough to give us great tickets to the Orlando Magic game. They were great seats. It was a close game against the Utah Jazz. Although Carlos Boozer of the Jazz is originally from Juneau Alaska, we had to root for the home team. The Magic won.

The next day, Angela's mom, Austin, and Maddi went to Cocoa Beach with us. It was a nice day walking along the beach, and a bit cool. Enjoyed watching the surfers and visiting thee Ron Jon Surf Shop. One of a kind.

Got to love the Santa style cheerleaders

Magic vs Jazz

Angela and Maddi

Life's a beach

Angela and Uncle Joe

2009-12-21T13:13:00.000-08:00

Yep, there is a palm tree behind them. We are in the great state of Florida. 60 degrees (cold for Floridians, but 60 degrees warmer than when we left Alaska). Nice to see Angela's family at a southern icon, the Cracker Barrel (they even fry the apples). Happy 62nd Birthday Joe. Time to retire.

Another Dumping

2009-12-16T21:03:00.000-08:00

More snow coming down today. Nearly 8" overall. Love the look of our spruce tree with fresh snow on it. The temperature is just about to dip this weekend. Fortunately we are headed to the sunshine state. Can't wait to see family and friends.

Here Comes The Snow

2009-11-27T19:51:00.000-08:00

Out hiking with Amy and Sable on Crow Pass Trail. Not sure how much snow we received this morning, but it was more than expected. Should have enough for ski trail grooming and maybe some snowboard action.

Amy, Angela, and Sabes

Palm Trees?

2009-11-23T22:50:00.000-08:00

Barrow AK, Palms made from whale baleen.

Wolverine Ridge

2009-10-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

Well, winter is creeping down the mountains. One more hike in the Chugach Mountains before we will need snow shoes or skis. The low sun beaming through the clouds made for some nice pictures. Sable loves her hikes.

Angela and Sable

Surreal Studios

2009-10-26T10:56:00.001-07:00

This weekend Amy Lou, Elise, and I tried our hand at recording in the studio. It was a fantastic experience, and felt a bit therapeutic after an incredibly hectic week in the teacher program. It was great recording with friends, because studio recording can be nerve racking. With Amy and Elise, it was easy going. We are not quite finished with the mixing and vocals, but hope to have some music for everyone soon.

Scott & Amy Lou

Elise on the violin

"Mix Master" Kurt

Typical Walk

2009-09-23T20:58:00.000-07:00

Just a glimpse into Sable's typical walk.

At the house

Down the street. Snow on the mountains!

Down the trail. I love fall.

Hanging out at Campbell Creek

Meadow by the trail

Fall Trip

2009-09-07T22:02:00.000-07:00

This weekend Angela and I went camping near Seward with some friends. It was a beautiful evening with clear skies and a full moon. It is getting near freezing in the early morning hours. Fall is upon us, but the days have still been warm. I climbed to the Harding Icefield which feeds most of the glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park. Oh yeah, Angela RAN 17 miles on the Lost Lake trail. Crazy.

Harding Icefield

Trapper Creek

2009-08-23T15:18:00.000-07:00

This weekend was the Trapper Creek Bluegrass Festival. An absolutely insane party with some very eclectic bands. Caleb, Matt, Jesse and I played Saturday afternoon in front of a fairly large crowd. The majority of the audience had not slept the night before, so it was a bit mellow, but loads of fun.

Crushing it!

Bluegrass Fest Breakfast

Teaching

2009-08-18T19:23:00.000-07:00

As many of you may know, I am in the midst of a Masters of Teaching program at the University of Alaska Anchorage. I have begun my teaching Internship at Central Middle School, and tomorrow is the students first day back. Quite an exciting experience. I have decided to post a Taylor Mali video. He is a middle school teacher and slam poet. I hope you enjoy.

Angela & Sable Are In The Paper

2009-08-11T22:42:00.000-07:00

http://www.adn.com/outdoors/story/894226.html

St Paul

2009-08-05T18:38:00.000-07:00

Last week Angela spent two days on St Paul Island, one of the Pribilof Islands in the middle of nowhere. She was doing some environmental sampling, but also got to do some sightseeing. The island is often called the Galapagos of the north.

Seals on the beach

Fur Seal

Sampling

Reindeer Herd in the mist

6 Mile Creek

2009-07-25T15:37:00.000-07:00

This Friday we took a rafting trip down the 6 Mile Creek near Hope. We paddled all three canyons. The third has some of the biggest rapids in the country. We got caught in a particularly rough rapid named Suck Hole. This hydraulic kept us for about two minutes. Water temperature about 38F. Incredible trip.

6 Mile Creek

Our boat

Class IV and V rapids

Getting caught in Suck Hole

Trying to get out

Still there

We made it!

Fishing Trips

2009-07-16T20:44:00.000-07:00

During 4th of July weekend Angela went on an all ladies Halibut, Rock Fish, and Ling Cod fishing trip. They chartered the boat out of Seward, and all caught their limit.
This week, Sable and I headed to Homer for some Halibut fishing. Nothing like a freezer full of fish.

Angela's crew

Homer

Halibut

Sunny Day At Denali National Park

2009-07-13T13:32:00.000-07:00

From Montana Creek Trail

Big Lake Triathlon

2009-06-28T22:55:00.000-07:00

Sunday was the Big Lake Triathlon near Wasilla, AK. It was a beautiful day for a race. Angela and many of her swim team friends competed. This race has an open water swim, thus the wetsuits. Alaska lakes never really warm up. She finished in the top of the pack.

Getting Ready

The Swim

Transition

On The Bike

Finishing Up

Glacier Landing

2009-06-23T21:51:00.000-07:00

This week I took a FAM (familiarization) glacier landing by helicopter trip. Cruise West sells this tour, so they wanted me to be familiar with it. I know, it is a hard job but somebody has to do it. We landed on the Yanert Glacier, just East of Denali National Park. The flight was beautiful and the glacier was awesome.

Sable's New Toy

2009-06-19T21:58:00.000-07:00

On Hiking 30 Miles

2009-05-29T11:47:00.000-07:00

Twenty miles is a solid day of hiking. You feel like you've bitten off a good chunk of trail. Anything beyond twenty is extra credit. Gravy.
Hiking twenty-five miles is purely a struggle of the will. A challenge for challenge's sake - bordering on dumb pride and misery. How far can I go? How long will my feet last? At what point will my ankles turn to dust?
Somewhere in the upper twenties, the mind and body seem to initiate a new process - a release of some kind that pulls the curtain back. The bones and joints pass over the edge of numbness - and, sometimes, they keep going. Pain dies and a new mark is set, ready to be toppled another day. By Jove, I can do more. I can walk on. The human body is delicate as a dandelion and as resilient as a miracle.

- A Road More or less Traveled
Otis & Roberts

Photos From Tour

2009-05-20T14:25:00.000-07:00

Recent beaver project, Horseshoe Lake, Denali

Mary Shields, Musher, Fairbanks

Pre-Season Denali National Park

2009-05-09T00:32:00.000-07:00

For those who do not already know, I am guiding tours between Anchorage, Denali, and Fairbanks this summer for Cruise West. We just opened our Denali National Park office this week and visited Jeff King's (Iditarod Champion) kennel. It is amazing how all of the hotels and gift shops open in a span of about five days. We look forward to a busy tour season.

Jeff King's dog yard

Mt McKinley

Remembering A Friend

2009-05-03T22:53:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, friends of the late Blake Reese went mountain climbing and had dinner at our house. It was a spectacular day with wonderful fellowship and music.

BVI Trip

2009-04-30T16:57:00.000-07:00

Some pictures of our trip.

Sunset, Marina Cay

Virgin Gorda

Sandy Cay

Dad, Soggy Dollar Bar

BVI Trip

2009-04-28T12:45:00.001-07:00

We just returned from a sailing trip to the British Virgin Islands. On the way, we stopped in Orlando to visit with friends and family. There was a lake party/BBQ on Saturday, and Madison rode her Florida Gators bike. Afterwards, we visited with Mindy, Randal, and Cash. It was a short visit. BVI pictures coming soon.

Go Gators!

Angela with nephew Austin

Mindy and Cash

Can you believe it. We flew thousands of miles to the BVI and our sailboat is owned by an Alaskan! Weird coincidence.

Spring Is In The Air

2009-04-05T22:47:00.000-07:00

A beautiful day on the trails along Turnagain Arm. The snow is melting and the sun is shining. It sure felt like spring, but another dumping of snow is always possible this time of year. Nice Birthday Weekend.

Food Bank of Alaska

2009-04-01T22:06:00.000-07:00

This evening the Trinity youth group visited the Food Bank of Alaska. We sorted caned food that will be shipped to hungry families throughout Alaska, from the islands of the Southeast to the Arctic Coast. The food bank loves our group, and we are scheduled to return next month.

Youth group volunteer, Tim.

Official Start

2009-03-10T15:15:00.000-07:00

We visited Big Lake with friends, Sarah and Chris. Got to try Snowmobiles for the first time in quite awhile. Then, we drove to Willow to watch the official start of the Iditarod. The racers are on their way to Nome, and can be tracked at http://www.iditarod.com/.

DeeDee Jonrowe with pink parka and dog harnesses

Ceremonial Start

2009-03-07T17:26:00.000-08:00

Iditarod weekend. Saturday is the ceremonial start in Anchorage. The true race begins on Sunday. Last year we watched the start downtown, but felt it was a bit crowded. The racers travel the trails near our house, so we decided to watch them from the trails this year. Tonight we are heading to Big Lake. We are watching the official start tomorrow.

Rick Swenson. 5 time Iditarod champion.

2009-02-22T00:51:00.000-08:00

Beautiful day hiking in the Chugach Mountains to the frozen Rabbit Lake.

Angela, Scott, and Sabes in front of Suicide Peak

Sunset

Snowshoes

2009-02-16T22:16:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we tried on snowshoes for the first time and went exploring. They took some getting used to, but the snowshoes allowed us to access some areas where the snow would be too deep for travel without them. Sable kept falling through the snow, but we stayed on top. Inexpensive fun thanks to the UAA student rental rates.

Photos of the Sabes

2009-02-08T22:04:00.000-08:00

New toy she found on the walk.

After

2009-01-28T22:31:00.000-08:00

Inspirational "Montana" Orange Music Room

Before

2009-01-20T22:58:00.001-08:00

Angela painting the baseboards and trim in the jam room.

Freeze

2009-01-12T22:48:00.000-08:00

At lunch today I took a walk through the downtown Anchorage park strip. There was an ice art display by the group Freeze Project, a month long celebration of Alaska and life in the North. Amy helped out with the "heads on sticks" work. Not quite sure the meaning behind these pieces, but it is very nice.

Beautiful ice wall (it is blue because of the refraction of sun light through the ice)

Heads

This is a Cadillac they froze in ice.

Enjoying The Sunshine

2009-01-07T22:24:00.000-08:00

With temperatures hovering right around 15 below zero in Alaska, I thought a few more pictures of our warm Christmas vacation would be nice. Here is a photo of the Elmore family at lake Allatoona. This is the folks new getaway just a few miles North of Atlanta. The lake has a very nice state park with hiking and biking trails.

Angela, Dad, and I took a long day Hike on the Appalachian Trail. We started at Indian Gap and hiked to the summit of Trey Mt. The mountain has some of the best panoramic views in Georgia. We sat on top for awhile enjoying the nearly 70 degree temperatures. Not at all bad for late December.

Allatoona

Trey Mountain

Old Friends

2009-01-05T21:54:00.000-08:00

During our trip to Atlanta, we got to meet up with some folks out on the town. Our good friend Sandy Sattler hosts an open mic each Monday at the Alley Bar in Marietta, Georgia. He is an incredible drummer, and was probably my biggest influence when I started playing bass. We were band mates in three different bands: Jive Monkey, 100’s Jam Band, and the Backwoods Blues Band.

Another Backwoods Blues member was at the Alley, Drew Hedden. Along with being one of my favorite guitar players to jam with, Drew was the friend that got me hooked on camping, hiking, and backpacking. We spent some time on the Appalachian Trail nearly 12 years ago.

So nice to see these guys.

Sandy

Alex Sattler (one cool dad)

Drew

Athens

2009-01-01T13:52:00.000-08:00

We took a trip to Athens, GA for a visit with our friends Michael, Nikki, and their daughter Sofia. Michael and Nikki have been our friends for many years, and we always have a blast when we get together. We decided to grill out and had all the major food groups: Steak, Chicken, Shrimp, and Scallops (and beer!). We hope to visit with them in Lake Tahoe this summer.

Beautiful Sofia

Before

After

Univeral Studios

2008-12-23T14:30:00.000-08:00

On Monday we spent the day at Univeral Studios and Island Of Adventure. I think we hit all of the good rides. Spiderman, Simpsons, The Twin Dragons, and The Mummy to name a few. Angela’s nephew, Austin, and I rode The Hulk two times. The ride has so many loops I lost count. Dr. Seuss Land was Angela’s favorite. He was such a creative person, and with a “green” heart.

THE HULK!!!!

Seuss Land

Boat Parade

2008-12-22T18:36:00.000-08:00

Where else can you find a Christmas boat parade? Angela’s Brother and Nephew decorated their boat for the big event. There were about 100 boats decorated with lights circling Lake Conway on Sunday night. Parties abound at each house along the shore watching the parade. We got the insider view riding on the DiBerardino boat.

Austin, Becky, Tony, and Maddi

The Viking Ship

The Florida Keys

Home For The Holidays

2008-12-21T13:41:00.000-08:00

It has been almost five years since we spent Christmas with family. Way too long.

On Friday we flew to Orlando without any problems. 15 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit in 24 hours, and just a bit of jetlag. We had dinner with Mindy, Randal, and Cash on Saturday night. Mindy said “It is nice to have a friend that can be away for a year and pick right back up where you left off”. I agree. Thousands of miles is no barrier for true friendship

The beautiful Gilbert family

Mindy, Angela, and Cash

On Saturday afternoon we took a boat ride down the St. Johns River. Such a beautiful day, and a lot of wildlife out. We visited Blue Springs State park where we were fortunate to see some Manatee. These endangered mammals migrate from the ocean to the Florida springs each winter. They are strictly protected and are the focus of many environmental groups. Also known as “Cows of the Sea”.

Florida Gator

Manatee

Swim Meet and Gigs

2008-12-14T13:27:00.000-08:00

Eventful week full of music and sports. On Thursday night Sky Gathering had their first full length gig. It was at the Tap Root cafe, Anchorage's best organic bar and grill. The sound was great, and we had very few mistakes.

On Saturday Angela had a swim meet. For those who don't know, Angela swims with the Alaska Masters program. Surprisingly there are some fierce competitors in Alaska's swimming community, and Angela is one of them.

Crazy Sabes Strikes Again!

2008-12-08T21:13:00.000-08:00

Cross-Country Skiing

2008-11-17T19:39:00.000-08:00

First ski for winter 08/09. Nice snow conditions at power line trail, in the mountains east of Anchorage. Part of a large system of trails through the Chugach Mountains. Only about fifteen minute drive from our house, so pretty convenient. Hope more snow falls soon.

CSA Box

2008-11-10T20:33:00.000-08:00

We have recently started purchasing Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes from Glacier Valley Farms in Alaska. They are weekly produce boxes that contain fresh, and often organic, vegetables. You don't get a choice of what veggies come (it is pretty much whatever is growing in the North West), so we are learning new recipes each week. Last Wednesday's box had celery, sweet potatoes, onions, organic grapefruit, organic apples, and much more. Some of the best apples we have ever had.

Fun Times

2008-10-26T21:11:00.000-07:00

Another great weekend. Angela's boss, Kelly, had the chemistry department over for a bonfire and cookout. We got to try some Moose from his last hunting trip. On Saturday we were invited to Amy's PB party. All food had to have Peanut Butter incorporated in it. Angela made some spicy peanut Thai spring rolls. On Sunday, Elise got everyone tickets to the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra. It was a great show mixing Alaska Native and Hawaii Native music and dance. Lots of fun.

From the Balcony

Another Bioneers Photo

Sky Gathering

2008-10-20T20:03:00.001-07:00

What a full weekend. Our good friend and Sky Gathering bandmate, Amy, volunteered for the Alaska Bioneers Conference. She coordinated other volunteers at the convention, and in doing so was able to get Sky Gathering the opening act for Saturdays activities. It was wonderful to perform at the University of Alaska auditorium, and although we were nervous, the music was well received.
The rest of the conference was inspiring and educational. Angela and I learned a lot about local farms that offer fresh produce year round (even winter). There was a big emphasis on "buying local" and supporting the Alaskan farmers. Other seminars focused on homeowner energy conservation, extremely important for Alaskans with energy prices on the rise. Lots of great information and lots of great people.

Scott (Bass) Amy (Guitar/Vocals) Elise (Violin)

Tuesday Night Race

2008-10-14T23:30:00.001-07:00

The Anchorage Tuesday Night Race Series begins in September, and continues through October. At only 4K-6K, they are popular races for recreational runners. As you can see, the races are getting a bit snowy. The trails will be used for skiing in a few weeks, but there are 2 running races left. I find that your hands feel frost bitten only the first mile, then you warm up.

Finish line at Bartlet High School
(I think the bright spot is a snowflake lit by the flash)

Iditarod Premier

2008-10-13T23:30:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to check out the new Iditarod special on the Discovery Channel.
10PM Eastern and Pacific, October 14th. http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/iditarod/iditarod.html.

Last years cerimonial start in Anchorage

Nice Hat

Winter Already?

2008-10-05T18:41:00.000-07:00

First snow of fall 2008. It probably won't stick around, but it shouldn't be long before more falls. Last year we didn't get a good base of snow until well after Halloween. Quite a few of the November ski races were postponed or cancelled. I have a feeling this year will be different. We'll see.

The last of the flowers in our front garden.

Hope

2008-09-28T22:07:00.001-07:00

This weekend we took a camping trip to Hope, AK. The small historic mining town is just across the inlet from Anchorage, but with no ferry service it is almost a two hour drive around the water. It was a beautiful fall weekend, and the temperature stayed above freezing. Fresh snow is showing up on the mountain tops. Winter is just around the corner. This may be the last camping trip for the year, unless we get better sleeping bags :-)

Angela and Sable on old bridge in Hope

River running along Resurrection Pass Trail

Beach along Turnagain Arm. View from Gull Rock trail

Sable's First Blog Appearance

2008-09-18T21:50:00.000-07:00

What?! Sable hasn't been in our blog yet?! It's about time.
We also have been told that we need to post pictures of our house. This is Sable in front of the bay window in our upstairs den. Angela keeps the plants alive all winter.

Friendship

2008-08-31T22:36:00.000-07:00

Our good friend Amy just got back in Alaska after a year at Harvard University, where she earned her masters degree. Elise and Amy came over for dinner and music. Elise is a violinist with the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra, and Amy is a wonderful singer, song writer, and guitarist. We hope to have some recordings to share soon.

Elise, Angela, and Amy

Twenty Mile and Brooks

2008-08-26T22:40:00.000-07:00

Last week was a busy one. Angela's boss, Kelly, invited us to go fishing on the Twenty Mile River. This is an incredibly scenic river about 1 hour south of Anchorage. The fishing was slow, but the weather was beautiful.

Angela with colleagues on the boat

Carmen Lake, Headwaters of the Twenty Mile River

Reflections

I was sent to another lodge last week. This time it was to Brooks Lodge, known for a large amount of bear activity. A coworker and I stayed overnight at the lodge, so had two days to explore the area.

Ted the bear

Fireweed

At Brooks Lake

Riversong Lodge

2008-08-14T18:34:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday the company sent me out to the Riversong Lodge. It is a remote fishing lodge located about 70 miles Northwest from Anchorage, and only accessible by float plane. The lodge and float plane owners were hosting an evening on the river for tour operators, complete with cocktails and hors d'oeuvre. Truly a beautiful lodge.

View of Sleeping Lady during the flight out

Lodge from the river

Silver and Pink Salmon.

Sunny Day On Bird Ridge

2008-08-08T22:54:00.000-07:00

View Across Turnagain Arm

View of the Chugach Mountains

Gardening and Instruments

2008-08-02T17:48:00.000-07:00

Summer Time!

Scott's new toy. After five years of not having one, I had to get a new Bass.
It's like riding a bicycle.

Changing Seasons

2008-07-18T21:11:00.000-07:00

Two seasons at Campbell Creek

February 2008

July 2008

Alaska Inside Passage Cruise

2008-07-14T22:48:00.000-07:00

Photos from our fantastic Celebrity cruise with Angela's Parents

Scott and Angela in front of Hubbard Glacier

Bear in Juneau

Waterfall at Mendenhall

Lynette and Tony at Mendenall Glacier