The kids and I, sans Dad, joined a friend and her children for a day in Seward. I thought of calling it off because it looked as though we might finally have sun that lasted past 7 o'clock in the morning in the Anchorage bowl whilst the weather in Seward was forecasting as most likely... Continue Reading →
Sauntering Towards Hope
While browsing through last summer's backpacking photos, I lit upon the first trip we took—along Resurrection Trail towards the town of Hope, and all that greenery and sunshine got me thinking about the season and why I'm looking at summers past. The ice is mostly melted in our south-facing yard, and yesterday's snow is running... Continue Reading →
Swift and Silent: Iditarod Time
If you have not been able to see the beginning of the Iditarod, you should put it on a bucket, or a list, or both. Like any race, there is excitement, anticipation, prayers barring injury and a general communal pride among the spectators. I have been watching my children play outside for the past few... Continue Reading →
The Work of Becoming
Generally after a long, exhausting trip, while airing out drenched tents or washing sand out of every pocket and cuff, I ask myself one or all of the following questions: Why should I adventure with my kids? Why expend all this effort and time to get children out into the world? Is it worth taking... Continue Reading →
Hike! (Mush!)
When the temperatures start to plummet from the feverish summer highs of 60°F to the winter average of 23°, our kids start to whine. The clothing is too bulky, hands are too cold, and very soon it comes down to the ultimate complaint: "We don't want to go outside!" With the snowdream of happy kids,... Continue Reading →
Bike v. Skis: Eagle River, Alaska
One afternoon we decided to take advantage of my husband's day off and take a quick ski on the frozen river that is our town's namesake. As we were loading up, he impulsively decided to throw the new (old) bike in and 'maybe give it a try'. Which quickly transformed our peaceful river ski... Continue Reading →
Shades of Blue: Eklutna Lake
While we often plan for exciting excursions, many of our exploits occur spontaneously because we are responding to the chances nature offers up. On New Year's Day this year, a lake near our home had an incredible thawing and freezing cycle create 11 miles of smooth-as-glass ice--a true potential playground (if discovered). Eureka! What a... Continue Reading →
Autumn Descends to the Valley Floor
We went for a walk in the hills to discover blueberries and found them by their red, red leaves. Arctic Valley is well-known for its berry feast. The hike to the end of the saddle elicits incredible views. We didn't venture so far as we were waylaid by the berries. When you wait until the... Continue Reading →
Unexpected Adventure
I've been mulling the meaning of 'adventure' lately due to this post over at travelbabbo.com. Google tells me that it descends from latin roots meaning 'to come, arrive' initially. I like that because when we start out down a wooded path and then come out of the trees, arriving at our destination, the possibilities seem... Continue Reading →
Nancy Lake Cabin
When a good friend came for a visit and offered to rent a cabin at Nancy Lake Recreation Area, we excitedly agreed. Fall and winter cabin stays are the best. Warm clothes, freezing air, clear days, hot chocolate, toasty fires and cold mornings with only the embers left smoldering. We decided it wasn't a lake... Continue Reading →