July 25 – 27, 2014 We had been anxious to do another overnight trip on the boat, and this weekend seemed ideal. Calm seas were the priority, even though cloudy skies and rain were in the forecast. We caught the 2:30 tunnel to a very rainy Whittier, but the launch was flawless! By 3:30 we were motoring out of the harbor. It was very foggy, … Continue reading Boat Log 6
Sunday, July 13, 2014 Clark has several one-liners that he repeats ad nauseam. “Well, success is measured in many different ways…” is one of his favorites. He typically puffs up his chest and releases this phrase in one long exhale after an unsuccessful hunting or fishing excursion. I’ve heard this gem more than enough for this lifetime (no offense to his hunting or fishing prowess) … Continue reading Boat Log 5
We avoided the crowds and spent the 4th of July with friends at their family cabin on a lake. Sunscreen was mandatory on this incredibly warm weekend, with temperatures pushing 80 degrees. Usually I take our children back to Nebraska in the summer so they can enjoy outdoor swimming, but on days like this it’s actually possible right here in Alaska! The kids bounced between … Continue reading No Fireworks Necessary
Friday, June 20th 2014 This was the trip I dreamed about when we bought the boat – the chance to take out my family who was visiting from the Midwest. It would test the boat with 10 passengers, but we ran the numbers and came in under the maximum weight. Our friends Brandon and Keri were on the water this day as well, and we … Continue reading Boat Log 4
Saturday, June 14, 2014 The day was a bit overcast, so we didn’t make the decision to go boating until after breakfast. Dad and Mom were here for a visit and we wanted to get out so we decided to give it a try. We all packed our rain gear and crossed our fingers that we wouldn’t need it. We saw Cliff and his dog … Continue reading Boat Log 3
Here is the second entry from our boating journal. It is hard to type these without adding anything but photos, and especially difficult not to edit! Friday, June 6 2014 Our 2nd excursion included friends from out of state: Lori, Zach, Kalea (10) and Emi (7) were here from Boston, and we were thrilled to share the boat! We hit the 11:30 tunnel to Whittier. … Continue reading Boat Log 2
Well, we did it. After years of dreaming, we actually bought a boat. It’s a 24-foot 2003 Bayliner Ciera, pictured here in Prince William Sound on our Maiden Voyage: There are more sensible ways to spend money, but this will be a great way to unplug and explore as a family. We have a limited amount of time to pack in childhood memories with the … Continue reading Boat Log 1
Tomorrow Sam turns 10, so this is our last snapshot of his single digit years: I think he looks happy? We’re not messing up too terribly, right? He was still up reading at 11:53 pm, so I yanked him out of bed. It was only seven minutes until his birthday, and I needed to clutch him close and tell him that the past decade has … Continue reading Sam Bam
Last night I was so taken with the sunset over Turnagain Arm that I decided to snap a few pictures: I had no idea that I was also capturing a tragic moment. The Seward Highway, which parallels this beautiful inlet, has been named a National Scenic Byway because of its breathtaking beauty. Sadly, this highway is also known for deadly car crashes. As I was … Continue reading Sunset Tragedy
Lately I’ve spent a lot of time dangling out our living room window with a camera strapped around my neck. With views like this, it’s tough to resist! The sky is pink in the morning and orange at night. What a blessing to gain over 5 minutes of light each day right now, and watch the sunset travel across the horizon. Continue reading The View
Profoundly Ordinary 