This is Jennah finally sitting down to write my first blog post! June has surprised us with warm temps, blue skies and lots of lush greenery here in Alaska. I'm even succeeding in growing a small urban garden on my porch (which is a first). This month, according to many long-time Alaskans, has been the warmest June "ever"; I just keep hoping that this is the new norm for the next few years!
I recently took a trip to Hope, AK which is located across Turnagain Arm from Anchorage. It's about an hour and a half drive, but only an 11 minute flight! I had the opportunity to take my first flight seeing tour with friends in a small, "single engine" plane. The views were absolutely spectacular, and I now know what a "midnight sun" looks like with the fantastic sunset that lasted hours.
I enjoyed camping in Hope that night, and learned that the bear fear factor is much reduced when it never actually gets dark.
Nate recently returned from 2.5 weeks in the field, at an undisclosed location north of Talkeetna. He had perfect weather and enjoyed bush-whacking and surveying for various bird species, starting at 2 am every morning. He had views of Denali the entire week; other highlights included hiking near waterfalls, seeing bears and not getting eaten alive by mosquitoes (yet).
Speaking of mosquitoes, I've learned that even going for a short and simple bike ride requires gearing up for battle. Even a few miles from our house, I bring lots of bug spray, a bear bell, bear spray and of course my hyper-aware dog, Sanuk!This weekend, Nate and I took a short trip north of Anchorage to Hatcher Pass, and stayed in a cabin at Hatcher Pass Lodge. We were treated by spectacular views of clouds rolling over the mountains and into the valley below where Palmer lies.
We had the place practically to ourselves and enjoyed relaxing and then going for a short walk to Independence Mine. On our way home, we stopped at Gold Mint Trailhead for a short bike ride and scoped out skiing for next winter
