View from a Blueberry

I'm not the greatest hiker, mostly because I'm not fit. But also because I lack what I call the "goat gene" which makes it so Greg can clamber up and down steep slopes and loose skree without killing himself... and I'm just lucky to crawl along it all and not break my neck. That doesn't mean I don't enjoy hiking - I do. I just don't do it very often. But there's a trail that's close and well kept - Blueberry Loop. I'm going to see how often I can do it this summer as part of my Tortur... ahem, I mean Exercise Regime.

Moose on the side of the road

Auntie-ness

On Friday, May 30th at 3:51pm, I became an auntie... Wahoo!! Little Amy Marideyza Plagge officially joined our clan.

Mom went down to Arizona, braving the heat to help out and meet her first grandbaby. Finally!! I get grandma bragging rights! (At least, I'm sure that's what she was thinking...)

For any who like to look at someone else's family's baby pictures, you can check out Baby Amy on my brother's site.

Congrats Aaron & Mari!! =) And keep posting pictures so I get to watch my niece's progress from way up North...

Wii Fit - I've got to get one!!

We've had a Wii for a while now, and enjoyed playing the games. Last Sunday, we were visiting with friends who've got the Wii Fit - an addition that you stand on. It weighs you and you participate in activities that are supposed to help with balance and fitness. There are some aerobics, balance exercises, strength training, and even yoga. Greg is definitely more fit than I am - and will probably get the highest scores for almost all of the activities. I'm hoping I have a chance at the hoola-hoop...

Run for Women

I participated in the Alaska Run for Women again this year. It's an annual event to help raise money for a cure for breast cancer. Turnout was a little lower than in previous years - but still quite a crowd. I think part of that had to do with the weather - it was drizzling mostly, but we walked through a downpour at one point...

There were approximately 4500 participants - runners and walkers, timed and untimed. It's inspiring to see so many people (mostly women) gathered together in support of a cause. Many were there as supporters of people they know that have conquered (me) or succumbed, in addition to the many, many women that are surviving the condition.

Along the route, there were also all kinds of supporters that weren't walking or running. There was a pianist, a scottish band, folks on a balcony with a sign saying "Thanks for walking!", and loads of people just cheering us on.

Lots of people created costumes. My favorite was one of the few participating men. He was dressed all in pink (including painting his shaved head and pink knee socks with white polka dots), and his shirt said "I'm here for the boobs". I heard that he told his office he'd dress all in pink if they raised $1000 for the cause...

photo submitted to ADN by Jamie Kennedy

I was participating in part for the exercise - it's a five mile course - but each step was in support of Aunt Carol, a survivor. Way to go, Auntie!!

Walk to Whittier

We recently had the chance to participate in the 7th annual Walk to Whittier. It's a 2.5 mile one lane tunnel through a mountain. Officials shut down all the traffic for a specified period of time so walkers can go through. We started the day by heading out to the Portage Glacier visitor center - a nice little drive on it's own.

At the visitor's center

There was a short presentation on the history of the tunnel, then we were bused to the entrance. We learned that the tunnel was built in the 1940's, and this is the longest multi-use (rail & car) tunnel in North America. In the recent past, they worked on the tunnel to add the car lane - and when they did, they added some safety measures. Like the huge fans that push air if they need it, and the safe houses that are stocked with water, blankets, and a restroom. Very fascinating information, and it made the walk even more interesting. At the tunnel entrance, we had to don helmets - no one was allowed to walk without one.

Getting ready to walk

Scenery

The tunnel is approximately 2.5 miles long. It's sloped slightly upward for about 1/3 of the distance, then slightly downward - to facilitate drainage. The slope is gradual enough that I didn't notice it much at all. Of course, initially my shin splints acted up - but that could have been just from the walking, and not at all from the slope.

Entering the tunnel

They opened one of the safe houses so people could take a look - and use the restroom. They are rather sparse, but I suppose in an emergency situation it'd be great. It was funny to hear the loud speaker message: Please return to your vehicle... There are signs to evacuate to safe houses only when strobes are flashing. No flashing strobes and an open door apparently leads to canned warnings. The pullouts at the safe houses are electronically monitored - when the line is crossed an alert goes to the camera station so they can send out whatever assistance is needed. This includes towing for broken down vehicles, and even help for fixing flats. Since the tunnel is only one lane, they need to get vehicles out so they can switch direction, or clear everything to let the trains through.

Safe House #6

We finally made it through the tunnel - and got a great present: sun in Whittier. It's a rare occurrence. The only other time I've been here, it was grey and rainy. Some friends went last summer, and it was grey and rainy. We were very happy to get some great sun while we were there.

Arrival in Whittier

We spent a bit of time in town - long enough to eat at one of the local shops and do a little souvenir shopping. Then we were bused back to the Portage visitor center. Whew! Only walked one way - and cars were already lined up waiting to go through the tunnel. This was a fun day, and I think we'll be walking again next year...

Gorgeous day

2-1/2 Flats to Go

I spent most of the day today out & about, but it was such a nice evening that I decided to get some of the flowers planted. Summer is such a nice time here - even if it's not that warm. I took this pictures at about 11:30pm, after I'd finished planting for the evening.

Supertunia Basket

Daisy-look-alike Basket
with sweet smelling Compact Innocence

Miscellaneous flowers planted for coloring
(yellows, purples, & peaches)

Grow, roots, grow!! Only 2-1/2 more flats to plant...

Flower Shopping

Finally went shopping for flowers today. I think this is the latest I've gone ever!! I didn't expect there would be very much - after all, everyone else in their right mind has already gone at least once, probably more, so I'm going to be picking through the left-overs.

I picked up some friends and we made it an outing. We drove out to Forget-Me-Not Nursery in Indian. It's a little road trip, as Indian is about 20 miles south of Anchorage. The views of the inlet are always stunning - and today was no exception - but it's also a nice treat to go to the nursery. It's a local business, and the owners also make their home on the site. They put a lot of time and effort into the landscaping of the area, so in addition to buying pretty flowers you get to enjoy a smörgåsbord of greenery and blooming flowers.

Although I like taking my business to the locals, we also popped into one of the other nurseries in town to see if there was anything I just couldn't live without. I didn't really go looking with a "theme" in mind, or particular colors. I've seen some fabulous gardens, and it seems the really good ones all take that kind of thing into account. I have some whites, yellows & oranges, and pinks/purples. We'll see how things turn out as the summer progresses...

All-in-all, I came home with four flats of starters. I did find that I missed out on some great potentials, but overall I think I found some winners. Now I just need to get them in the pots and my flower bed...

Byer's Lake Camping

On the second day after our return from Florida, we headed out for the first camping trip of the season. Byer's Lake is approximately 150 miles north of Anchorage. Thursday evening was lovely - blue skies, warm (tho not like FL, so we didn't use the air conditioner in the car), and the start of our next adventure.

The Mountain
(Denali, aka Mt McKinley)

Trip went smooth, and we stopped short of the campground at a pull off to get some pictures of the mountains. It's not very often that you can get a clear shot of Denali (aka Mount McKinley), so we figured we should take the chance that was offered. Somewhere in these shots is the Mooses Tooth - my favorite restaurant is named after it. I'm especially glad we stopped, because this was the nicest weather all weekend. These mountains are the results of magma upthrust, then being cut over time by glaciers. Very interesting - and amazing.

Mountain Views

When we got to the campground, we were in for a bit of a surprise. SNOW. Not what I wanted to see at the end of May, when I'm going to be sleeping outside... and we *are* going to be investing in a tent heater before the next trip! We drove through the sites, looking for three together that were dry and easy to get to. Some of the road had enough snow that I switched into 4-wheel just so we could get around. Trees & bushes had buds, but no real leaves or green things growing yet. Not a good sign.

Snow Infested Campground

We eventually found what we were looking for, set up tents, settled in and (the best part) started a fire. I spent most of the rest of the weekend around the fire - yay! - reading, visiting, enjoying the heat...

Setup Crew

More people showed up on Friday. There was hiking and kayaking and visiting and relaxing around the fire. Thankfully, people brought extra tarps, as we had to string one up Saturday night to keep out of the rain. Nights were cold, but I warmed up enough during the day that I wasn't a popsicle the whole time. I'm looking forward to the trip in July - it'll be warmer, plus we're going back to Squirrell Creek (which means a visit to Sara in Valdez - Wahoo!).

We headed home on Sunday - so we could have Monday to recuperate from all the traveling and to prep for going back to work (*lots* of laundry!). As part of our recuperation efforts, we went to see the new Indiana Jones movie - very funny & enjoyable! And now I've been back to work for a week (a short week) and I'm wishing I were still on vacation. Oh well. Isn't that always the case?!?

This is for you, Chad!!

Dinner while we're getting organized for camping this weekend... Mmmmmm... Pepperoni Lover's Pizza!! =)

Home Again

So we spent almost all the day Tuesday traveling. But before we hit the road, Angie filled us up with some wonderful french toast - breakfast on the lanai again... just lovely! We visited just a bit and said our farewells before we hit the road.

It took just about three hours to drive back to Orlando, where we filled up & returned the car and got checked in at the airport with just a bit of time to spare. The flight was 4-1/2 hours to SLC - and it was just my luck that I was in front of someone with long legs (who made sure to groan real loud when I first reclined my seat), so I kept my seat in the upright position for the entire trip. If you think sleeping on an airplane is uncomfortable, try being in the middle seat, fully upright. Oh well. At least I have the ability to fly - otherwise a trip to sunny Florida would be out of the question!!

We were supposed to have an hour between flights, but by the time we landed, deplaned, and got to our next gate they were already boarding. Greg got us some snack mix food for dinner - but it turns out they gave us food on this flight. Like, a sandwich & chips - not just the snack mix or peanuts we've been getting on the other flights. Don't know what was different, I just know I was really hungry and the sandwich hit the spot. It also helped that I was able to recline my seat this leg (another 4-1/2 hour flight).

The cats definitely missed us. =) And it's good to be home. As far as vacations go, this was one of the best - particularly because we got to visit with Chad & Angie (and Abby!!). It was lovely to spend time with such soul-beautiful people. I've got my fingers crossed that we can do it again next year!! =)

Davie Monday

Monday was my favorite day yet - and since Tuesday was spent traveling home, this means that Monday was the best day of vacation! =)

We slept in just a bit, then Chad made some great pancakes and we ate breakfast on the lanai. A lovely way to start the morning. We were trying to get some geocaching in before Chad's classes, but it just didn't work out. Angie had just finished work, so we all met at the school. We traded Chad for Angie, and then went back to the house where we left Angie & Abby so Abby could have her nap. From there, Greg & I headed out to see the Everglades.

We stopped en-route for an earth cache (of course there was a cache!) - learned loads about the Everglades and saw another strange vending machine. We don't have branded vending machines here (except maybe soda), so these are interesting to me...

And so you know that wasn't the only interesting thing there, here is some of what I learned about the Everglades: Because of the expansion of humans, the Everglades are shrinking - they're currently only 50% of what they used to be. Five major bodies of water feed the Everglades (can't name them). There are only two seasons: wet and dry. They can absorb trillions of gallons of water in just a year. There are several projects in progress or being planned to help preserve the Everglades and strike a balance between the needs of people, and the survival of the animals that inhabit the Everglades.

Our date with the Everglades was on the Seminole indian reservation, with a company named Billie Swamp Safari. Options were an airboat ride or an eco-tour. The eco-tour is done over land in a monster dune buggy-type rig - looked like it would be fun, but in the interest of time (and seeing alligators), we opted to do the airboat ride.

Monster buggy

Airboat transport

We had a bit of time before our ride, so we wandered around the premises. They had a mini-zoo, with some fun (?!?) exhibits: alligators, lizards, colorful birds (that bite), and turtles.

On the ride, we saw plenty of animals. Because of my seating location, I didn't really get a good photo opportunity until the boat was close to or passing the animals. Which means that I got lots of animal butt shots. =) And I finally got to see a wild pig. After missing out on them yesterday, it was cool to see them today - along with the water buffalo, land buffalo (bison?), alligators (galor!), ostriches (we saw two!), cows, and various birds. It was great!!

Wild pig!

Water buffalo butts

Hungry alligator

Once we were done safari-ing, we headed back to Davie so we could hook up with Chad & Angie again. Plan for the evening: hang out, geocache, eat, have fun... in no particular order. We headed out to one of the local beaches. It wasn't that far away - maybe 10-15 minutes from the house. We wandered the boardwalk (which was really a stonewalk), played in the ocean, watched some people dancing, and had dinner. The moon was bright and full.

Sea Oats are important

All our feet in the Altantic

Dinner by the shore

A lovely moon

After dinner, we cached our way home. Although we tried for several, unfortunately we were only successful in getting one cache. But we're all on the log - Abby & Angie are cachers now too... I suppose I should start logging my finds. =)

The only way the evening could've been more perfect was if we had some famous key lime pie... Oh, right! We did!! And then we stayed up entirely to late, visiting and chatting and enjoying each other's company. All in all, the most perfect day of my little vacation.

On tap for tomorrow: time to go home. =(

Space Center Sunday

We said goodbye to our temporary Orlando home Sunday morning and headed out to Cape Canaveral to visit the John F. Kennedy Space Center. It was amazing!

Fountain in front of our hotel

We were told to spend the extra money and do the tour that goes up close & personal to the launch pads - there are two: 39A & 39B. Definitely worth the extra dough! There's a rocket on 39B - scheduled for liftoff the end of May. Everything is GINORMOUS. I suppose it has to be, to get enough power for liftoff, but seeing the scale in person really brings it home.

Launch Pad 39A

Launch Pad 39B

Rocket Assembly Building
(look how tiny the cars are!!)
(the stripes on the flag are the length of a bus)

Rocket Exhibit

We found out all kinds of interesting things. They flood the launchpad with hundreds of thousands of gallons of water - to use as sound insulation. The sound of a liftoff can be fatal, if you're within 800 feet (400 feet will get you fried). The "official" safest distance for viewing a liftoff is 3 miles - although they have emergency personnel as close as 1.5 miles. They have to bolt down the generator and some of the equipment that is used (that's not on the launchpad) because one time the vibrations shot the generator into the ocean. They re-use the parachutes on the fuel cells approximately 20 times, and the fuel cells themselves get reused a few times also. There's a dive team whose job it is to recover the fuel cells after they've been ejected from the shuttle liftoff.

Shuttle on Display

Turns out the Space Center hosts a 140k acre wildlife preserve, so while we were touring, we saw alligators, eagles, two eagle nests, lots of different kinds of birds, and a turtle - but no wild pigs (Greg saw a manatee, but I missed that one). To prevent harm to the animals during a liftoff, they come out days beforehand and broadcast predator sounds over speakers to drive the animals away. They also have orange groves on the property. Who knew?!?

There were loads of displays and interesting things to see and do. We went to an IMAX presentation about the space station; a simulation of a liftoff; the memorial; the rocket garden; and two bus tours. We saw several learning displays and even touched a moon rock! And of course there was a cache...

Greg on the Moon

Touching the Moon
(my manicure from less than a week ago
obviously wasn't that good)

The center closed at 6 - but we were already in the souvenir shop, so they didn't have the heart to kick us out until a bit later. From there, we headed to Coco Beach to check out some touristy things and found a nice place for dinner. We used Mom & Sara's gift card to buy dinner - thanks guys!! And it was yummy! I had blackened chicken alfredo - too bad I couldn't eat it all and we couldn't take the leftovers - and Greg had snapper done in the St. Claire style. Both were fantastic!

From there we headed south to Davie. Apparently we took the "scenic" route for part of the way, since the highest speed limit we encountered was 45mph - and most of the time it was lower. After talking to Chad, we followed signs to a major freeway and disregarded the directions on the GPS - since it was determined to take us on a more direct, but much slower route. We made it to Chad & Angie's really late, but safe & sound. On tap for Monday: hanging out, caching, visiting, airboat ride in the Everglades, visiting more & having fun.