The Lake (I mean Ocean) of Shining Waters

It's another beautiful day here in Wrangell. I'm starting to feel like a meteorologist because I keep giving updates on the weather. I guess I take after my Dad! :) Lots of blue sky today and while I was at....yep, you guessed it--Petroglyph Beach, the sun was shining in the water and it was great. It was fun to see the tide come in. The place I was originally taking pictures was under water in minutes. So cool! Found some more seashells and even grabbed some out of the water. Man, was that COLD! I saw 3 eagles today in various places, and I got a picture of one in a tree. Not as good as the ones from the eagle center in Ketchikan, but this one was "in the wild." I hope you're not bored with my mountain pictures, but I absolutely love them. I know they're the same mountain every day and they probably don't look that different from the last time I took pictures of them, but you never know when the conditions will be right for that once-in-a-lifetime photo, so I keep filling up memory cards with mountain pictures. On Friday, Eric, Joan, Tyler and I are going to LeConte Glacier. I can't wait. It should be fun. My camera is getting ready for that day! I'm sure it'll get a workout.

Feeling like a tourist isn't so bad...

This morning Grandma and I explored downtown Ketchikan, since it wasn't raining. In the four days we've been here, we've had three days without rain--very unusual. Hauling around my backpack and a camera around my neck, well, I'm sure I stuck out like a sore thumb. But I fit in well with the cruise ship tourists. We went to the Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery and Eagle Center. They raise fish there which will eventually be released in streams. It was amazing to see how many fish were in the tanks. There were two eagles with injured wings, so they'll never fly again. They are cared for at the center and they'll live there until they die--maybe 50 years. It was fun to see them up close.

Next we visited the Totem Heritage Center where there are many old totem poles--probably the oldest ones in Southeast Alaska, I'm told. Very interesting. There also was a lot of art, such as baskets and beadwork. We also hit the museum at the library. Yes, we were busy! After lunch, we visited a few of the local shops, but Grandma had her eyes and nose keenly tuned to where the candy shop was. When we walked in to that store, the aromas were wonderful. We ended up getting some fudge. Very delicious!

Then it was time to head back to the hotel so we could catch the shuttle to the ferry terminal. But of course we had to stop at our favorite hangout--McDonald's--to get some ice cream before we left. YUM! Off to the ferry and we enjoyed a beautiful trip back to Wrangell on the Matanuska. There were 2 forest service employees on the ferry, explaining about the area we were traveling. A few times, they spotted orcas in the water, but by the time I got my camera and went outside, they weren't anywhere to be seen. I think they were pretty far away, so I wasn't too disappointed that I didn't see them. I'm too spoiled anyway, because I don't think anything will be better than the trip our family took in 1990 where we had humpback whales diving under the sailboat. So, I didn't get pictures of whales, but I still was outside quite often as the sun began to set. The clouds were gorgeous and the sun's rays were streaming through the clouds and reflecting on the water. It's amazing how the colors kept changing. Absolutely breathtaking. It was a great trip, and both of us were glad to be back home in Wrangell.

Appointments, aggravations, and airplanes

Today we woke up to a rainy day. Very typical for Ketchikan (or anywhere in Southeast Alaska, for that matter). Today Grandma had an MRI at the hospital (it was previously scheduled) and we really didn't do much else today, since it's been raining.

As I was sitting in the hospital waiting room for 2 hours, I couldn't help overhearing a conversation between a mother and her grown daughter. I couldn't help overhearing because she was talking so VERY LOUD! Wow, it was really annoying, especially since I was trying to read a book. I think I read the same page 4 times because I really couldn't understand what I was reading. Too hard to concentrate with her talking so loud. But in between the words I was trying so desperately to focus on, I heard all about her life situation. Well, first she was trying to solve a crossword puzzle (which my nieces could probably have done), and she couldn't figure out the answers. I just wanted to shout out the answers so maybe she'd BE QUIET and I could read my book. But I refrained. When the puzzle was done, then I got to hear her one-sided conversation with the clinic as she was trying to schedule an appointment for a test..."you know, the one that goes 'beep, beep, beep' and then they put dye in you and stuff." So anyway, after I finally got through 1 page of my book, she finally quieted down a little, but then I realized it was because she was eating. Food gone...her mouth continued moving, but this time since there was no food to muffle her sounds, I was able to hear her again. Well, anyway, it was an aggravating hour until she left, but at least I could be glad I didn't have her problems. Thanks, God, for my health!

This afternoon, we've just been hanging out in the hotel room, watching (and hearing) the sea planes land outside our window. They've been very busy today! Since I didn't want to disappoint anyone, I took a couple pictures to show what the day looks like. Don't get your hopes up. They're not that great. But our favorite view is the Golden Arches at the end of the parking lot! We've been there a few times during this trip!

Catch-a-can.....oops, I mean "Ketchikan"

It was a gorgeous day here in Ketchikan. Blue sky everywhere with little wispy clouds. After spending 3 and a half hours in Wal-Mart (lots of souvenirs there), Grandma and I decided to take advantage of the nice day, since tomorrow there's 80% chance of rain. We rode the city bus to Totem Bight State Park, where there are 15 totem poles standing in a beautiful park near the ocean. The intricate designs were interesting to look at. There was a clan house which is representative of the type many Native villages had in the late 19th century. It was a great day outside. Here in the rain capital of Alaska, we haven't seen a drop yet! I'm okay with that, but I still haven't worn my new rain coat on this Alaska trip!

It's not the Titanic...it's the Taku!

Today Grandma and I enjoyed a beautiful ferry trip 88 miles south to Ketchkian, AK. The sky was blue for the most part and the water was so calm. Very smooth sailing. I saw a few porpoises jumping out of the water, racing with the ferry. I also saw several salmon jump. As I was standing at the stern of the ship, I couldn't help but think about the movie "Titanic" (especially since it was on TV the other night). If you've seen the movie, you'll remember the desperate girl standing at the railing, attempting to jump. Well, standing in the same spot today, I had no such feelings. I was thinking how beautiful a day it was and how I could stay out there all day, except for the fact that it was really cold! But this MN girl was loving every minute of it! I did check out the lifeboats though (because of seeing the movie), and I was glad to see there were plenty of them! After our six-hour trip, we arrived in Ketchikan and were greeted with lovely blue skies and a great view from our hotel room. I've enjoyed watching the sailboats out on the water. Beautiful night for sailing. It was great to be out on the water today. I enjoyed every minute of it!

I don't know why I took this picture, but I kinda like it!

This is leaving Wrangell, AK.

View from our hotel room in Ketchikan. Beautiful!

Mountains and Muskeg, Flora and... Fireweed

It was a fun day to drive around and see the mountains. The muskeg continues to amaze me. Looking at it, you'd never imagine you could sink up to your waist in no time. I think I'll take everyone's word...I'm not going to try to prove them wrong. The sun was shining on the snow-capped mountains today (in between periods of cloudiness). Pretty normal for Wrangell. All along the roadside you can find fireweed. I found a great spot to take pictures with the mountains in the background. To think that God cares enough to provide for the flowers and clothe them with beauty...and how much more He cares for us...being out in nature is a great reminder of how much God loves me. And I'm so grateful He provided all this beauty for me to enjoy!

Alaskan Painted Sky

What a perfect end to a beautiful day! I saw the beginning of a great sunset, so I grabbed my camera and headed for the beach. What a treat! The sky eas gorgeous, and I sat there for a long time taking a lot of pictures and soaking in all the beauty around me. The mountains were awesome, in as many shades of blue as you can imagine, with snow visible on some of them. The clouds opened up, allowing the sun's rays to stream through and reflect off the water. Absolutely breathtaking. I could have stayed there forever, but it started to rain, so I left before I got completely soaked. What a great way to close a wonderful day!

Rain, rain...has gone AWAY!

It's been raining for 3 days now, but today I woke up and there was blue sky! So pretty. It's amazing how much you appreciate something you haven't seen in a while. Oh, and for those of you complaining about the price of gas...well, this might help you put things in perspective. Here in Wrangell it's $5.32 a gallon for the cheapest stuff! How's that make you feel. Of course there's only a few miles of roads so I guess it all works out. Well, I'm off to take more pictures. Wednesday through Saturday I'll be in Ketchikan with Grandma. We get to ride the ferry. Should be fun. It's supposed to be a nice day Wedensday, but we'll see. I'm definitely bringing my raincoat because it rains more in Ketchikan than it does here in Wrangell!

The Blueberry Fiasco

I went to Eric & Joan’s to watch eagles. They caught a halibut on their river trip and Eric threw the guts out on the beach. First the crows came, but the eagles were standoffish. Then I saw a black lab on the beach, so that could have been part of the reason. Once the dog was gone, the crows came back and then the eagles moved in. There were 3 bald eagles and 8 immature ones. It was fun to see. I got lots of pictures. Finally one of the bald eagles flew off with the remainder of the carcass. After lunch, I walked on Volunteer Trail to pick blueberries. I found tons of them. Picked probably 1 quart. I was gone for 2 hours. Got some good pictures too. Like a rain forest in there. When I got back to Grandma’s, I started cleaning the berries. There were little green worms in some of them. Well, it was hard to see what ones had worms in them, so in the end I threw them away. How sad…….a whole quart of wild blueberries and I had to throw them away. Two hours of my life wasted. Well, not wasted. Is time ever wasted when you can take pictures and be outside? I did take a picture of the berries, because they really were pretty. It will be a reminder of the crazy blueberry fiasco.

Pat's Lake

Went to the city park today. What a beautiful view. Lots of old driftwood on the shore. Too bad I can't fit that in my suitcase to take home!

I also went out to Pat's Lake with Grandma today. The reflections were really pretty. The trees and grasses were every color of green you could imagine. Not much blue sky, but it was still pretty. It was so quiet out there. No cars, no people, no birds...just the wind rustling through the long grass at the edge of the water. So peaceful. Enjoyed being out once again and taking more pictures.

Beautiful Day!

Waking up this morning, I never would have guessed it would turn out to be such a beautiful day. Sitting in church, I could see the sun streaming through the stained-glass windows and I couldn't wait to get outside. Thanks, God, for such a wonderfully beautiful sky! The breeze was cool, but the sun was warm on my skin. I sat by the water for a while and just enjoyed being outside. The mountains were partially covered with clouds, but they made for beautiful pictures. I visited Shakes Island, where there's a tribal house and totem poles. Very interesting to see the work that went in to carving the totems. I'm sure there's a story with every one. At the marina, I saw all sorts of boats--from old to new, small fishing boats to huge yachts. Then I went to Petroglyph Beach, where there are many carvings in the rocks on the beach. The story goes that the carvings were done by ancestors of today's Tlingit. No one knows for sure the reasons for these markings, but they sure are interesting. They are spread out across the beach, and you have to be a good detective to find them, since many of them are not very visible. I found 8 in the short time I was there. I think I'll have to go back and see if I can find more. I saw a bald eagle fly overhead. Awesome. As I was walking along the beach picking up seashells (one of my favorite pastimes in Wrangell), I saw two old boats that had run aground years ago, and they were never removed. Looked like a shot out of an old movie! Great picture opportunity! All in all, it was a great day to be outside. How quickly the weather can change though. It's cloudy tonight, but who knows what tomorrow will be like. I'm thankful for every beautiful day I get!

I made it!!

Hi everyone. Just a quick note to let you know I made it to Wrangell, AK. What a beautiful place. The mountains have snow on them, and the temperatures couldn't be better. It was 50 degrees the day I got here. Absolutely wonderful. I'm wearing t-shirts and everyone else has sweatshirts on! Can't wait to get out on the water and take tons of pictures. Still trying to catch up on sleep....missed a whole night while in the Portland airport. Leaving Seattle, the view was incredible. Saw Mt. Ranier above the clouds....way cool! Talk to you later.