Homer--SMILES!

July 23-28
We tend to pack too much into too little time; these few days in Homer were no exception.

Matt and I spent our days walking the beaches, finding new haunts (and enjoying old ones—Alices’s Champagne Palace is still a fav), exploring new trails, visiting museums/sites, meeting new people… It was all good.  Oh, that, and we moved campgrounds as dictated by the need for a shower and laundry.  (You would be surprised by how much of the day involves thinking about where you’ll be taking your next shower!)  Happily, this means that we were able to try most of the camping areas in and around Homer.  Although I have my favorites—on the beach—it was, again, all good.

10:30 pm--our beach campsite

Oh!  Our last full day in Homer we attended the music festival—FANTASTIC fun!  Sitting in our lawn chairs, snacking on food, watching people, dancing (yeah, I did!), and listening to some great local Alaskan bands was a full day event.  I will include some photos from this fest.  Please note—at least 1/4 of the people at the concert were dancing and the majority of them were between 40-70 years of age.  Hmmm, I cannot remember if the photos show what people were wearing, but it was truly an Alaskan event; there was very little emphasis on clothing, make-up, or cleanliness.  I think it is this “genuine-ness” that most attracts me to Alaska.

Dancing at the Music Fest

Still dancing!

Justin

The band that blew me away—Nervis Rex.  SMILES!!!  Must admit, I am a bit biased, my cousin’s husband, Justin, is in the band.  (In my opinion, he is the best performer/artist/musician in the group!)  They play ska…Be honest now, who knows that genre?  I certainly didn’t!!!  However, I will be adding it to my playlist!  I was able to meet with Erin (my cousin) and Justin for breakfast yesterday morning—great restaurant, Duncans.  It was wonderful to spend time with them!  Those two can spin a yarn like nobody’s business!  Yes, really, best stomach exercise I have had in months!!!

Jim—Thank you for whipping up a vegetarian sauce for my spaghetti! 

Darlene and Gary—GREAT to see you both again!  Hope you were able to stay dry and/or find a good hotel. SMILES!

Shannon—THANK YOU for being our contact person with the Deaf community in Homer.  I hope all goes well for your friend and her family…We will continue to send positives.

Grace—I enjoyed talking with you, and I hope you find a buyer for your gorgeous home!

Steve—What an amazing year you will have—opportunities, choices…please let me know how it all works out!  Cheers to the next phase! 

Howard—It was great to meet you!

Jill—I appreciate all of your help!

Sara—Thanks for keeping us on the stand-by list.  Yes, even though the elements were against us!

Erin and Justin—Dang, you two, I want to hang out some more!!!  SMILES!  Lets plan that weekend in Seward!

The dream in 1994

The boy in 1994

The man in 2013

The reality in 2013



Love to all of you!!!  Hope this finds everyone well and happy!
Susan and Matt

Homer, Alaska--still and always a favorite!

Ahhhhh, home again.  I so love this town!  Although it shouldn’t surprise me, things continue to change… Pacha, Nancy, you would both be so shocked!  Do the two of you remember the bar in which we “hung out”—Alice’s Champagne Palace?  Well…one night a week, it stages a burlesque show!  Now, maybe my memory is failing, but I do NOT remember watching women take off their clothes, nor do I remember coming out with fewer pieces of clothing on or taking any off to music while drinking a draft…Do either of you?  It seems, ladies, that our favorite place to check out the local large-hairy-men-of-Alaska has “gone a bit seedy”.  SMILES!! 

Do you remember the quaint museum with the whalebones and antlers leaning against the porch?  It has “gone modern”.  Yeah, that is right; the building proudly displays new vinyl siding and a manicured landscape.   Matt and I will check out the inside of it tomorrow…I bet it’s dusted and cleaned.

Yes, it was...dang.

Homer from the "old town" side

We stayed at a fancy campground the first night here.  (Meaning there were showers, a laundry, and electric and water hook-ups.)  GREAT to get a shower…nope, not going to tell you how long it had been.  Enough to say we no longer needed to use mosquito  repellent. 

Now, we are at a dry site again. (Meaning, no showers, no laundry, no hook-up, and no flushing toilets.)  The solar panels (on our van) have been providing enough “electricity” to consistently use the lights, refrigerator, electric plug-ins (for coffee, computers, and cell phone recharging), fan (better circulation in the van), and pump (to use the water in the storage tank—washing dishes, brushing teeth, flushing the van toilet, filling water bottles etc.).  We will try to stretch it—maybe I can get a couple of warm showers too. 

All that being said, any campground here is GORGEOUS—whether we are or not!  We camp both on the beach and in the forest “highlands”.  

From our "highland" campground

The people, especially the locals, are so much fun and genuinely friendly.  Matt and I spend much of our time yakking, walking, and basically enjoying what life “without a plan” has to offer. 

Last night Matt and I went to the local theatre--AWESOME production of “Swimming in the Shallows”.  Not only was I impressed with the play itself (funny and cerebral), but the acting—WOW!  It was inspiring to watch community workers (secretaries, stay-at-home-parents, fishermen, recent high school graduates, etc.) take the stage and become another character; they CONVINCINGLY became another person.  I don’t think I have seen a play so well performed in quite awhile.  THANK YOU to the community of Homer, Alaska.  Oh, Matthew also loved that he won a large cookie for being the person from furthest away—smiles.  (Okay, who forgot to teach the kid to SHARE?!)

Audience members rushed the stage to give the actors hugs and accolades. 

Sunday afternoon, we tried out the very small (one screen) town movie theater.  (Matt wanted to see Monsters University.)  The movie-mediocre, the theater AWESOME!!!!  The pre-previews--photos of Alaskan wilderness, animals, and community events.  There was a 3-minute video of local people with their dogs.  Dogs do rule in Alaska!  Homer is holding the (or “a”) documentary film festival Sept 26^th through Oct. something.  Now, that might be fun!  (Wonder how much it would cost to catch the ferry from Haines to Homer?)

Small movie theater 

Glacier cruise out of Whittier

Sorry!  Out of order--note dates.  Unfortunately I "published" them in the wrong order--oops!

July 15, 2013

Glacier crusie—WOW!!!  Not only did we see some amazing glaciers up close (note pictures), but we saw marine animals too!  The list: sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters (a group is called a “raft”—an interesting tidbit for me), a humpback whale, a black bear (others saw it; I think my eyes were closed), bald eagles, and salmon (the silly buggers were jumping out of the water and slapping onto their sides). 

Not having had enough glacier gawking, Matt and I, after the cruise, went for a hike to see a couple more.  On the trail, we had snow!!!!

Tonight we are staying at a Chugach National Forest campground near Hope.  Matt is missing the electricity and water.  Personally, I like living more remotely.  The area is generally more beautiful, the sites are more separated, they are cleaner, and they are significantly more palatable financially!  ($9.00 for outhouse toilets and a place to crash.)  Hope this finds you all well and happy!

Oops, wrong order.  These are the glaciers we saw hiking--note the snow in the foreground!

Matt working hard to earn ANOTHER Jr. Ranger badge.  He signed his pledge in front of 40 or more people.  I was so proud--smiles!

Surprise Glacier 

We did see (and hear) some minor calving--cool!

Dip netting and beach combing

July 16-19, 2013

Wow!  Found ourselves smack-dab in the middle of a salmon run…stayed at a campground FILLED with over-anxious dip-netters.   The campground was NOT one we will stay at again—dirty, expensive ($57.00), long waits for the showers and toilets, and it stank (dead fish and seagull poop).  I thought I could handle the fishing, nope.  We went down to the beach to see the process.  Fisher people stood chest-high in the water with big nets and waited for a salmon to swim into it.  They then pulled the salmon to the beach, hit it numerous times on the head, and passed it on to another person who quickly filleted it.  The meat went into a cooler and the carcass onto the sand.  The gulls were crazy and numerous!  Although no fighting was necessary (there was so much carnage), they still screamed; the noise was deafening.  We didn’t stay long.  Someone commented that it was the best week for "harvest"...I am trying to think of it that way.  I just cannot watch it.

The least busy section of the "harvest"

Next stop—the end of the road (literally).  We have been staying at Discovery Campground (an Alaskan State Campground).  The rocky beach is gorgeous and the agate hunting has been fun.  (Yes, Kristen, we are on it!  SMILES!!!  We have gathered many rocks, although I am not sure they are all agates.  SOOO, expect a box of pretty rocks that hopefully includes some agates!)  Beach combing seems to be a new skill for Matt--he was focused and determined to gather as many agates as possible.  I like this new skill!  SMILES!  It allows me time to watch the surf, look for rocks, and generally think about life while surrounded by beauty and blown by sea breezes.

Matt also loves whittling!  (Thanks Uncle John!)

10:30 p.m. just behind our camper at Discovery Campground

Kayaking in Seward

July 14, 2013

What a thrilling day!  Matt talked me into going sea kayaking; I am glad he did!  We met some amazing people who shared the experience.  I wish we had had more time to get further acquainted!  (Yes, this means—please do email!)

Getting prepared “to kayak” was almost more labor intensive than the actual kayaking.  We donned extra waterproof layers; a PFD (personal floatation device)—I was once again a LARGE-chested woman; and a kayak skirt (supposedly to keep the water out of the kayak, and us, more dry).  We were all humored when the guide, Brett, asked us to “lift our skirts”.  As we were a “compliant” bunch, we all, with bawdy laughter and raucous snickering, threw up our “skirts”.  It wasn’t quite as much fun after Brett explained that he was only checking to see if we’d clipped our lower buckles.  Seriously, he could have made up something at that point!

The paddling was a bit arduous, but my kayak partner, Minttu, did an excellent job of steering!  (“Hats off to you, Mintuu!”)  When we first started out, she exclaimed that she was really close to the water.  (Me?  I am thinking…”well, yeah”…) She later explained, that I was splashing her and she was SITTING in water!  (The skirts can only do so much.)  Knowing that now, I feel SOOOOOO guilty.  (Yes, really...well, okay, maybe only a little—smiles!)  Thank you Minttu for being such a good sport!  There is NO way I would have been able to do what you did so successfully—THANK YOU!!!

Matt was partnered with the guide—excellent!  Matt was safe AND he loved the experience.  Brett did very well making sure that Matt felt challenged and competent.

All in all, it was a glorious day.  Never mind that I had to take ibuprofen that night…my shoulders were SORE!  However, I may be able to get rid of my under-arm-jiggle if I continue at the sport!  Wait, let me think…sore…jiggle…sore….jiggle.  I may need to evaluate this further…

Sorry, no pictures while on the water; I was busy paddling and trying to stay upright!

We left the next day for Whittier and the glacier cruise…

Email (for those of you who don't have it): susantrucano@gmail.com

The "lifting of the skirts"!  Let me know if the two of you want a copy--way too cute!

The kayaking family stopping for a snack...

The kayaks and the sea

Dog sledding

July 13, 2013

Today was, again, oodles of fun!  Matt had a blast with the dog-sledding.  (Thank you W. family for sharing your experience and encouraging us to try it.)
When we arrived, we met a NUMBER of dogs--a large staff take care of and exercise 81 dogs. Our wheeled "sled" was pulled by 12--some of the dogs were older and experienced and some were just "learning the trade".  I think our musher told us that 3 of the dogs on our team were in the Iditarod (B team).
The Seavey family owns the facilities and they race every year.  Mitch, the father, has won the Iditarod twice; his son, Dallas, has won it once.  Dallas was the youngest to win the race; he was 25.
This afternoon, we showered.  Yes, it is note-worthy enough to mention!
We'll be hiking here soon...tomorrow, we are going to do a half-day kayaking.  Oh, PLEASE, wish me luck.  People don't get seasick in those things do they?
Hope you are all having an excellent summer!

One area of the kennels--the dogs were wild about the opportunity to run! 

The team pulling our sled--in front of it, you can see an example of a "wheeled sled".

One of the newest members to the kennel.  Isn't he adorable?

Whittier, Alaska

July 12, 2013

Up bright and early—okay, really, it was “bright” at 5:00 a.m. (maybe earlier, but I have no intention of finding out for sure), but we rolled out at 7:15.  Met Mom, Dad, Johnny, and Judy at the “pre-established corner” and took off for Whittier to meet Katie, Anna, Olivia, and Morgan for the “last harrah”. 

Whittier is an amazing little town--my cousin worked at the cannery there after high school.  As a "family note”, she lived in the silver van we have all travelled/lived-in with my Uncle Bill in route-to or while traveling-in, Alaska.  (Let me tell you, that van could share many tales!!!!)

ANYWAY, Whittier is on the other side of a long one-lane tunnel.  On the half-hour, it goes into Whittier; on the hour, it leaves Whittier; and, I am not sure when, but the train also uses the tunnel.  (I know this because I had one heck of a time deciding how to “straddle” the tracks on the way to and from this unique little town!)  Most of the people live in a high-raise apartment building.  There is an under ground tunnel that connects the school to the apt. building…I think there may also be businesses connected.  The snow gets deep during the winter.

Good time with the folks and cousins—wandered the 4 shops and restaurants.  Had some great coffee while looking out to sea.  The harbor was fun too!  Cousins took off—Anna had to work.  Parents took off—ferry to Valdez.  Matt and I got to the tunnel just in time to drive back to the other side.  We took a wonderful hike along one of the salmon river/streams—“The Blue Ice Trail”.  (Katie just got my bear spray in the mail yesterday—sooooooo, we are finally “ready” to hike many of the more isolated trails!)  No bear, but the colors (yes, again) were amazing, and the flowers were beautiful!

Funny…let me share some of the “rules” for when you are attacked by a bear---

        A.  If it is a black bear (I am certain they have labels)—“fight back”!

        B.  If it is a grizzly bear (Seriously, don’t they all look alike when they charge/attack?)     

             --"play dead"

HOWEVER, if the grizzly starts to eat you—“fight back”! (See rule “A”)

Given all of this very helpful information, I intend to pee my pants and scream!  (While encouraging Matthew to sneak away.  Hopefully, my “get the HELL out of here” look will propel him to safety.)  Although I would love to see a bear (so would Matt), I think everyone who reads this should send out positives that we don’t!

Tonight, we are staying at a beautiful campground/resort—The Seward Military Resort.  The sites are well maintained.  There are FREE showers (the cheapest I have found--$2.00 for 6 minutes).  AND the campground has inexpensive laundry facilities…I actually miss my washer and dryer.  (“Miss” meaning—“salivate at the thought of”.) Seward is looking even better as the plant-our-butts-and-volunteer city/town.

Tomorrow—Dog-sledding!

Matt is maintaining his martial arts skills--he just chopped this rock in half! (Note that he is STILL wearing the orange vest...I am NOT going to talk with you EVER again, Tracy!)

The "Batman Halibut"!  (Local art students decorated Halibut shapes.  They are all over the town of Whittier.)

The harbor in Whittier

The "dead fish family" in Whittier.  Hmmm, must be a new species of fish.

The glaciers just outside the tunnel leading to Whittier

More green for Zoo Jen...smiles.  It was so lush on the trail.

The impossibly clear stream on the Blue Ice Trail

Wild Columbine

First Day in Seward

July 11, 2013

I think I have figured it out!  (I know; it surprised me too!)  Anyway, this all reminds me of the Wizard of Oz (the classic version).  The colors in Alaska are similar in brilliance to those presented in the movie—the dynamic change from black and white to color.  The greens are emerald and the blues gleam sharp and other- worldly.   (This time I have photos to prove it!)

Katie, Olivia, Anna, Matt, and I drove down to Seward to meet Mom, Dad, Johnny, and Judy at the Alaskan Sealife Center.  EXCELLENT center—watched Harbor Seals, Sea Lions and other marine animals.  I enjoyed a lecture about some of the archaeological excavations in the area—okay, it may only be a “hobby degree”, but I am still enamored with the field!  Matt and my dad “played” with the sea animals in the touching pool.  We all enjoyed Halibut sandwiches for “lunch”, and each family went their separate ways for the evening. 

No, wait...Katie took off with her family, and the rest of us hiked out to Exit Glacier.  Matt had a great late afternoon leading the pack--his new bike gloves (shoes) worked VERY well!  (We may have found the "best shoe for Matt"!!! Jen, I know you will appreciate this!)  It was sad to see how much the Exit Glacier has receded. 

Later, Matt and I searched for, and found, a beach-side camping area (dry—meaning no electricity, water, or sewer).  Before heading to bed, Matt and I explored the small town and signed-up to do some dog-sledding on Saturday and a glacier/marine animal cruise on Monday.  (One of the best parts…we had ice cream for supper!)

Leaving Anchorage this morning was difficult.  I will miss my cousins and all of the amazingly wonderful and inspiring people Matt and I meet through them…The last number of days have been warm and fun.  Matthew and I were fortunate to have had time with Katie, Tracy, Anna, and Olivia (not to forget—Jack and Stella--their faithful canines—smiles!).  Thank you for everything! We love you all very much!

Tomorrow—Whittier.

The road to Seward

Fireweed--explosions of pink (yeah, I know, but it is beautiful.)

On the trail to Exit Glacier

Matthew on the Exit Glacier Trail 2013

Matthew on the Exit Glacier Trail 1994 

Exit Glacier 2013--too far to touch...

Specifics on Family Fun..

We did so many things...
We visited Earthquake Park--memorializing the 8.5 earthquake in 1964.
We hiked Blueberry Loop Trail. It was a bit more strenuous than we expected--the wind was gusting to 40+ mph, and it was cold and rainy.  The view, however, was still gorgeous.  Bonus--a moose on the side of the road!
Today, we visited the Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center.  One of the black bears was hysterical!  If I can add a video, I will.  I swear the bear had a tic; when it changed direction, it would WHIP its head around--
Nope, sorry, again, I am technically challenged; I cannot attach the bear video.  If you would like to see it, email, and I will try to send it through gmail.
After the AWCC, we went to Gridwood Forest Fair (the resurrected old hippie festival--it was suspended for a few years...too many illegal activities.  SMILES!)  The fair was similar to a Ren Fest, but with hippies instead of members of the Society of Creative Anachronisms.  People were dancing with hoola hoops (some to the music...others, not so much); munching on granola and honey; and wandering through the booth area in tie-dyed and creatively colored outfits.  The setting for the fair was, yes, you guessed it, a beautiful old forest!
Tomorrow, Matt and I hope to sleep in!
Hope this finds you all well and happy!

Blueberry Loop Trail

Young moose on the side of the road

One of the bands at the Forest Fair

Matt wandering and looking at the wares...

The Forest Fair parade

Family and Fun in Anchorage

July 3rd--7th

What can I say?  I am with my cousin and her family (biological and extended)--FANTASTIC fun!!!  (I am super proud--both of my cousin's daughters sign!  Matt is in heaven having other people with whom to communicate!)
July 4th we continued the family tradition of eating and badminton at "grandma Louise's".  I meet some wonderful people who rival me in craziness, and exceed me in telling hysterical stories!  Great people--smiles!!!
July 5th until today, July 7th, we were fortunate to include my parents and Judy and Johnny (Mom's cousin and her husband).
Here, let me do some quick introductions--

The line-up of all of the "kids" at the 4th of July bash.

Note:  Matt is wearing the orange vest that Tracy (my cousin's husband) gave him...I am still not talking with Tracy.  The kid wore the thing ALL DAY, and he was disrespectful!  (Who taught him to stick his tongue out at his mother?!  Kristen, was it you?) 

From left to right:

Vernon (my Dad), Matt, Anna, Margaret (my Mom), Olivia, Judy, Johnny, Katy, and kneeling, Tracy

Better picture--

Left to right:

Jim (cousin), Katy (cousin), Olivia (their youngest), Tracy (husband), and Anna (their oldest)

Okay, I am not sure where we are...

July 2, 2013

I know we are well beyond Tok...I know that we haven't reach Glennallen...Oh well, the joy for today--we saw moose!!!
Matt saw the first three.  (He earned $10.00 for the "spotting".) His comment when we passed them, "Hey, Mom, I think I saw some moose, but they might be fake!"

They weren't fake!  Mom and calves were just hanging out by the side of the road.

My sighting, the second of the day (and winning nothing for the effort), was a large young adult male.  He is center left...yeah, the small dot. I just want you to know, he was huge through the binoculars!

OH!!!!  In case you are interested, I found out--we are near Gulkana, AK.  I am certain you all feel better now!

Haines to Cottonwood RV Park, Yukon

July 1, 2013

Canada Day!!!!  Great fun that we are actually IN Canada on this festive day.  The RV Park (Cottonwood RV Park on Destruction Bay, Yukon) is GREAT!  I would suggest a dry site (without hookups) near the lake.  It is storming tonight, and the initially gentle lapping of waves has been replaced by foamed fury—nights like this, I am THRILLED to be in an RV versus tent.

Oh, please mark on your maps—Hwy 3 from Haines to Haines Junction—“definite drive!”  Didn’t take any pictures as it was raining most of the journey, but even that didn’t distract from the landscape—first above the tree line and then back down into alpine forest.  Matt and I wanted to play in some of the left over winter snow, but again, the rain was a deterrent.

The water at Destruction Bay—glacial tan (silt) to aqua to deep clear blue--

The water is so clear!  See the aqua color in the background?

Well poo...this doesn't show the color of the water well...it is beautiful however--smiles!

Thought you might enjoy seeing our home at Cottonwood--

Our home from the mini-golf course (one of Matt's favorite games) 

Our home from the shore of the lake

From the inside of our home (screened back door) looking onto the lake before the storm.