Summer Recap

I've accepted it. There was ice on my windshield yesterday. Summer is officially over. So here is a record of some of my summer adventures. Enjoy.

Pressure cooking the salmon.

SALMON.

Alma mater.

We agreed that Kristy could tell people that she caught this fish, not me.

Isaac dropped my hot dog in the fire. So sad.

I had forgotten how much I actually love fall in Alaska. Here's hoping for some fall Alaskan adventures!

-A.

Small Town Fun

So I proud, and amused, to say that I grew up in a small town in Alaska.  Not the one that the famous SP is from, but close enough.  Think Stars Hollow, but with more snow and oil workers.  As mandated by the powers that be, we host a day every summer to celebrate OUR TOWN.  Over the years this celebration has flowed over into a weekend of fun, complete with a parade, rodeo, fair, races, and free hot dogs for all! What could be better than that?  Here are some fabulous photos from the parade.  

CRAZY triple unicycle.  This kid kept bending down to hand out flyers.  He had serious skills.  

The lady in pink was joking with parade goers that she was going to wear her outfit to work.

My favorite part is the Weenies on Parade!

Train on wheels?  Whatever works...

I am also happy to report that I had premiere seating, near the post office, and close proximity to a bunch of cute kids (prime targets for candy throwers).  Fun was had by all.

Homer's Salty Dog

After a long day of kayaking in Halibut Cove we headed to the Salty Dog.  The Salty Dog is a lighthouse-turned-bar in Homer, and an institution in that town.  Travelers place dollar bills (or Euro, when applicable) on the wall to mark their visit.  Being the fabulous "tourists" that we were, we marked our place in history, and then followed it with a nice cold Alaskan beer. 

Our carefully placed Washington.

Dollars, dollars, everywhere...

 

P.S.  Head over to Walking through the Rain for a great, sure-to-brighten-your-day giveaway. 

Halibut Cove

While my friend was visiting we also ventured down to Halibut Cove for a day of kayaking.  We were dropped off at the public dock by the water taxi just outside the cove, kayaked around the remainder of the cove, and then made a stop over for lunch.  Here are some of the sites that we saw.

Floating coffee shop.

"Parking lot" for our lunch spot.  Notice our red and green kayaks.

Hearty lunch of salad with halibut and goat cheese, and Alaskan Amber.

Oyster farm, which looks surprising like a race course.

Happy Birthday America

A few weeks ago one of my college friends came to visit.  So, in honor of her visit, we decided to head over to Seward for the famous Mt. Marathon race.  Here are some of the sites that we saw.

In our hotel lobby

Fireworks at a dusky midnight

Mt. Marathon is a race that takes place every year on July 4th.  The race is 3.1 miles and 3022 ft. and is not for the faint of heart.  This race started as a bet in a bar, where many great ideas are formed.  I really want to run this race, but can't seem to make it through the lottery.

Those tiny specks on the mountains are racers

Ascending the mountain

Some dress in "happy birthday america" attire

Racing to the finish!

Adios Seward!

I ♥ the Midwest

So I know that I said that I was back to blogging, but I really am this time.  After a very busy month of work (I'm talking 80-hour work weeks here people), I took a much needed vacation.  I headed back to the midwest to visit family and to witness my college roommate get hitched! 

Though I think Alaska is one of the most beautiful places ever, I think the midwest is also quite beautiful, but in its own way.  I especially love the PEOPLE.  I can't really explain it, but I have met some of my favorite people & my coolest friends in the midwest.  Without further ado, snapshots from my week away.

And here are a few from the wedding.  I had a fabulous time, and really enjoyed catching up with some of my friends from college.  We are all heading in different directions now, and it was nice to just hang out again.  Cake is always an added bonus.

I was very happy to be part of the whole shin-dig.

The bridal party is taking a spin.

Two of my favorite people/bridesmaids.  I was so jealous that their super cute (j.crew) dresses had pockets!  I had pocket envy...

Too cute.