Really cool clock

A friend passed this along to me. It's a really nifty clock showing various rates of events affecting the planet.

World Clock

There's no place like home(particularly with the lightning, humidity and bad drivers)

After clicking together my ruby slippers(well, my hiking boots which for a brief time were stained with pink paint, so I guess that counts) I finally have made it back home. I stepped out of TPA right into this soup that those of us around here call air. I do have to give kudos to Frontier Airlines, my new favorite budget carrier. The little TVs are awesome, the seats quite comfy, and we were, gate to gate, right on time with no hassles at all. Suck it Southwest. We flew our plane from Alaska to Boulder. Many shades of summer, it was nice and moderate in Anchorage, and Juneau. Then it just started getting warmer from Seattle to oven-like Boise and Boulder(104 and 98 respectively, but it's a dry heat(that makes the turkey feel better too I'm sure)), to the swampiness of good old Tampa Bay. One thing that struck me my first days back were just how aggressive the drivers are here. I guess being immersed in it here and in New England I was just conditioned, but getting away from it made me all the more aware at just how bad it's gotten around here. Oh and while I was gone, we had a lightning strike, toasting various electronic components throughout the house, thanks Fios(the only thing thats not on a surge protector, but directly connected to many of our gadgets). It's great to be home!

Skinny Dick's Halfway Inn

As seen south of Fairbanks.

Mommy, what are those bears doing?


World famous?

If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand

Whitman wrote of it, Kerouac inspired a generation with it. The allure the road holds for some of us is positively irresistible. It's the siren song of the open highway, the anticipation of unimagined sights around the next bend, just over the next rise. The pavement marks time for the very beating of our hearts. I was never a Harley guy, don't quite get the branding, but I am definitely a motorcycle guy. Always have been. Something about taking to the highway on two wheels with the wind in your face defies explanation. Seems you either love it or you want nothing to do with it. For me few things rival the sensuality of riding. The tactile, but subtle changes in temperature as you top a hill into the sunshine, or dip into a shady hollow rounding a curve. How morning brings the smell of coffee and bacon wafting from homes. The afternoon breeze carries the scent of fresh cut hay, or the smell of the sea. It's as though the wind embraces you, wrapping it's arms around you, as it caresses each of your senses. The call of the road is like your favorite song. The wind, the engine, the tires on the asphalt are all music if you know how to listen.
Today was special. Some free time offered up the chance to do something I couldn't resist. Found myself with a day off here in Fairbanks, so I decided to rent a Harley and ride down to Denali. This ranks up there with some of the best fun I've ever had.

Never miss a chance to take a picture of a bridge.


Oh look, water.


The open road(just wouldn't be complete without bug guts)


If you look closely you just might see the grin(which is bug-free thanks to the windshield) on my face.


Denali entrance.


Inside the park(didn't see the mountain today, it was much too cloudy).


Valley shot.


Railroad bridge in the park.


See, I just can't pass up a bridge shot.


Mama moose and the lil' ones.


More of the meese.

A few more villages

Streets of Quinhagak


Near Quinhagak, AK



A basketball court at the high school in Kwethluk


The general store in Kwethluk


Street in Kwethluk, AK


Kasigluk, AK

Midnight sun

Outside Fairbanks International Airport Sunday "night"


Still 20 minutes to sunset.(notice the state trooper hiding behind the sign)

Alexia Pipplin reincarnated

A feisty little old lady passed away, and upon arriving at the Pearly Gates was met by St. Peter. Thumbing nervously through his book, he announced that she wasn't scheduled to arrive for a couple of years. To make up for the mistake, he told her that she could be reincarnated as anyone she chose to live out her remaining days she was owed. Without a moment's hesitation she blurted out Alexia Pipplin. St. Peter looked a bit stunned as he was at a loss since he expected her to choose someone familiar. He rifled through his files and still came up with nothing. He asked the little old lady just who was this Alexia Pipplin, as he did not have anyone by that name on record. A bit embarassed she slowly produced a tattered old news article. A quick glance brought a smirk of understanding to St. Peter's face. It seems the article was about the Alyeska Pipeline and indicated how it was laid by several thousand people over two years time. Guess maybe her eyes were the only thing not working so well.

The pipeline snakes it's way 800 miles across Alaska


Hope this thing doesn't leak


One of the transitions the pipeline makes going from underground to elevated. A nice stop if you're ever in Fairbanks.



The long days are awesome. I find myself rarely getting sleepy until after midnight, and wide awake most days by4:30am

Various village vistas

This go round I'm posting just a miscellaneous collection of photos from some of the villages we've visited. I will add to this entry as I'm able.



King Salmon aerial


Downtown King Salmon


King Salmon Mall


Our home away from home in King Salmon


Naknek, AK


Tatitlek aerial view



Tatitlek Russian Orthodox church


Larsen Bay



Larsen Bay cannery


Larsen Bay Post Office

I love a parade.

First let me wish everyone a Happy Independence Day! A late start today allowed us to take in the local 4th of July parade, here in Bethel, AK. The star of the show was the Blackhawk helicopter.


The chopper made several low passes which was pretty cool.


Another shot of the whirlybird.


The requisite fire trucks.


The parade is quite the attraction here in Bethel.


This parade "float?" had us all a bit speechless.


I did score a frisbee for the little fella back home.


I imagine his reaction might be something like this:

Did someone say Frisbee?