Down the Parks Hwy

As we turned around the curve...

I could see cars pulled over and in Alaska this is code for "something cool is over here."

There were two little herds of caribou out and about.

It was a beautiful day.  The sun was casting this glow all over.  It was gorgeous.

Puppy Love

my kind of hero

This week we will attend the funeral of two wonderful men, hero's.  They died in the line of duty.  They were serving the people they loved and one of them took both their lives.

Some people understand their sacrifices.  Some people are even grateful for what these men do.  To them I am grateful.

The other day my husband was driving home from court in his trooper car and a man running slowed down, stopped, turned, and saluted him as he drove by.  That man "gets" it.

This saying is posted outside of the Alaska State Trooper Academy in Sitka.  It is one of my husbands favorite sayings at times like these it brings him peace.

more caribou chronicles...

Snowshoe adventures

I am wearing my husbands snowshoes because I hate my MSR's.  They have too many buckles...these are easier to get on and off.

Summit, we call him handsome all the time and Kel thinks we should have just named him that.  We call him Summit when we are mad at him.

 The road where we live.  I think it is so beautiful that I never want to leave.

Our gang, tribe, possy, or whatever the kids are calling it these days.  In simple form, these are my people.  Everyone should have a group like this. I love them!  I love that Sonya pulls our little man C around.  When he wants her to stop he puts his upper body over the side and pushes.  She flies backward and then he yells, "Stop!".  She flies backward almost out of her skies.  Cracks me up every time. She nicely asks him to not do that or at least give her some kind of warning.  I don't think it sinks in and I am little grateful because it really is funny.  I know, I am going to H-E-double hockey sticks. 

 Racing mom!

 There is beauty at every turn.  I can't get enough of it. 

We made it to the river and now it is play time.

Caribou Chronicles

Everyday my husband tells me to grab my camera and we hit the road.  EVERYDAY.  He thinks I am a much happier person if I am able to take some pictures each day.  He might be right.

We drive south of Cantwell and see the normal herd of caribou.  They are always there.  Then We drove north.

I could see some on the road and it looked like they were going to run off the road into the brush.  One took off but the rest stayed on course.

He ended up joining them and they ran next to our car for a good amount of time allowing me to take some close up shots.....of their bums.  Still I was getting close up shots.

This guy had a band around his neck.  Biologists will track him from this device.  My husband said he found one of these guys with this band that had been hit by a car and he had to call a number and the biologist come and pick up the band.  I guess they cost $20K.  Yikes!  It allows them to track the herds migration as well as other things I am sure. 

 Up the road we found these guys just hanging out. 

This guy is called Panoramic and he is magnificent.  I get lost in his details.  The jagged edges, slopes and exposed rocks just fascinate me.  The beauty that surrounds me is never lost for someone to admire it while I am around.

DARN telephone wires.

snow plow fascination

My husband loves snow plows and has me take pictures every time we pass one.  The motion of a snow plow does not exactly translate in a photograph but I always capture the moment for him.  One of my favorite things about him is his childlike ways. 

Merry Christmas ::: a morning light show

Dog sledders are the lights in the background. 

countdown to christmas ::: alaska light show

countdown to christmas ::: santas reindeer