Alaskan Adventures

Some friends took us out on Sunday to recover a HUGE bear they shot the night before but couldn't move because it was too big. We had a great day. Saw the sunrise and sunset on the water. Saw orcas, humpbacks, otters and even caught an octopus on our skiff anchor. And of course the huge bear. The top pic is the recovery effort of getting the bear out of the low area it was in to a flat spot. What a day!

Back from Hawaii

Now I see why people flock from the cold to go to Hawaii! We had a fantastic time, and the weather was so nice. Just posting a few pics from our trip (more are on facebook). We did a helicopter tour (which was super turbulent and a little scary for me-of course it didn't bother MC at all), some hiking and ziplining (which was SO much fun!). I can't wait to do ziplining again! I hope we are able to go back to Kauai before we leave Alaska because it really is a perfect getaway. We only have a year and half left here though so who knows. Time really flies up here. Now that we are nice and tanned, we are ready for winter (lots of snow on the mountains already but none in town yet).

Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weather here was SO nice, and MC and I were both lucky enough to have the day off. He headed out fishing, so my friend and I decided to hike Mt. Verstovia (elevation 2500). It was FANTASTIC. Hard but well worth it. AND I was actually able to get out of bed this morning. Pretty amazing since I've never attempted anything that requires that much energy! :) Here are some views from the top (kind of a panoramic view from up there). What a great way to end the summer!

End of Summer

Of course Labor Day weekend is here, which means summer is over! Boo! We have had other clues to that, mainly the days getting shorter. Right now the day length is probably normal, but I know that dark at 4pm is around the bend! The weather has also been getting yuck with a few absolutely gorgeous days sprinkled in. I took some pics on my walk this morning to show how one of these fantastic days starts out (quality is not so great b/c it's on my phone-when will I learn to always go out with a camera!. :) The other pics are of us enjoying a beautiful summer day hiking Beaver Lake/Herring Cove. A nice day here is worth the rainy ones. :) However...we know that the fall will be long so we've planned a break to HAWAII! :) It will be just what we need when it's been 30 rainy days in a row. :)

One year in Sitka!

So we've been here one year now, and I really notice a difference in the way I perceive the temperature. I'm really nervous to move back down south because I might overheat the first day back! We've been hiking quite a bit lately, and MC has been fly fishing. Here are a few pics of what's happening with the Sitka Smiths.

Smith Family visit

We just had another great visit with family-the Smiths this time. We had pretty good weather and a great time hiking, ATVing, fishing and kayaking. Here are just a few pics from their trip.

Family time

I have really been slacking on the posts. My family came up in mid-June, and we had a freakin' blast! We introduced them to South East life, and they loved it. Already planning for next year's trip. Here are just a few pics from their visit.

Easter Sunday

It's actually SO beautiful here in Sitka today! We went out for a hike with the dogs and then out to the gun range with some friends. In case you didn't know I've been working at a sporting goods/gun store for the past couple of months. MC says it's the best job I've ever had (due to all of his new toys). The first pic is of eagles. They are everywhere right now because of all of the herring spawning near the shore. They are really beautiful! I am feeling very lucky to live in such a gorgeous place! :)

Herring Season

Spring is here! The herring are coming to Sitka and so are the fisherman! Our harbor is full right now. This is big business up here, so it's really exciting! With the fish come the whales. We saw quite a few today, and I put the best pic I got up. You can see the spout really well (that little puff looking things right above the shoreline!). They were really far away, but we could see them great with our binocs. Can't wait to see everyone playing bumper boats in the next few days.

Sun Valley trip

This year MC and I took our ski trip to Sun Valley, ID. It was awesome. Great weather. Great skiing. Fun with friends. Perfect vacay. I know it seems weird to want to go some place cold when we live somewhere cold, but there is no skiing in Sitka. Now that the Smiths have gotten me hooked on skiing, I really like it! I'm not good, but I manage to stay on my feet. We're already trying to plan to go there again next year! :)

Indian River Hike

Today we enjoyed the holiday by taking the boys for a hike on the Indian River trail. It was SO beautiful.

Chief's Initiation

Last night was the dinner marking MC's official initiation into the Chief's Mess here in Sitka. He's been undergoing the initation procedure for a few months, so this was a nice reward. Just wanted to put up a few pics from the dinner. CONGRATS, MC!!!

Herring Cove Hike

Some girlfriends and I decided to go hiking on Friday no matter what the weather, so we hiked the Herring Cove trail in a mild rain (unavoidable right now in Sitka! :)). It was very beautiful. The snow is all melted in town, but there is still some in the mountains. I heard right now it's colder in Texas and Florida than it is here! Makes me laugh! :)