 After a long day of work, I drive down to the beach and watch Walrus make their way onto shore - Alaska Cape Newenham sits nestled along the southwest coastline of Alaska. Craggy Mountains tower skyward and an abundance of wildlife mill the area. From my two story vantage point, I glance out my bedroom window to see a red fox dash across the tundra in the dark of early morning. After long, hard hours at work, I drive down to the beach and watch this colony of walrus swim to shore and waddle up the beach to huddle together against the cliffs. While driving around camp and watching from my window, a herd of caribou provide quite a show as a brute of a bull chases off three young bucks from his harem. A covey of more than thirty ptarmigan blend with the terrain down by the Weather Observation Station. And a colleague caused a stir here at work when he shot and skinned, his first ever, brown bear; a 10' monster located just off the point from camp. I am most fortunate to see and watch with my own eyes such magnificent creatures. I hope you enjoy the photos I took - though they do not compare to the live performances I've viewed.
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Walking into the kitchen this evening, I glanced out the window and watched this eagle land at the opening in the lake near the dock. I ran for my camera hoping he'd not fly off before I returned.
 The Neighbors When I pulled into the drive, the neighbors flocked to greet me.
 Setting Sun October 2023 Light and shadow are a part of what makes a beautiful landscape. Each photo shared here, I obtained from the same vantage point on the shoreline at the water's edge here on Daniel's Lake. However, each photo reflects an ever changing and yet constant beauty. In much the same way, shadow and light cast their long reach and sweep across the landscape of our lives. Beauty is unmistakable whether we wake to mist or gray or clarity of view. Perspective is key. Note: I did not edit any of these photos; they are most striking just as they were taken.  I never grow tired of this view. I moved to the Peninsula in the early 1980s. When I empty nested, I migrated north for a time, but this grandeur always pulled me back to its resplendence. I've walked these beaches and cliffs with my children and friends, family and in solitude more times than I can tell you. I fished Cook Inlet for ten plus years pulling shrimp and crab, halibut and salmon and various rockfish from its waters. Last night a friend and I met at the gazebo that overlooks this sight. We strolled the bluff in the evening sun chatting just as we have done for more than thirty years. We stopped in at the Senior Center, whose wall of windows looks out over this splendor, and we listened to Ole Timers play music that is unfamiliar to me. A gentleman in a wheelchair approached and invited us to move in closer with the crowd. We are on the cusp of winter; leaves are turning, the temperature is cooling and darkness comes earlier on the clock. But even covered in white, this place takes my breath away. Whatever conditions the weather presents and no matter the state my life seems, whether peaceful or challenging, I am grateful to be a part of such beauty. The morning hours, I'm learning, is often the time when wildlife make their appearance - especially along the Escape Route. Caribou are such beautiful animals.
Just down the road from the house, I stopped and watched this bull and his cow enjoying breakfast in the wake of morning light. And when I turned down the Escape Route, this brute of a bull lumbered across the road in front of me; a breathtaking sight.
I've recently passed by a few camouflage clad gents scanning the woods. Moose must know who has the ability to place them in their freezer for they allowed me a gander. A beautiful way to start my day.  Taking a leisurely drive in the evening sun, a sow and her two cubs crossed the road in front of me. I do so enjoy Alaska.
 May 12, 2023 Grand Canyon, AZ My son offered me the use of his new car, while he works, to road trip 460+ miles from his home in Cali to Arizona and then back again. I traveled Route 66, stopped and visited with friends in Williams and I saw the Grand Canyon for the first time in my life. It did not disappoint. Words escape in my attempt to describe the splendor of the Grand Canyon. So, I'll simply share a few photos with you - though they do not do the Canyon justice. I hope to return and next time, I intend to spend a week in the park camping and hiking and just breathing in the beauty.  A bit of wind up on the mountain, but what a view. "Jobs fill your pocket, adventure fills your soul." Levavilt Winter's hibernation is giving way to Spring's fever. Here in Alaska, March and April are in-between months where temperatures begin their ascent and then drastically drop, snow still flurries and yet mud and slush track the floors, pussy willows bud and the lengthening days work to remind Jack Frost that it's time he tip his hat and wave adieu. This morning's sun, shining through my bedroom, stirred a restless feeling inside me. I opened my window to the day hoping to feel a touch of Spring but instead I met with wintery air. I attempted to distract myself with reading and creating something artistic and a workout at the gym, but nothing satisfied. So instead, I set off in the truck for a trek up the mountain. The road was in good shape in spite of the storms we've had here the last several days. Partway up the mountain I stopped, parked at a lookout and breathed in the beauty of the vista. I stepped out of the rig, closed my eyes and felt invigorated by the cold wind rushing over my skin and swirling through my hair. I sketched what lay below me while the heater warmed and the engine droned. And somehow this small adventure from the confines of routine quieted my inner stirrings. With just over two weeks more to go of this particular work assignment, I'm eagerly anticipating the escapades awaiting when I fly home; I'll begin clearing my property and lounge a month in the California sun and along the coastal shores, I'll play with my family and visit my friends and simply explore. Welcome Spring.  Floating the Pacific with my girls My family took me to Hawaii. They rented a rooftop suit with walls of doors that opened to the South and to the West. A hammock swing hung from the ceiling in the main room which lent to a feel of swaying in rhythm with palm trees hulaing in the tropical breeze. Birdsong rose on the air and filled our nest with music. And tiki lights flickered against the night sky on the periphery of our lanai where we’d sit and enjoy late nights, early mornings and Honolulu views. We intended to cook in our cute and fully equipped kitchen. But aside from a little pasta and pesto and avocado toast, we gave in to the enticements along the main strip. We bought floaties and we bobbed around on them in the Pacific. And I felt young and carefree strolling about in shorts and bikini. We walked for . . . miles and we rented scooters and we shopped and shopped for things we didn’t need. After my granddaughter’s surfing lesson, she spent the rest of the day shading her skin and relaxing at the condo. So, I and my daughter made our way to the lanai of the Tiki Grill. We listened to live music, ate Happy Hour apps, sipped umbrella drinks and watched surfers and swimmers through Palms trees. We spent an evening at the al fresco Cuckoo Coconuts listening to a band play Oldies but Goodies. And a couple days before our flight home, in the midst of the throngs, I recognized a face. We stopped and chatted for several minutes, learned we were on the same flight home, hugged goodbye and continued on our separate ways. At the airport, we sat together and caught up on the time that’s passed between us. Eighteen years ago, we thought of each other as ‘the one’ and we spent more than two years trying to wrap our hearts around where we thought the future might take us. But with an eight year difference in age, he had yet to journey where I’d already traveled. As I listened to pieces and bits of his life story, my heart held only goodwill toward his future. And as he expressed his observations of me, I knew he shared the same sentiment. “You’re just as beautiful as you were back then.” But the creme de la creme was when he stated, “Your energy is so at peace and you look very happy, at a deep level.” My time in Hawaii was a beautiful gift of warmth and sun and family and the surprising realization that the years developed a healthy beat inside my heart.  Moon over mountains - Sparrevohn, Alaska 2022 We drove toward Top Camp this evening to take photos from up on the mountain. Snow swirled in the air making it difficult to keep my camera lens clear; another storm is moving in. Drifts crept across the narrow road and the fading light created an almost ethereal world to look out upon. The majesty of this place incites awe and prayer.  The November 1st sun shone brightly and I enjoyed its brilliance from the warmth of the hot tub. And then on the 2nd the sky opened up and dumped so much snow that the school system shut down; which is impressive for Alaska.
Due to my work schedule and inclement weather along the coastal regions where I was assigned, I didn't enjoy much of this past summer. And I confess, I've been a bit agitated at the weather conditions during my time off. But, I've decided that in order to maintain my joy, it's time I slough off my grumpy-pants attitude and start embracing what is and employing the concept of "extracting the precious from the worthless." This morning's temp is at a chilling 18 degrees, the sky is layered with cloud covering and snow is . . . everywhere. But, I'm going to enjoy this day with a leisurely soak in the hot tub. I'll sink into the water up to my chin, breath in the freezing air and peer up through the steam at the mountains. I'll pack a picnic lunch, drive to some place spectacular and maybe I'll even stroll the beach or a wooded trail. An attitude of gratitude is on my agenda today as I speak to my soul and remind myself that . . . life is sweet.  Walk along the beach at the sunset hour Alaska incites feelings of love or hate, there is not an in-between emotional state for its harsh climate. And for forty-two years Alaska's romanced me. In spite of times when I grow weary of its dark and cold, my passion for this beautiful place burns hot and bright. Last night a friend and I walked miles along the beach at sunset. Gull's caw filled the air, eagles soared above the surface of the Inlet hunting a meal and a seal popped its head above water - an awe inspiring show hollywood cannot duplicate. Today I wake to a mist here at the lake, the last of the autumn colors and a steady rainfall. As I look out the window at this view, I give thanks to God for His amazing creation. As the air is still, I plan to grab my umbrella and head to the beach or a trail and enjoy another show unequaled anywhere. Life is good. |
AuthorI credit my love of the outdoors to two major influences: Dad and Aunt Jan. Archives
October 2024
Categories - Outdoors |
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