 Walrus at the Cape October 2025 I drove down to the beach after lunch yesterday and this unique sight greeted me. Walrus are here at the Cape and it looks like the colony has grown in numbers since their previous visit. Before I even reached the water’s edge, I could see these large sea creatures lounging in the cool air under the autumn sun. Last year they camped along the beach. This year they’re claiming not only the shoreline but they’re taking respite along our thruway and up on a grassy knoll. The air is fetid and filled with the sounds of grunts and clattering tusks as walruses fuss at and climb over one another. Bulky blobs bob along in the salty sea and spout water into the air. I am entranced by these massive slug-like beasts. I’ve been here at work for about a week now. Upon our arrival, we flew over a herd of caribou running away from off of the flightline and a flock of ptarmigan took flight as we roared to our approach. Unfortunately I’d just pocketed my camera and by the time I realized something was moving in my periphery, I didn’t have time to pull out my phone to take pictures. But, I still see them in my minds eye; what beautiful creatures, there is such a grace to them when they’re in motion. This morning I woke to termination dust on the jagged peaks surrounding our camp. Icy sheens cover mud puddles and there is a distinct winter-is-coming chill in the air. Before driving to the Weather Observation Station, I donned my hat and gloves and zipped my coat up to under my chin - a familiar ritual for the coming months ahead. Between weather observations, I watched the walrus through binoculars from my perch overlooking the Bearing Sea. The caribou herds and walrus colony will soon move on to their winter destinations, but while they're visiting, I'll thoroughly enjoy their company. It is two days since I took these photos. I drove down to the beach this evening to see how the walrus are weathering the storm that's moved in - but alas, they've swum off to calmer shores. On the way back to camp, I drove up on this red fox with a bird in its jowls.
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 "I couldn't live where there were no trees - something vital in me would starve." - L. M. Montgomery This is my front yard or back, depending on perspective. I purchased a heavily wooded lot covered with spruce and deciduous trees. Adjacent my property is over a hundred undeveloped acres of borough land - which lends to a glorious feeling that I’m living in a park. My home sits up on a knoll and from the other side of the property, I have a peak-a-boo view, through a bower of birch, of a beautiful lake. The road that divides my land from the lake runs through a residential area where, to my chagrin, neighboring autos all too often impede the natural sounds of the surrounding habitat. I’ve landscaped my plot . . . maintaining care to remove only what’s necessary; primarily dead spruce trees - of which there seemed to me to be a plethora. Aside from two large, dying spruce trees, I’m done clearing my land - at least for the time being. I love how spruce trees provide my land with natural privacy and that birch trees, from spring to fall, spread a canvas overhead. And when their orange and yellow leaves drop, their stately presence surrounds me on all sides through the dark, cold months of winter storms. Eagles perch in my trees on a regular basis and an owl flies from tree to tree hunting my property and hoo-hooting from off in the distance. On occasion, a woodpecker pecks at my trees and bird song choruses through the tree tops filling the air with life. And when the wind moves through, it is as if my trees are dancing to its rhythm and clapping their hands from the simple joy of living.  Buck And His Doe Commuting to and from my job, more often than not, presents a host of challenges. And flying back to the Cape this time for my next six week work assignment was no different. My journey started off promising. At 5:00 am, I took a taxi to the airport from where I stayed at my friend’s home in the Lake Hood area. I checked in my luggage and waited until it was time to board a commercial flight heading over to Alaska’s West Coast. Upon arrival, I gathered my gear and loaded it into a shuttle that dropped me off at another terminal where I was scheduled to take a charter flight south along the coastline to where I work. Instead, I sat for hours on weather hold waiting for dispatch to either give a thumbs up or to cancel my travels for the day. Inclement weather cut my trip short, so again, I waited as our travel agent worked to book accommodations for me for the night. However, due to the summer season, there were no rooms available; which left no other option but to fly back to Anchorage. As all seats were booked on the commercial flight, I loaded up my gear, boarded the shuttle that took me to yet another terminal and I waited for a charter plane to fly over from Anchorage to take me back to my original launch destination. Due to a storm along the coast, I waited another day in Anchorage at a kind friend’s home who offered me hospitality. And then on the following day, I started the commute back to work all over again. Today is my first day off since arriving here at work. The morning shone bright and a blue dome crowned the day. This afternoon a fog’s rolled in off the water shrouding the surrounding mountains. From my bedroom window, I watch caribou mill the misty hills. A coastal breeze gently moves through tall grasses and wafts up into my room through an open window. Last night I drove down to the beach and up along the base of the mountains to look out over the vista and to photograph its pristine beauty and wildlife. Waiting truly. has its rewards.  June 2025 Kayaking the Lolo Canoe Trail with family I am a water person. I live within 15 minutes of both river and ocean and I have a peak-a-boo view of the lake that glistens just across the street from me. These bodies of water have a calming effect on my psyche and I spend as much time near or on the water as I am able - which never seems to be quite enough. I started off this Spring rafting the Kenai River. I kayaked Seeley Lake and paddled the Lolo Canoe Trail under the hot Montana sun. And I took a charter from Homer over to Halibut Cove where I strolled the boardwalk and dined at the Saltry, a restaurant that sits along the cliff face that overlooks the dock. I hope you enjoy the photos I am sharing here with you.  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. 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. |
AuthorI credit my love of the outdoors to two major influences: Dad and Aunt Jan. Archives
October 2025
Categories - Outdoors |
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